Aroya launches Hajj and Umrah cruise from Malaysia to Saudi

Saudi Arabia’s Aroya Cruises has launched a faith-based, 13-night itinerary from Malaysia to Jeddah, providing a fresh alternative for Muslims travelling for Hajj and Umrah as part of the Kingdom’s bid to expand religious tourism.

The world’s first halal-certified cruise line presents an alternative to air travel, combining religious observance onboard with Islamic heritage experiences at every port.

The new offering targets the booming Muslim religious tourism market, valued at US$301.9 billion globally in 2025, with halal tourism forecast to reach US$548.1 billion by 2035 (Future Markets).

Aroya Umrah Cruises departs Port Klang (Malaysia), calls at Banda Aceh (Indonesia), sails via the Maldives and Oman, and concludes in Jeddah, where pilgrims continue by land to Makkah.

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Passengers will be able to experience historic Islamic architecture in Muscat, scenic islands in the Maldives and the spiritual calm of Banda Aceh, according to marketing partner Islamic Cruise International.

Onboard, guests are offered private Islamic lectures and sessions with scholars, supporting a deeply spiritual journey.

The ship, Aroya, which accommodates 3,400 passengers, will also offer a 13-night repositioning cruise from Jeddah to Malaysia on 17 January 2026 – which also calls at the same ports – alongside shorter 2-night Langkawi Halal Cruises before departing Malaysia on 3 February for the journey to Saudi.