
As the world’s trailblazer in Islamic cruise experiences, IslamiCruise International Sdn Bhd (IslamiCruise International) is poised to make waves once again. Come January 2026, the company anticipates drawing over 6,000 travelers to Malaysia through its highly anticipated IslamiCruise Malaysia-Saudia initiative.
This groundbreaking two-way cruise between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia represents a historic partnership with Aroya Cruises, a state-owned Saudi Arabian cruise operator. Suhaimi Abd Ghafer, the visionary founder of IslamiCruise International, revealed that an impressive 70% of the projected 6,000 passengers are expected to be international tourists. This aligns perfectly with their mission to elevate Malaysia’s profile as a premier Muslim-friendly travel destination, especially with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon.

“As a key player in both the Malaysian and global Islamic tourism industries, we are confident that our unique approach will position Malaysia as an attractive destination for Muslim travelers—not just from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, but also from Europe and Southeast Asia,” Suhaimi shared enthusiastically during the official launch of the Malaysia-Saudia cruise.
The prestigious launch event was graced by none other than Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who hailed the collaboration as a pivotal achievement for both nations. The partnership, officially signed on August 11, 2024, marks IslamiCruise’s fifth strategic alliance since its inception a decade ago. Over the past 10 years, the company has hosted more than 10,000 travelers across 52 spectacular cruise series, cementing its status as a leader in Islamic tourism.
What makes the Malaysia-Saudia voyage truly extraordinary is its claim to fame as the longest chartered cruise in the industry—an epic 26-night journey that promises to redefine luxury and adventure on the high seas.

Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed his pride in IslamiCruise’s remarkable achievements, highlighting the cruise as a significant step forward for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. “This milestone reflects the Madani Government’s ambition to position Malaysia as a top-tier destination in 2026. With a target of over 35.6 million tourist arrivals, we aim to generate RM147.1 billion in revenue for the nation,” he stated confidently.
The Malaysia-Saudia cruise promises an unforgettable experience, with stops at four enchanting destinations—Salalah in Oman, Malé in the Maldives, and Banda Aceh in Indonesia—before completing the route between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. What sets this cruise apart is its carefully curated halalan toyyiban experience, a blend of spiritual enrichment and leisure. Guests can look forward to congregational prayers, inspiring knowledge-sharing sessions, and a variety of onboard entertainment, including live performances and recreational activities, all designed to adhere to Islamic principles.
This exciting chapter in IslamiCruise’s history not only showcases Malaysia’s potential as a global tourism hub but also reaffirms its position as a leader in the ever-growing Halal tourism market. With IslamiCruise steering the ship, the future of Islamic travel has never looked more promising.
About IslamiCruise International Sdn Bhd
Founded in 2014, IslamiCruise International Sdn Bhd is celebrated as the world’s first Halal-certified cruise operator, redefining the concept of Muslim-friendly travel. The company has built a reputation for its innovative approach to providing seamless, Shariah-compliant experiences tailored to modern Muslim travelers.
From Halal-certified gourmet cuisine to prayer facilities oriented toward the Qibla, IslamiCruise ensures that every detail is thoughtfully designed to cater to spiritual needs. Guests are also treated to religious lectures and engaging spiritual activities, making every journey as enriching as it is enjoyable.
With a portfolio of over 50 successful voyages to breathtaking destinations such as Phuket (Thailand), Ha Long Bay (Vietnam), Banda Aceh (Indonesia), and Singapore, IslamiCruise has welcomed travelers from more than 15 countries. As a pioneer in Halal tourism, the company has set a new global standard, seamlessly combining faith-based values with world-class exploration. Through its innovative vision, IslamiCruise continues to raise the bar for the cruise and Halal travel industries.