Aroya Cruise Launches in Southeast Asia: New Sharia-Compliant Voyages Between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in 2026

Published on December 8, 2025

The Aroya cruise ship will debut in Southeast Asia in early 2026, offering a series of exciting sailings between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. This new venture comes from a partnership between Aroya Cruises and IslamiCruise, a Malaysia-based tour operator. They will play a key role in providing luxurious, sharia-compliant cruise experiences to a growing market in the region. This launch opens a new chapter for Aroya Cruises, featuring a unique mix of modern luxury and cultural exploration across the Indian Ocean and Middle East. The Aroya will begin its first journey from the Saudi port of Jeddah on January 17, 2026. This 13-night cruise includes stops in Oman, the Maldives, and Indonesia before arriving at Port Klang in Malaysia. The cruise aims to provide guests with an all-inclusive experience, featuring premium drink packages, shore excursions, and basic Wi-Fi. It promises to be a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Exploring Malaysia and Southeast Asia

Once the Aroya arrives in Malaysia, it will offer two-night cruises that visit the Langkawi Cruise Terminal, an iconic destination in the country known for its beaches and natural beauty. The two short cruises, scheduled for January 31 and February 2, 2026, provide a quick yet luxurious way to explore Malaysia’s coastal charm, giving guests the opportunity to experience its rich culture and scenic landscapes.

After these short cruises, the Aroya will head back to Saudi Arabia on February 4, 2026, with a repositioning cruise from Port Klang to Jeddah, marking the end of its inaugural Southeast Asia season. This return journey, which lasts 13 nights, will visit Indonesia, the Maldives, and Oman, before completing the voyage back to Saudi Arabia.

A Unique Blend of Modern Luxury and Cultural Exploration

The Aroya cruise experience is designed to provide a distinctive voyage that caters to a variety of cultural and lifestyle preferences. According to IslamiCruise, the sailings will offer a “unique blend of modern luxury and cultural exploration,” with itineraries inspired by legendary sea voyages. The onboard experience is tailored to meet the needs of travelers seeking a luxurious but culturally respectful environment, with the ship designed to be 100% sharia-compliant.

There will be no casino or alcohol onboard, and all food served in the ship’s restaurants will be halal and halalan toyyiban (pure and permissible), aligning with the religious and cultural values of its guests. The Aroya promises to offer a luxurious escape while respecting the cultural and religious beliefs of its passengers, making it a perfect fit for those seeking a halal-certified cruise experience.

All-Inclusive Offerings and Tailored Experiences

As part of its commitment to providing a luxurious and inclusive experience, the Aroya will offer premium services such as all-inclusive drink packages, shore excursions to explore the cities and natural wonders on the itineraries, and basic Wi-Fi for staying connected during the journey. The cruise also promises a variety of cultural and culinary experiences, giving passengers the opportunity to explore the destinations through local flavors, traditions, and experiences.

Saudi Arabia and Malaysia: Key Destinations for Cruise Passengers

Jeddah, the gateway to Saudi Arabia, serves as the starting point for the Aroya’s voyages. Jeddah is known for its rich cultural history, historic landmarks, and as a gateway for Islamic tourism, particularly for those visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in tourism, with a focus on diversifying the economy beyond oil and developing luxury travel offerings for international visitors. The Aroya’s debut in the region marks an exciting addition to the Kingdom’s growing cruise offerings, which are set to expand as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan.

In Malaysia, the Port Klang terminal and Langkawi offer a mix of modern amenities and natural beauty. Langkawi is a popular island destination known for its pristine beaches, resorts, and lush rainforests. It attracts visitors from around the world for its cultural significance and natural allure. By bringing the Aroya cruise to Malaysia, IslamiCruise and Aroya Cruises aim to showcase the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness, while providing a seamless connection between the two countries for travelers seeking an immersive Southeast Asian cruise experience.

Aroya’s Expansion and Future Plans

The Aroya’s debut in Southeast Asia is just the beginning of what promises to be an expanding presence in the region for Aroya Cruises and IslamiCruise. The success of this partnership may lead to future sailings to additional destinations within Asia and the Indian Ocean, expanding the range of cruise experiences available to guests looking for a blend of luxury and cultural authenticity.

Conclusion

The Aroya cruise will launch its first Southeast Asia season in 2026. It will offer a unique travel experience in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and nearby areas. The cruise guarantees a culturally rich, luxurious, and sharia-compliant experience for travelers eager to explore the wonders of the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.