The world\u2019s first Muslim-friendly cruise will launch in Malaysia this November. <\/p>\n
Dubbed the M\/V Piano Land, the cruise will offer a range of facilities and services specially targeted towards Muslim cruisers, such as 100 per cent halal food, mocktails and other alcohol-free beverages, dedicated prayer rooms and onboard prayer time guidance. <\/p>\n
This move could potentially make cruising<\/a> a lot more accessible and pleasant for millions of Muslim travellers who struggle with limited menu options, an abundance of affordable alcohol and a lack of other Muslim-friendly activities and facilities on cruises. <\/p>\n With 880 cabins sprawled out over 10 decks, the ship will be able to accommodate 1,760 passengers, offering something for wellness travellers, religious travellers and multi-generational families alike. <\/p>\n Cruisers can enjoy nightly entertainment, halal afternoon tea sessions, spa treatments<\/a> and wellness workshops, child-friendly entertainment and kids\u2019 clubs for families. <\/p>\n Travellers can also tuck into the ship\u2019s signature Hong Kong<\/a>-style roasted duck, made with carefully chosen halal-certified ingredients. <\/p>\n \u201cAs a Muslim and owner of Halal Expeditions Group, I\u2019ve often met companies that don\u2019t fully understand what Muslim travelers need. It\u2019s actually much simpler than many think \u2014 halal food, no alcohol, and if halal meat isn\u2019t available, fish or seafood<\/a> works perfectly,\u201d Sara Amro, a Muslim traveller, said. <\/p>\n The cruise is expected to support Malaysia\u2019s<\/a> aim to become a global leader in Muslim-friendly travel. It is a partnership between Malaysian travel company Hwajing Travel & Tours and Chinese cruise line Astro Ocean Cruise. <\/p>\n Itineraries, starting from 29 November, will include a four-day, three-night route taking in Langkawi, Penang and Port Klang, as well as a three-day, two-night route between Port Klang and Penang. <\/p>\n While other cruise lines, such as Saudi Arabia\u2019s <\/a>Aroya Cruises, also offer some Muslim-friendly facilities such as prayer mats in every room and halal food, the M\/V Piano Land is expected to take this a step further. <\/p>\n \u201cThe first Muslim-friendly cruise is a great way of promoting inclusive travel<\/a>. Great to see that cruise lines and destinations are starting to understand the importance of halal-friendly services, and that makes a huge difference when you\u2019re travelling with faith in mind,\u201d Shebs Alom, broadcaster and writer, said. <\/p>\n Making travel more Muslim-inclusive<\/p>\n The global Muslim travel market is likely to reach more than \u20ac200 billion by 2030, according to the 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index. <\/p>\n As such, the launch of the M\/V Piano Land comes at a time when more global destinations are attempting to offer more Muslim-friendly and inclusive travel options. Countries like Indonesia<\/a> and Malaysia are leading this trend, with significant local Muslim populations, as well as a number of scenic destinations. <\/p>\n \u201cThis collaboration is not merely about expanding cruise options; it reinforces Malaysia\u2019s identity as a nation that celebrates diversity, champions halal integrity and leads the region in Muslim-friendly tourism,\u201d Jian-feng Tong, vice president of Astro Ocean Cruise told Travel Weekly Asia. <\/p>\n