Both are called halal cruises. What's the actual difference?
Asked by Anonymous pilgrim · 2 Nov 2026
Written and checked by our team, with dated sources.
In short
AROYA says its whole ship is alcohol-free with no casino, and sails from Istanbul and Alexandria until about September 2027. Genting Dream, from Singapore, holds a halal-friendly certification for its kitchens and services, but it is a mainstream ship with bars and a casino. Choose AROYA if you want the whole ship halal; Genting Dream suits families in South-East Asia comfortable on a mixed ship.
As of 2 Nov 2026
Marhaba Editorial Desk
AROYA
Genting Dream
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Answered 2 Nov 2026 · Facts as of 2 Nov 2026
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From October 2026 to about September 2027 the ship sails the Mediterranean, with 6- to 8-night cruises from Istanbul and Alexandria along the Turkish coast, and some longer summer voyages. Reports say it returns to the Red Sea, sailing from Jeddah, after that. Dates are set by the cruise line and can change.
Yes. AROYA keeps running its 7-night Mediterranean cruises through Ramadan 2027, which is expected to begin around 8 February. Booking sites list departures from Istanbul on 27 February and 6 March, and from Alexandria on 2 March. No special Ramadan programme has been announced for 2027, so we check suhoor and iftar times for your sailing.
Yes. AROYA lists women-only hours at one of its pools, reported as mornings (9am to 1pm in some listings), plus ladies-only sessions in the spa and gym and a women-only beauty salon. Times vary by sailing, so we confirm the schedule for yours.
AROYA says all food on board is halal, with halal certification covering every restaurant from the buffet to fine dining, and no alcohol served anywhere. As with any travel product, we confirm the latest onboard details for your sailing before you book.
Yes. AROYA Cruises, Saudi Arabia's own cruise line, says its ship is fully alcohol-free with no casino. Malaysia's Piano Land is also billed as alcohol-free. Most other cruise lines, including some with halal-certified kitchens, still serve alcohol on board.