Will I feel out of place swimming in a burkini on a cruise ship?
Asked by Anonymous pilgrim · 2 Nov 2026
Written and checked by our team, with dated sources.
In short
On AROYA, which is run for Muslim guests, modest swimwear such as a burkini is normal at the pools and on deck, and there are women-only pool hours as well. On mainstream cruise lines rules vary, so check each line's swimwear policy before you book.
As of 2 Nov 2026
Marhaba Editorial Desk
On a halal ship
On mainstream ships
Next step: read the women-only pool guide.
Answered 2 Nov 2026 · Facts as of 2 Nov 2026
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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.
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. Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on about 9 or 10 March. Booking sites list a 7-night AROYA sailing from Istanbul on 6 March, at sea over Eid, and another on 13 March for families who pray Eid at home first. Dates are set by the cruise line, so we confirm them for you.
Not from a UK port. The closest fully alcohol-free option is AROYA, which sails from Istanbul, about four hours' direct flight from London, Manchester or Birmingham, until about September 2027. British families usually fly to Istanbul, spend a night or two in the city, then board.