Will Muslim Friendly Cruises Suffer The Same Fate As Halal Airlines

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THE inaugural Matta Muslim-Friendly Travel Fair 2025 (MFTF 2025) was held on Oct 18 and 19 at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur,  with Hwajing Travel & Tours as the official cruise liner partner.
Ten years ago, MATTA organised “Cruise to Profit”, a full day workshop. The keynote address was delivered by Tourism and Culture Ministry secretary-general and Malaysia Cruise Council (MCC) co-chairman Tan Sri Dr Ong Hong Peng.
After the workshop, I wrote “Cruising is the future”, which was published by several newspapers. It provided valuable information about the local cruise industry, including its potential. There were 4,000 travel and tour companies operating at that time.
I mentioned that Muslims have the option of joining Islamic cruises organised by charterers and be assured that all foods and drinks served are halal. They can also participate in religious activities led by renowned leaders on board. But the number of halal cruises have been too few and far in between over the past decade.
So, will the Muslim-friendly cruises aboard MV Piano Land which commenced its maiden voyage from Port Klang on Nov 29 succeed or go the way of Rayani Air that offered halal flights but went bust after five months? The answer could be found after examining the context of two different sectors.
MV Piano Land was originally built in 1995 as the Oriana for P&O Cruises, and was later acquired by Astro Ocean Cruise, a Chinese cruise line in 2019.  Significantly, the ship’s homeport now is at Port Klang and the Muslim-friendly cruises is a joint venture between Hwajing Travel & Tours and Astro Ocean Cruise.
It must be noted that Hwajing has been laser focussed on cruises for the past 36 years, and was also instrumental in conducting the cruise workshop by MATTA 10 years ago.  When the industry was at its doldrums after COVID-19 spread rapidly and uncontrollably at the beginning of 2020, I remained optimistic on cruises.
In February 2020, I wrote “Cruises will lead recovery in tourism” after reading the report that the Port Klang Authority has given the green light for a cruise ship to dock at Boustead Cruise Centre on May 26 or 27, and will leave the port within one or two days after replenishing its stores and refuelling.
The ship was none other than the Diamond Princess. On Feb 20, more than half the known cases of COVID-19 in the world outside China were on this vessel. It quarantined off the coast of Japan for almost a month. Ultimately, 712 people aboard were infected and 13 died.
Then, many cruise ships were turned from floating palaces into prisons when they were not allowed to dock or passengers allowed to disembark. But after thorough disinfection, they became the safest place to be if everyone on board is free from communicable disease.
This could be attained if all passengers and crew were pre-quarantined overnight at hotels modified to carry out exhaustive testing. In contrast, air travellers could come from anywhere and converge in crowded environments such as airports, hotels and restaurants, or inside the confines of an aircraft, train or bus.
Hence, cruise ships inspire confidence and offer comfort and convenience in a safe, secure and sanitised environment.
I concluded by saying that holidaymakers and tourism industry players must not miss the boat. Cruises are similar to staycations. Instead of running about, one can stay on board and have a relaxing holiday.
In comparison, passengers are keen to get off their aircrafts after landing. In any case, the success of commercial operations depends on load factor, but if it gives way to other concerns, such airlines will not be able to stay afloat for long.
On the other hand, cruises are primarily meant for relaxation, not so much for transport. 
YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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