I have been sailing on cruises multiple times in multiple countries but my recent trip onboard IslamiCruise’s Pelayaran 55 in the breathtaking Halong Bay, Vietnam was definitely not my normal nor typical sail. This time around, it is all about blending spiritual healing with nature, and perhaps to some - soul-refreshing/ searching. We cruised through the stately limestone islets while participating in tazkirah, Qiamullail, congregational Subuh solat and meaningful forum with renowned scholars. Till now, I’m still processing everything.
An Experience Like No Other
A little background on IslamiCruise: Established back in 2014, they were (still are) the world’s first Islamic program onboard a Halal-certified cruise, of which redefined the meaning of Muslim-friendly travel. Everything on board is Syariah-compliant, right from the halal-certified food, Qibla-facing prayer signs, as well as religious activities, making you feel at peace without compromising your lifestyle.Pelayaran 55 brought along 50+ participants from all age groups and walks of life, indifferent when it comes to this trip. What makes it great is that despite that we were strangers at first, but by the end of the trip we are one big family.
The Heart of the Journey
This would be the tazkirah sessions. We are humbled and honoured to have Ustaz Syeikh Muhd Zainul Asri and Ustazah Mahani, Ustaz Azwan Ali together with Ustazah Muzayyanah that brought something special to share. This is unlike the surau or masjid session lecture or ceramah, this felt personal – a direct impact to the soul I would say.
I clearly remembered, one moment we were waking up for doing Qiamullail under the stars, performing Subuh prayer in congregation and quietly listening to a Subuh tazkirah, and next before our eyes we saw the beautiful sunrise emerge. We were all overwhelmed. Who needs filter when you are presented with God greatest gift.
The Food for the Soul
Golden Cruises served us a sumptuous 5 star halal meals, strictly monitored by Ustaz Salam. I was told that the meat was brought all the way from Hanoi as Halal meat is hard to source in Halong Bay. And also, there are times that Ustaz Salam himself prepared some of the dishes. Happy tummy throughout the trip.
Aside from the structured activities, there was a lot of time for chit-chatting especial during mealtime and this extended to while tender boat riding, cave excursions or even lepaking at Titop Island, everything just clicked. As much as the exhilarating adventures, the piritual moments shared balanced it off.
Everyone said the same thing ie. they connected and genuinely grateful for this wonderful experience. It’s not every day (nor usual) that you get to go on a trip that feeds your soul and your sense of travel at the same time.
So, if you are ever desire for a more meaningful and unique holiday ie. balancing travel and spiritual aspect then this might just be the trip for you, it recharges your spirit, reconnects you with inspiring people, and reminds you of your purpose if life - IslamiCruise.
With over 50+ sails to places like Phuket, Banda Aceh, and Halong Bay (was told 20+ cruises just in Halong Bay alone), they announced that come this January 2026 a 13-nights cruise sailing from Malaysia and Arab Saudi, with stops at Banda Aceh, Maldives, and Salalah in Oman. An epic trip indeed.
So yeah, this isn’t just another holiday trip but a journey inward, outward, and obviously upward. An experience that I will remember (hence blogged about it) and one that I recommend for you to experience it too.
IslamiCruise Halong Bay 2025 Media Fam Trip is organized by IslamiCruise Internation Sd Bhd.
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