Which Cruise Lines Cater for Halal Meals?

Cruising is one of the most luxurious and enjoyable ways to travel. It offers breathtaking ocean views, world class entertainment, and exquisite dining experiences. However, for Muslim travellers, a major concern is whether they can find halal food options while onboard.

The good news is that many cruise lines now accommodate Islamic dietary requirements, ensuring that Muslim passengers can enjoy their holiday without compromising their religious beliefs. Whether you’re setting sail to the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. Several cruise lines offer halal certified meals or halal compliant options upon request.
So, if you’re wondering: “Can you get halal food on a cruise ship?”, the answer is YES!

While the availability of halal meals varies depending on the cruise line and route, many major cruise companies ensure that Muslim guests have access to halal friendly dining options.

Which Cruise Lines Offer Halal Food?

While not all cruises serve halal meals by default, many allow passengers to pre order halal meals if they inform the cruise line in advance. Here’s a list of some of the top cruise lines that offer halal meals:

1. Celebrity Cruises

Halal meals available on all ships

Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line that offers halal food options on all its ships. The company is committed to accommodating dietary preferences, and passengers can request halal meals in the main dining room.

How to Request Halal Food:

• Request halal meals at the time of booking.
• Confirm your request again at least 30 days before departure.
• Upon boarding, speak with the dining team to reconfirm your request.

Best Routes for Halal Meals:

Celebrity Cruises offers halal options worldwide, but Middle East sailings are most likely to have more extensive halal selections.

2. Princess Cruises

Halal food available upon request

Princess Cruises is well known for its diverse dining options. Sydney Princess Cruises, in particular, is known for accommodating halal dietary needs. However, halal meals are not automatically included and must be requested in advance.

How to Request Halal Food:

• Inform the cruise line at the time of booking.
• Provide at least two weeks’ notice before departure.
• Confirm with the dining staff upon arrival.

Best Routes for Halal Meals:

• Australia & New Zealand (Sydney Princess Cruises)
• Asia & Middle East

3. Royal Caribbean Cruises

Halal meat available on select routes

Royal Caribbean is one of the world’s largest and most popular cruise lines. They provide halal certified meat on cruises departing from Singapore and Dubai. However, halal meat is only served in the main dining area and typically includes beef (steak) and poultry.

How to Request Halal Food:

• Fill out the ‘special needs’ request form at least 90 days before departure.
• Confirm your request with customer service before boarding.
• Speak with the onboard dining team upon embarkation.

Best Routes for Halal Meals:

• Dubai & Middle East Cruises
• Singapore & Southeast Asia Cruises

4. Disney Cruise Line

Halal food available with advance request

Disney Cruise Line is a family friendly cruise line that caters to various dietary requirements, including halal. However, passengers must request halal meals at least five weeks before departure. One thing to note is that halal meals are only available in the main dining restaurants. They are not automatically available at quick service locations or for in room dining.

How to Request Halal Food:

• Indicate your dietary preference when booking.
• Make a formal request at least five weeks before the sail date.
• Once onboard, visit the dining reservation desk to reconfirm your meal preference.

Best Routes for Halal Meals:

• Caribbean & Bahamas
• European Cruises

5. MSC Cruises

Halal meals available upon request

MSC Cruises is one of the most Halal friendly cruise lines. As a Swiss based global cruise line, MSC Cruises operates numerous ships that travel across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

What Makes MSC Cruises Halal Friendly?

• Halal menu options available upon request
• Prayer spaces onboard with Qibla directions clearly marked
• Family friendly atmosphere with kid friendly activities

How to Request Halal Food:

• Request a halal meal at the time of booking.
• Confirm again at least two weeks before your cruise.
• Speak with the dining team once onboard.

Best Routes for Halal Meals:

• Mediterranean & Europe Cruises
• Dubai & Middle East

If you’re planning a cruise and require halal food, follow these essential tips to ensure a smooth experience:

1. Check the Cruise Line’s Policy
   Not all cruise lines offer halal food by default. Always check with the cruise company before booking to see if halal meals are available.
2. Request Halal Meals in Advance
   Most cruise lines require at least 2 – 6 weeks’ notice to arrange halal meals. Submit your request as early as possible.
3. Confirm Upon Boarding
   Once you board the ship, visit the dining reservation desk or speak to the head waiter to reconfirm your meal request.
4. Consider Departures from Muslim Majority Countries
   Cruises departing from Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, or Turkey are more likely to have extensive halal meal options.
5. Bring Your Own Snacks
   While most cruise lines provide halal meals in main dining areas, snacks and quick service restaurants may not always have halal options. Bringing halal certified snacks ensures you always have something to eat.

Cruising is a fantastic way to explore the world while enjoying luxury, relaxation, and adventure. With more cruise lines now catering to halal meals, Muslim travellers can enjoy their trip without any dietary worries.

By planning ahead and making your dietary requests early, you can fully enjoy your cruise experience with delicious and halal friendly meals onboard.

Please note that all information is correct at the time of publishing and to please check the cruise lines own website before booking.