GEORGE TOWN: Penang is steering towards robust expansion in its cruise tourism sector, with passenger numbers projected to rise by 47 per cent in 2026, driven by expanded homeporting, strengthened regional itineraries and intensified destination marketing.
Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the state is poised to unlock stronger economic spillover from cruise activities as global and regional demand continues to surge.
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He said Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) is preparing for significant volumes, with passenger throughput projected at 679,809 for 2025.
“A key milestone announced today is the agreement signed on July 4, 2025, between Hwajing Travel and Tours and Astro Ocean Cruise to homeport the 1,760-passenger Piano Land (cruise ship) in Malaysia.
“Its inaugural departure from Penang is scheduled for Nov 30, calling at Port Klang Cruise Terminal and returning on a three-day itinerary,” he said in a statement in conjunction with the Cruise Tourism Town Hall 2025 here.
Yeoh noted that, along with SPCT’s seven planned calls for 2025, these deployments are expected to generate approximately 24,640 passenger visits, each offering a minimum eight-hour ashore window that directly benefits local businesses and communities.
He said several immediate enhancements are underway, including strengthened terminal coordination, improved passenger-handling processes, and streamlined Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine procedures to reduce turnaround time.
In the medium term, he said SPCT will be upgraded into a future-ready facility through expanded capacity, enhanced support infrastructure and the creation of dedicated logistics spaces to support tourism activity.
“Planned developments include the revitalisation of surrounding landside areas to improve passenger flow, unlock commercial opportunities and strengthen last-mile connectivity.
“We will also pursue regional route development linking Langkawi, Phuket, Aceh and beyond, positioning Penang within a dynamic and strategic cruise corridor,” he said.
The Cruise Tourism Town Hall brought together government agencies, industry players and community stakeholders to shape Penang’s next phase of cruise development amid the fast-growing global cruise landscape, marked by mega vessels such as Royal Caribbean International and increasing Asian passenger demand.
