GEORGE TOWN, March 28 – The luxurious Queen Anne, Cunard’s latest cruise liner from Southampton, United Kingdom, made its highly anticipated debut at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) today, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a premier global cruise destination.
As part of its 107-maiden grand voyage covering over 30 destinations across 20 countries, Queen Anne’s arrival was celebrated with a vibrant cultural ceremony attended by YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia. The event welcomed approximately 5,094 passengers with traditional performances and local delicacies, reflecting Malaysia’s renowned hospitality and rich heritage.
Adding to Penang’s growing appeal, the Norwegian Sun is set to dock at SPCT on 30 March 2025 during its 17-night transoceanic cruise from Singapore to Cape Town. With an expected 3,950 passengers, this visit further cements Malaysia’s reputation as a key player in global cruise tourism. YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin highlighted the significance of these visits in promoting Malaysia’s unique cultural and natural attractions ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
In 2024 alone, SPCT welcomed over a million passengers, including international travelers aboard renowned cruise liners like Azamara Pursuit, MS Blue Dream Melody, AIDAStella, and Norwegian Sky, showcasing Malaysia’s growing prominence in the cruise industry.
