GEORGE TOWN, December 3 — The Penang Port Commission (PPC) has announced that the luxury cruise ship MV PIANO LAND, operated by Astro Ocean, will be home-porting in Penang, with eight departures scheduled from Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.
Chairman Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin hailed the milestone as a vote of confidence in Penang’s cruise facilities and vision for sustainable growth, highlighting the expected economic benefits for tourism operators, local businesses, and the wider supply chain.
With Swettenham Pier projected to handle 679,809 passengers in 2025 and a 47% increase forecasted in 2026, Penang is positioning itself as a regional cruise hub, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and local industry partners.
The home-porting initiative coincides with MV PIANO LAND’s broader Malaysian operations, including sailings from Port Klang to Penang and Langkawi, featuring Muslim-friendly amenities, halal-certified dining, and family-focused programmes.
Tourism Malaysia will host a FAM Trip aboard the vessel from 1–3 December, allowing media, influencers, and travel agents to experience Penang’s attractions firsthand, while a welcoming ceremony at Swettenham Pier on 2 December.
Celebrates the cruise’s contribution to Malaysia’s maritime tourism and Visit Malaysia 2026 goals of attracting 47 million international visitors.
