Summary
- Cruise passenger arrivals increase 52.12% in the first nine months of 2026.
- Cruise vessel calls surge 301.49% at Swettenham Pier.
- Seatrade Cruise Asia 2026 expects approximately 600 international delegates.
GEORGE TOWN, November 10 — Penang recorded a 52.12% increase in cruise passenger arrivals between January and September 2026 compared with the same period last year.
Penang Port Commission chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said cruise vessel calls at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal also surged 301.49%. The growth comes ahead of Seatrade Cruise Asia 2026.
Scheduled for November 16 to 19 in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The event is expected to attract approximately 600 international delegates, including cruise operators and tourism industry leaders.
Yeoh said the conference would strengthen Penang’s international cruise partnerships and tourism opportunities.
