GEORGE TOWN: Penang's cruise sector is entering a new phase of
expansion, with the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) projecting a 47 per
cent rise in passenger volume in 2026.
The outlook was announced at the Cruise Tourism Town Hall 2025,
where government agencies, industry leaders and community stakeholders outlined
a unified plan to position Penang not just as a transit port, but as a
future-ready cruise destination.
According to Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman, Datuk Yeoh Soon
Hin, mega vessels, such as Royal Caribbean International's Icon of the Seas —
364.75 metres long and accommodating up to 7,600 passengers — are redefining
capacity standards, while Asia's cruise market continues to expand, driven by
new source markets, enhanced itineraries and rising regional travel demand.
"For 2025, SPCT expects 679,809 passengers, supported by a
major homeporting boost. Penang's cruise sector is entering a new phase of
expansion, with SPCT projecting a 47 per cent rise in passenger volume next
year," he said today.
Penang has long been a favourite among visitors for its rich
cultural tapestry, blending history, heritage and modern vibrancy.
George Town's Unesco World Heritage status, street art, colonial
architecture and diverse culinary scene draw travellers from around the world
seeking an authentic and immersive experience.
Its mix of tradition and innovation — from bustling markets to
contemporary museums and cafes — makes the island a destination that appeals to
a wide range of interests. Cruise passengers, in particular, are drawn to
Penang's easy accessibility and compact, walkable cityscape.
SPCT sits just minutes from George Town's historic core, allowing
passengers to step directly into a world of heritage streets, temples, clan
houses and local eateries.
On July 4, Hwajing Travel & Tours and Astro Ocean Cruise
formalised an agreement to homeport the 1,760-passenger Piano Land in Malaysia.
Its first departure from Penang is set for Nov 30, operating a three-day
round-trip itinerary.
Yeoh said, together with seven scheduled cruise calls at SPCT, this
deployment is projected to generate approximately 24,640 passenger visits, each
bringing an estimated eight hours of onshore economic activity to local
businesses and communities.
To capture this momentum, Yeoh said authorities had outlined several
immediate priorities such as enhanced terminal coordination, streamlined
Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) procedures for faster turnarounds and
the introduction of a Ground Transport Handler System to improve land-side
logistics.
"Planning has also commenced for shore power installation, with
onshore electrical supply targeted for 2029 to reduce emissions and align with
sustainability goals," he added.
Yeoh said, in the medium term, SPCT would undergo upgrades to expand
capacity, improve support infrastructure and create dedicated logistics areas.
He said surrounding landside zones would be revitalised to bolster last-mile
connectivity and unlock new commercial opportunities.
"Penang also aims to strengthen regional route development,
linking destinations such as Langkawi, Phuket and Aceh. Long-term, Penang's
ambition is to become a sustainable, world-class homeport.
"By deepening regional collaboration and aligning with national
efforts ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, Penang aims to secure a leading position
in Southeast Asia's cruise tourism corridor," he said.
-nst online.