Hwajing brings Piano Land to Malaysia in first Chinese cruise homeporting initiative

 

From left: Astro Ocean Cruise’s Jian-feng Tong, Tourism Malaysia’s Yeoh Soon Hin, and Hwajing Travel & Tours’s Kenny Cheong

Hwajing Travel & Tours has partnered with Astro Ocean Cruise to bring the MV Piano Land to Malaysia. The vessel will make her maiden voyage on November 30, becoming the first Chinese cruise ship to be homeported in Malaysia. 

The deployment will run from November 30 to December 16, and marks Hwajing’s second major international cruise collaboration, following the homeporting of an Italian cruise ship last year.

Itineraries will include a three-day, two-night return sailing from Penang to Port Klang, and a four-day, three-night voyage visiting Penang, Langkawi, and Port Klang. Passengers can embark from either Penang or Port Klang, offering more flexibility for Malaysian and regional travellers. 

A special six-night New Year Countdown Cruise is also planned, sailing from Port Klang to Singapore, Nha Trang, and Hong Kong. The itinerary will feature a New Year celebration at sea, with passengers viewing fireworks over Hong Kong’s skyline from the ship as she welcomes 2026. 

The signing ceremony took place at the Penang Port Commission and was witnessed by Yeoh Soon Hin, chairman of the Penang Port Commission and deputy chairman of Tourism Malaysia. The agreement was signed by Kenny Cheong, managing director of Hwajing Travel & Tours, and Jian-feng Tong, vice president of Astro Ocean Cruise. 

Yeoh said in a press release issued by Hwajing Travel: “In line with transport minister, Anthony Loke’s vision to position Malaysia as a premier homeport destination, we are committed to driving the nation’s cruise tourism agenda forward. 

“By encouraging travellers to begin and conclude their cruise itineraries in Malaysia, we aim to boost tourist arrivals, create local employment opportunities, and showcase Malaysia’s vibrant culture, heritage, and cuisine on the global stage. With the right strategy, cruise tourism holds tremendous potential to deliver sustained economic benefits and uplift communities across the country.” 

Cheong added: “Welcoming MV Piano Land to Malaysia reinforces our commitment in making cruise holidays more accessible and enriching for both Malaysian and South-east Asian travellers. This milestone comes at a special time for us, as Hwajing celebrates its 36th anniversary this year. We look forward to playing a key role in developing Malaysia into a thriving homeport hub for international cruises.” 

“The deployment of MV Piano Land is a key milestone in the company’s strategic expansion across Asia. We believe its unique culture and cruise model will effectively stimulate cruise travel demand in Malaysia and surrounding markets,” stated Tong.

-TTG Asia.