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.
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