Astro Ocean's Piano Land Ends Malaysia Season, Returns to Hong Kong
The Malaysia stint shows Chinese cruise brands are pushing beyond domestic waters and tailoring ships to local tastes, raising the stakes for Southeast Asia’s homeports.
Astro Ocean Cruises has wrapped up a Malaysia-based homeport program for Piano Land, bringing the ship back to Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal on Dec. 31 with 1,700 guests onboard.
The deployment included 12 voyages sailing from Malaysia and carried more than 16,700 passengers, which the company described as a milestone for its outbound international operations and a notable step for a Chinese cruise brand operating cruises from international homeports.
Malaysia season: 12 voyages across Malaysia and Thailand
Astro Ocean said Piano Land operated a network of itineraries that called in both Malaysia and Thailand during the Malaysia program, with routes built around Port Klang and additional stops in Penang, Langkawi, and Phuket.
- Port Klang (Malaysia) served as the homeport base for the itinerary network, Astro Ocean said.
- Penang (Malaysia) was among the Malaysian calls included during the 12-voyage deployment.
- Langkawi (Malaysia) was also part of the port lineup for the Malaysia season.
- Phuket (Thailand) was included as the Thailand call on the itineraries, according to the company.
Astro Ocean characterized the operation as an economic positive for Malaysia during the homeport season, although no official statements from Malaysian government agencies or port authorities were included in the available reports.
Why the deployment stood out for a Chinese cruise operator
The company said the Malaysia program represented the first time a Chinese cruise ship operated a homeport season outside mainland China, and in a separate statement described itself as the first Chinese cruise brand to run cruises from international homeports.
Astro Ocean said it partnered with Hwajing Travel & Tours to deliver the Malaysia operation, pointing to the need for shore-side coordination, local distribution, and onboard adjustments to align with regional passenger expectations.
Onboard changes for the Malaysia market, including halal certification
Astro Ocean said Piano Land sailed with certification from Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), Malaysia’s federally authorized body overseeing domestic halal affairs. The company said the certification enabled the ship to provide a broader selection of halal dining options during the Malaysia-based program.
Beyond food and beverage, Astro Ocean said it tailored elements of the onboard experience to fit the local market, including adjustments to entertainment and service offerings aimed at Malaysian travelers.
In describing how it differentiated the product for the region, Astro Ocean has also said Piano Land, which previously sailed as a P&O Cruises ship, adapts dining, entertainment, and onboard services for Chinese and Southeast Asian markets.
Return to Hong Kong and plans for new itineraries
After completing the Malaysia season, Piano Land repositioned to Hong Kong and arrived at Ocean Terminal on Dec. 31 with 1,700 guests onboard. Astro Ocean said the repositioning sailing was largely booked by travelers from Malaysia and Singapore, and framed the return as part of an effort to attract overseas visitors to Hong Kong via cruise travel. No statement from Hong Kong tourism or port officials was included in the available reports.
Looking ahead, Astro Ocean said Piano Land is scheduled to operate a range of itineraries from Hong Kong, with cruise lengths that include four, five, eight, and 12 nights in the first-quarter schedule. The company also said it intends to add new ports and develop new itineraries as Hong Kong-based operations continue, but port-by-port details for the first-quarter sailings were not included in the available reports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was unique about Astro Ocean’s Malaysia deployment?
Astro Ocean said it became the first Chinese cruise brand to run cruises from international homeports, operating a homeport season in Malaysia in collaboration with Hwajing Travel & Tours.
Which destinations did Piano Land visit during the Malaysia program?
Astro Ocean said the itinerary network was built around Port Klang and included calls to Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia, as well as Phuket in Thailand.
What does JAKIM certification mean for the ship’s operation in Malaysia?
Astro Ocean said Piano Land held certification from JAKIM, and that this allowed the ship to offer a wider range of halal cuisine while operating from Malaysia.
What itineraries will Piano Land offer from Hong Kong next?
Astro Ocean said Piano Land is scheduled to operate four-, five-, eight-, and 12-night cruises as part of its first-quarter Hong Kong program, and that it plans to continue developing new itineraries and adding new ports, with specific first-quarter port details not provided in the available reports.
