Five International Cruise Ships Set for First Calls at Penang Port
Each vessel will be welcomed with cultural performances, Penang-themed souvenirs and destination promotions beside George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Five international cruise ships with a combined passenger capacity of more than 10,000 are scheduled to make their first calls at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in George Town, Penang, from October through December. Navigator of the Seas is due first. It is scheduled to berth at 2:30 p.m. on October 30. The other vessels are Villa Vie Odyssey, Adora Mediterranea, Star Seeker and Celebrity Solstice.
“Tourism Malaysia has been intensifying its efforts to promote cruise tourism,” Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing wrote on Facebook. He said the agency was working with international cruise operators, cruise-chartering travel agencies and tourism partners to bring additional routes to Malaysia.
Welcome activities planned for each call
The Penang Port Commission and Penang Port Sdn Bhd plan to welcome each vessel with cultural performances, souvenirs themed around Penang and destination promotions. The terminal sits beside George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tiong said the events would introduce arriving passengers to local culture and complement Tourism Malaysia’s promotion of Penang and other Malaysian destinations. He said the activities were intended to encourage longer stays and repeat visits.
The minister also pointed to potential business beyond the port for transport providers, restaurants, retailers, tourism operators and cultural attractions. Additional cruise activity, he said, would create opportunities for local businesses to develop cruise packages and shore excursions.
Adora adds a Port Klang programme
The first Penang visit by Adora Mediterranea, the former Costa Mediterranea, comes alongside a programme of eight international voyages from Port Klang between November 24 and December 19. Adora Cruises has announced itineraries covering Penang, Langkawi in Kedah, Phuket in Thailand and Nha Trang in Vietnam.
Tiong linked Adora Mediterranea’s maiden call to his discussions with Adora Cruises management during a visit to Shanghai in May. Those talks covered Southeast Asian route development, port infrastructure, shore excursion products and cooperation on regional cultural tourism.
