GEORGE TOWN: The Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) today welcomed the Norwegian Sky cruise ship on its maiden call, marking the start of the 2025 cruise season.
This also marks Norwegian Sky's inaugural arrival in Asia.
Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin expressed gratitude to Transport Minister Anthony Loke for his strong support of the country's cruise industry.
He said Loke had played a pivotal role in attracting more global cruise ships to Malaysia's major ports, driving the growth of the nation's cruise tourism sector.
"Malaysia has surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels in cruise calls and passenger numbers over the past two years. This success is largely attributed to Loke's efforts.
"To boost the number of international cruise ships calling at Malaysian ports, Loke personally led an official delegation to Miami, Florida, to participate in the Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 conference.
"During the event, he promoted Malaysia as a destination to global cruise operators and met with Matthew Wintraub, the International Port Development Director of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
"This meeting received positive feedback and resulted in plans for NCL to expand its operations in Malaysia," he said today.
"The council works with statutory authorities overseeing cruise terminals, travel agencies specialising in cruise tourism, port operators, and other stakeholders to formulate strategies and measures for promoting the cruise sector and developing future cruise tourism products," he added.
Earlier, Yeoh led a delegation from the PPC and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) to welcome nearly 2,000 passengers and approximately 900 crew members aboard the Norwegian Sky as they disembarked in George Town.
The cruise ship, which embarked on a 17-day journey from Mauritius, was greeted with traditional Malaysian performances arranged by Tourism Malaysia, showcasing Penang's cultural charm.
During their stay here, passengers visited iconic landmarks such as Fort Cornwallis, Penang City Hall, the Street Art murals, Clan Jetties, and Penang Hill.
They also sampled local delicacies and traditional beverages, experiencing Penang's rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
As deputy chairman of Tourism Malaysia, Yeoh said PPC fully supported both ministries' efforts to develop cruise tourism.
"The cruise industry holds immense potential, capable of bringing thousands of tourists in a single trip.
"International cruise operators choosing Malaysia as a homeport or destination not only boost the local tourism industry but also stimulate the domestic economy, benefiting hotels, travel services, dining, and other related sectors," he said.