GEORGE TOWN, Jan 6 – The Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal welcomed the Norwegian Sky cruise ship on Jan 5 for its maiden call, marking the start of the 2025 cruise season and the ship’s inaugural arrival in Asia.
Chairman of the Penang Port Commission, Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin said nearly 2,000 passengers and approximately 900 crew members were welcomed 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 in George Town, 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, ” he said in a statement.
Moreover, Yeoh said that 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.
Yeoh added that the Penang Port Commission fully supports the Ministry of Transport and the Tourism Ministry in their efforts to develop cruise tourism.
He expressed gratitude to the Transport Minister Anthony Loke, for his strong advocacy for the country’s cruise industry.
“Loke has played a pivotal role in attracting more global cruise ships to Malaysia’s major ports, thus becoming an important driver of the nation’s cruise tourism sector,” he said.
