Malaysia: Malaysia is set to welcome its first Chinese cruise ship to be homeported in the country with the arrival of M/V Piano Land, following a strategic partnership between Hwajing Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd and Chinese cruise line Astro Ocean Cruise.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hwajing managing director Kenny Cheong announced that the vessel, operated by Astro Ocean Cruise, would commence its maiden voyage on November 30, 2025. The cruise will offer two itinerary options: a three-day, two-night route (Penang-Port Klang-Penang), and a four-day, three-night route covering Penang, Langkawi, and Port Klang. Cheong highlighted that the cruise is expected to enhance accessibility for domestic and regional travellers, aligning with efforts to boost Malaysia’s position as a leading cruise tourism hub in Southeast Asia.
“We are testing the Malaysian market with these initial seven sailings and based on the response from these routes, we will make further announcements by year-end,” Cheong stated during a press conference after signing a memorandum of agreement with Astro Ocean Cruise vice-president, Jian-feng Tong, to bring the M/V Piano Land to Malaysia.
With a passenger capacity of 1,760, M/V Piano Land is set to enhance Malaysia’s cruise tourism experience through a range of amenities and services tailored to diverse travellers, including Broadway-style theatre performances, dedicated kids’ clubs, shopping arcades, wellness centres, and various recreational facilities onboard. The vessel features 880 well-appointed cabins, alongside a broad range of culinary offerings that include extensive halal selections, as well as options for Chinese and international cuisine.
In a related development, Hwajing also entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Penang Ports Commission (PPC) to promote Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) as a dedicated cruise homeport for the years 2025 to 2027. PPC chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin stated that following the MoU, SPCT would gain greater visibility and recognition on the global stage.
“With its modern infrastructure, international-standard amenities, and strategic location within the UNESCO World Heritage City of George Town, SPCT is uniquely positioned to attract major cruise liners and serve as a preferred homeport in Southeast Asia. We believe that this strategic alliance will accelerate efforts to market Penang’s cruise offerings globally, catalyse tourism development, and bring long-term benefits to the local economy and community,” he added.