THE Swettenhem Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) at Penang Port is bracing for an exhilarating year ahead, as Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman, Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, unveiled ambitious strategies for the cruise industry in 2024.
With a robust start to the year, boasting 161 bookings already secured as of April 22, the port anticipates yet another vibrant season.
Among the highlights are the imminent departure of Spectrum of the Sea on June 28, and the much-anticipated maiden call of Anthem of the Sea on Oct 13.
“We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming a wider variety of cruise lines to our port. Our aim is to attract more diverse offerings, enriching the cruise experience for travellers and bolstering tourism in Penang,” remarked Yeoh, a former state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy.
In a bid to further solidify Penang’s position as a premier cruise destination, the PPC is encouraging cruise lines to book port calls two to three years in advance, especially for world cruises spanning multiple continents.
Yeoh extended a cordial invitation to local cruise operators and investors, encouraging them to explore the lucrative cruise vacation sector. He underscored the Commission’s dedication to facilitating and providing amenities to entities interested in establishing Penang as their homeport.
Meanwhile, Mohd Nizam Ismail, Head of the System & Facilities Services Division at Penang Port Sdn Bhd, revealed ongoing efforts to enhance facilities and infrastructures.
“We are now assessing extra amenities and port accessories, such as terminal spaces and bathrooms that are accessible from other countries. For the following one to three years, these will be handled in the second and third phases,” he said.
The Penang port has experienced a notable surge in cruise traffic, recording a remarkable 17.71% increase in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
In January through March alone, the port welcomed an impressive 473,517 passengers, with 50% originating from Singapore.
With promising statistics and strategic initiatives underway, PPC is poised for a year of expansion and prosperity in the dynamic cruise industry, further solidifying Penang’s reputation as a coveted destination for cruise enthusiasts worldwide.
Story by Nurul Hawa Farahin Hameddy
Pix by Alissala Thian