GEORGE TOWN: Penang welcomed two renowned cruises — Genting Dream and Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas — which docked at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) yesterday.
Genting Dream is the flagship of Resort World Cruises that owns a total of 18 decks with 3,352 passengers' capacity lower berth.
It is a trendsetter in hospitality for 50 years, bringing the classic resort experience to travellers even while at sea.
Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas, the award-winning Quantum class, is an adventure full of feats and firsts.
It is listed in "The 30 Largest Cruise Ships in the World Ranked" with a total of 14 guest decks fitting 5,622 passengers capacity.
In a proactive effort to bolster cruise tourism and strengthen partnerships within the industry, a courtesy visit by state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and key stakeholders to these cruises and to SPCT was held.
The visit is aimed at exploring collaborative opportunities, showcasing Penang's commitment to providing exceptional experiences for cruise passengers and discussing strategies for further enhancing the cruise tourism sector in the region.
Wong emphasised the need for continued investment in infrastructure, training, and promotional efforts to ensure that Penang remained a premier destination for cruise tourists worldwide.
"This in turn will make a positive contribution to the growth and sustainable development of the state's economy.
"2024 will undoubtedly bring new experiences for cruise tourists visiting Penang," he said.
Wong also expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the SPCT, Resort World Cruises and Royal Caribbean International's team and underscored the importance of collaboration in driving the growth and sustainability of Penang's tourism industry.
Situated strategically in the heart of Southeast Asia, Penang serves as an ideal port of call for cruise liners traversing the region.
Being one of the few city ports in Malaysia, the SPCT in George Town stands as a testament to Penang's dedication to providing world-class facilities and services for cruise tourists.
With the recent completion of the SPCT's expansion, it has allowed the capacity of this port to be elevated to cater up to two quantum-size cruise ship and its top-tier facility to accommodate 12,000 passengers, resulting in the berthing of both Genting Dream and Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas concurrently.
During the visit, engaging discussions were held with terminal management and staff, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and insights into the future of cruise tourism in Penang.
Topics such as sustainability initiatives and enhanced guest experiences were explored, highlighting Penang's dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in the tourism sector.
The highlight of the visit was a scenic overlook of the pier, where participants had the opportunity to witness the breathtaking view of a majestic cruise ship against the backdrop of Penang's iconic skyline.