KUALA LUMPUR: Passengers for Penang's cruise market increased 39.55% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, said the Penang Port Commission.
In a statement, Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said both cruise calls and passenger arrivals recorded significant growth between January and March 2026, reflecting Penang’s steadily strengthening appeal as a regional cruise port.
According to statistics compiled by the commission for March, a total of 372,903 cruise passengers transited through the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) during the first three months of 2026, up from 267,221 passengers in the corresponding period last year.
“This growth reflects the gradual normalisation of international cruise operations, as well as renewed confidence among travellers in Penang as a cruise and tourism destination,” said Yeoh.
However, he noted the military conflict between the US and Iran that erupted in March this year has had an impact on international shipping and the global cruise industry. Post-conflict market observations indicate higher operating costs, route restructuring and increased demand uncertainty.
“In view of these developments, the commission will continue to closely monitor international cruise market demand in the second quarter of the year,” he added.
International transit passengers accounted for the majority of cruise travellers in the first quarter, with 326,448 international passengers recorded.
Meanwhile, 46,437 domestic same-day visitors were recorded, underscoring the positive spill-over effects of cruise tourism on short-term local travel activities.
The number of cruise vessels at Penang Port more than tripled to 201 between January and March 2026, compared with 46 vessels during the same period last year.
“The substantial rise in cruise calls indicates that cruise operators have once again positioned Penang as a key port of call in their itineraries. It also reflects industry confidence in the port’s operational efficiency and reception capacity,” said Yeoh.
Yeoh added that in March, Penang Port received cruise passengers from 83 countries and territories, with 36,823 female and 27,830 male passengers recorded, highlighting Penang’s profile as a diverse and internationally connected tourism city.
He further noted that several international cruise liners had called at Penang Port in April, including large vessels such as MSC Magnifica, reinforcing Penang’s role within the regional cruise network.
Yeoh emphasised that sustained growth in cruise tourism not only benefits port operations but also stimulates the local economy, including the retail, food and beverage, transportation and tourism-related sectors, creating a positive economic cycle.
“PPC will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to enhance cruise reception capacity, while ensuring port safety and operational stability, in support of both port development and urban tourism growth,” he said.
