PETALING JAYA: Rain has done little to dampen vacation interest as Malaysia’s newest home port cruise sails ahead with steadily rising passenger numbers.
Malaysia Cruise Industry Association deputy president Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng (pic) said cruise operations are largely unaffected by rain as modern cruise ships are designed to operate safely in varying sea conditions.
“Cruise ships are massive structures – they are like 20-storey buildings on the ocean.
“They are far too big and stable to be swayed by rain or normal waves,” he said when contacted.
Koh added that travellers are generally aware that cruises provide a safe and controlled environment, making the rainy season an unlikely deterrent.
“Visitor numbers towards the year-end have remained consistent and in fact, going up.
“Despite the rain, people don’t seem to mind and continue to enjoy on the cruise ships,” he said.
Hwajing Travel and Tours said sales and occupancy for the MV Piano Land Cruise, which has made Malaysia its home port, have increased steadily, with each voyage seeing a stronger take-up.
The company noted that rainfall during the period was brief, limited to just two or three days, and had no noticeable impact on visitor numbers.
“Passenger numbers and sales have been steadily increasing since the cruise’s embarkation,” it said, adding that guests appeared unfazed by the weather.
They also dismissed suggestions that travellers were choosing the cruise as a substitute for holidays overseas due to recent heavy rains.
“Instead, the cruise is seen as a complementary holiday option rather than an alternative driven by weather conditions,” Hwajing said, noting that weather is considered part of the journey.
Onboard activities and services are adjusted to ensure guests continue to have a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
Meanwhile, the company’s managing director Kenny Cheong described the cruise as a historic milestone, saying it marked the first time a China-based cruise line had established a home port outside the mainland.
“Chinese cruise operations have traditionally been centred within China over the past two decades.
“Positioning Malaysia as a home port offers clear advantages, especially in terms of cost.
“If you stay in Malaysia, you only pay about 30% of Singapore prices,” he said, pointing to the potential for stronger pre- and post-cruise tourism spending.
With rising passenger numbers and growing industry confidence, operators remain optimistic that cruise tourism will continue to gain traction.
Former Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said the arrival of MV Piano Land underscores strong collaboration between the tourism authorities, port partners and industry players.
“This initiative not only enhances accessibility for cruise travellers but also strengthens Malaysia’s appeal as a premier destination.”
