Malaysia Welcomes First Chinese-Homeported Cruise Ship: The Arrival of Piano Land
Malaysia has achieved a significant milestone in its cruise industry by welcoming the M/V Piano Land, the first Chinese-operated cruise ship to be homeported in the country. The vessel’s inaugural arrival at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) was celebrated with a formal welcome ceremony, underscoring Malaysia’s ambition to enhance its status as a cruise hub in Southeast Asia.
The M/V Piano Land, previously known as P&O Oriana, is a luxury cruise ship operated by Astro Ocean Cruises. Its arrival is strategic for tapping into the Muslim-friendly and family-centric cruise markets. Originally designed for the European market and launched by Queen Elizabeth II, the 70,000-ton vessel has undergone modifications to cater to Asian travelers, marking a significant step in China’s development of its own cruise industry.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Lee Thai Hung from Tourism Malaysia and Chua Yee Ling, CEO of Tourism Selangor. The traditional plaque exchange occurred between Dato’ Azman Shah Mohd Yusof of PKCT and Hou Rubo from Piano Land, signifying the strengthening of ties between Malaysian authorities and international cruise partners.
Dato’ Azman emphasized that the decision to homeport the Piano Land in Malaysia reflects a long-standing collaboration between Hwajing Travel & Tours, Astro Ocean Cruises, and the management of PKCT. This partnership reinforces Malaysia’s ambition to be the principal gateway for cruise tourism in ASEAN. Meanwhile, Kenny Cheong, Managing Director of Hwajing Travel & Tours, noted the significance of the ship’s deployment as part of their commitment to expanding cruise travel access throughout Malaysia.
For more details on Malaysian cruise developments, visit CruiseMapper’s news section.
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At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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