Cunard Line’s newest luxury cruise ship, Queen Anne, made its maiden voyage to the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) in Penang earlier this morning.
A grand welcoming ceremony greeted the passengers. They were greeted with traditional Malaysian hospitality, receiving garlands and a cultural showcase featuring vibrant performances offering a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.
“The maiden call represents a unique opportunity to showcase Malaysia to a global audience. This is a gateway to highlighting Malaysia’s cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, encouraging visitors to return and explore further during our Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign,” said Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin chairman of Penang Port Commission and Deputy chairman of Tourism Malaysia in a press statement.
Also present was Tourism Malaysia Northern Region Director Abdul Hadi Che Man and Dr Annuar Mohamed director of the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) office in Penang.
They were received by Captain David Hudson and his crew.
The 3,000-passenger capacity Queen Anne had previously made a stopover in Singapore before continuing its 107-night world cruise, which covers over 30 destinations across 20 countries. Upcoming ports of call include Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia, Senegal, and the Canary Islands, before concluding in Southampton on April 27, 2025.
Malaysia Strengthens Its Position as a Premier Cruise Destination – Adding to the excitement, the Norwegian Sun is scheduled to dock in Penang on March 30, 2025, further boosting Malaysia’s reputation as a prime cruise hub. The ship is currently on a 17-night transoceanic voyage from Singapore to Cape Town, with stops at Port Louis (Mauritius) and Port of Durban (South Africa), carrying approximately 3,950 passengers.
SPCT has been experiencing steady growth in cruise tourism, welcoming renowned cruise liners such as Azamara Pursuit, MS Blue Dream Melody, AIDAStella, and Norwegian Sky. In 2024, the terminal handled over 1 million passengers, including 650,518 international transit passengers and 4,840 homeport passengers.
A Look Inside the Queen Anne – As the first new Cunard ship in over a decade, Queen Anne was built by Fincantieri and debuted in May 2024. The luxury liner boasts world-class facilities, including:
Britannia Restaurant – Offering exquisite fine dining
Royal Court Theatre – A grand two-deck performance venue
The Grand Atrium – A stunning three-deck centerpiece of the ship
The Queen Anne’s arrival in Malaysia marks an exciting chapter in the country’s cruise tourism industry, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global cruise market.
