The Discovery Princess cruise ship made its maiden call at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT), carrying approximately 3,660 passengers and 1,300 crew members.
To commemorate the visit, a plaque exchange ceremony was held between Captain Tony Ruggero and Penang Port Chairman Dato Yeoh Soon Hin.
Yeoh added that the Penang Port Commission (PPC), as the Port Authority and Regulatory Body, remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring smooth embarkation and disembarkation processes at SPCT — efforts that continue to enhance Penang’s reputation as a premier cruise destination and encourage future cruise visits.
“Using a conservative estimate of USD 100 in direct spend per person, this visit represents approximately USD 383,700, which converts to about RM 1,603,000. That immediate injection directly benefits local businesses across hospitality, retail, transport, food and beverage, and tourism services, putting revenue into the hands of taxi drivers, stall owners, tour guides, hoteliers and artisans across Penang.
“The arrival of world-class liners such as the Discovery Princess brings significant economic benefits to local communities and businesses, driving tourism growth and further strengthening Penang’s position on the global cruise map,” said Yeoh.
The Discovery Princess is currently sailing on a 29-night itinerary between Seattle and Singapore, following its summer season in Alaska.
The month-long repositioning voyage departed from North America in late September, featuring stops at four Alaskan ports before crossing the Pacific. For its Asia debut, the ship visited Shimizu, Kochi, and Kagoshima in Japan; Keelung in Taiwan; Nha Trang in Vietnam; and Hong Kong, before calling at Penang.
Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Discovery Princess can accommodate 3,600 guests and previously spent its maiden season sailing in Alaska, along the U.S. West Coast, and the Mexican Riviera.