CHINA’S first independently operated luxury cruise ship and the flagship vessel of Astro Ocean Cruise, MV Piano Land, set sail on her maiden voyage over the weekend (CW 01 Dec). The 1,760-passenger ship’s debut was commemorated with a special welcome reception and flag-raising ceremony held at the Port Klang Cruise...
CHINA’S first independently operated luxury cruise ship and the flagship vessel of Astro Ocean Cruise, MV Piano Land, set sail on her maiden voyage over the weekend (CW 01 Dec).
The 1,760-passenger ship’s debut was commemorated with a special welcome reception and flag-raising ceremony held at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) in Malaysia.
As the first Chinese cruise ship to be homeported in the country thanks to a partnership between Astro Ocean Cruise Line and Hwajing Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, MV Piano’s debut marks a major milestone for Malaysia’s cruise tourism ambitions.
The 70,000-ton ship will offer two-night sailings between Penang and Port Klang, and three-night cruises visiting Penang, Langkawi, and Port Klang.
On board, guests will find 880 cabins, halal and international dining options, Broadway-style shows, wellness centres, shopping arcades, kids’ clubs, recreational facilities, and more.
PKCT Chairman, YBhg. Dato’ Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, explained the decision to homeport in Malaysia “further strengthens Malaysia’s ambition to become ASEAN’s leading gateway for cruise tourism, offering a diverse range of cruise segments and experiences”.
Kenny Cheong, Managing Director of Hwajing Travel & Tours, added that the arrival of MV Piano Land “reaffirms our commitment to making cruise holidays more accessible and enriching for travellers across Malaysia and Southeast Asia”. JM
