Hwajing Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. has announced a new partnership with Astro Ocean Cruise to bring the Chinese cruise ship, M/V Piano Land, to Malaysia. The ship is set to make its maiden voyage on 30 November 2025 and will be the first Chinese cruise ship to be homeported in the country.
The cruise itineraries will include a 3-day, 2-night route between Penang and Port Klang, and a 4-day, 3-night itinerary covering Penang, Langkawi, and Port Klang. Embarkation will be available from either Penang or Port Klang.
The agreement was signed by Kenny Cheong, managing director of Hwajing, and Jian-feng Tong, vice president of Astro Ocean Cruise, during a ceremony at the Penang Port Commission. It was witnessed by Dato' Yeoh Soon Hin, chairman of the Penang Port Commission and deputy chairman of Tourism Malaysia.
M/V Piano Land can accommodate up to 1,760 passengers, offering Asian-centric dining, entertainment, and family-friendly amenities for regional travellers.
“In line with Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke’s vision to position Malaysia as a premier homeport destination, we are committed to driving the nation’s cruise tourism agenda forward,” said Dato’ Yeoh.
Cheong noted the significance of the milestone as Hwajing celebrates its 36th anniversary. “We look forward to playing a key role in developing Malaysia into a thriving homeport hub for international cruises,” he said.
The M/V Piano Land has a gross tonnage of 70,000 and can carry 1,760 passengers. It features 880 cabins, halal and international dining options, Broadway-style shows, wellness centres, shopping arcades, and family-friendly facilities.
A special 6-night New Year Countdown Cruise will also sail from Port Klang to Singapore, Nha Trang, and Hong Kong, ending with fireworks over the Hong Kong skyline.
Tong added, “We believe its unique ‘culture and cruise’ model will effectively stimulate cruise travel demand in Malaysia and surrounding markets.”
Sailing itineraries:
30 November, 2025 - 3D2N Penang - Port Klang - Penang (Sun)
02 December, 2025 - 3D2N Penang - Port Klang - Penang (Tue)
04 December, 2025 - 3D2N Penang - Port Klang - Penang (Thu)
06 December, 2025 - 3D2N Penang - Port Klang - Penang (Sat)
11 December, 2025 - 3D2N Penang - Port Klang - Penang (Thu)
08 December, 2025 - 4D3N Penang - Langkawi - Port Klang - Penang (Mon)
13 December, 2024 - 4D3N Penang - Langkawi - Port Klang - Penang (Sat)