Malaysia has marked an important development in its regional cruise strategy with the maiden voyage of the M/V Piano Land, the first Chinese-operated cruise ship to be homeported in the country. The vessel’s inaugural call at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) was observed with a formal welcome and flag-raising ceremony, signalling Malaysia’s intention to reinforce its position as a growing cruise hub in Southeast Asia.
The arrival of the ship is regarded as a strategic step in strengthening Malaysia’s presence in Muslim-friendly and family-focused cruise markets. As the flagship of Astro Ocean Cruises, the Piano Land represents China’s first independently operated luxury cruise ship and reflects the company’s shift from domestic deployment to wider international routes.
Originally built for the European market and christened by Queen Elizabeth II, the 70,000-ton vessel retains its British architectural character while integrating service and amenities designed for Asian travellers. Its introduction underscores China’s continued progress in developing its own cruise industry and its ambition to project cultural tourism abroad.
The ceremony at Port Klang brought together several senior figures, among them Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia; Chua Yee Ling, CEO of Tourism Selangor; Cheong Ken Lee, Founder of Hwajing Travel & Tours; and Ean Yong Hian Wah, Chairman of the Port Klang Authority.
As part of the maritime traditions observed during a ship’s first homeport call, a plaque exchange took place between Dato’ Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, Chairman of PKCT, and Hou Rubo, Chairman of the Piano Land. A second exchange with Ean Yong Hian Wah followed, symbolising the vessel’s formal welcome and the strengthening of cooperation between Malaysian authorities and their international cruising partners.
Dato’ Azman Shah Mohd Yusof noted that the decision to homeport the ship in Malaysia was viewed by PKCT as evidence of a longstanding partnership between Hwajing Travel & Tours, Astro Ocean Cruises, and the terminal’s management, and that it supports Malaysia’s wider ambition to establish itself as ASEAN’s principal gateway for cruise tourism. In the same spirit, Kenny Cheong, Managing Director of Hwajing Travel & Tours, indicated that the deployment of the Piano Land was regarded by the company as confirmation of its efforts to broaden access to cruise travel for passengers throughout Malaysia and the wider region as it observes its 36th year in operation.