GEORGE TOWN: After a hiatus of two years, international cruise liner Spectrum of the Seas will call on the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) on June 11.

       Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) liner with a capacity of 4,000 passengers will be here from Singapore, after making a stop at Port Klang on June 8 before leaving for Phuket.

       "The trip will further enhance the economic and tourism sector of Penang as SPCT has been regarded as a renowned international cruise terminal in the region.

       "Since February 2020 when the world was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, international cruise liners have stopped sailing which means none called on SPCT for the last two years.

       "I am confident more international cruise liners will call on SPCT in the future which will bring a major revival of the tourism industry and bring immense benefits to all layers of the community," said Tan on his Facebook after handing over Hari Raya goodies and hampers to PPC at SPCT.

       He said all business sectors from food, handicraft, jewellery, taxis, trishaws, buses and souvenirs shops will benefit when the cruise liners call on SPCT.

       "June is going to be the beginning where we will welcome cruise passengers and revive the cruise tourism industry and achieve a robust port and economic development.”

       Penang Port has completed its first phase of RM155mil development of SPCT with the terminal berthing area able to accomodate two Oasis-class vessels at the same time.

       The wharf would now be able to handle 12,000 passengers from the existing 8,000.

       SPCT holds a special appeal as a port-of-call for cruise ships because upon disembarking, passengers will find themselves standing inside a Unesco World Heritage Site. Cruise ship arrivals are vital to Penang's tourism industry.