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Tourism malaysia strengthens commitment to the global cruising industry at seatrade cruise global 2024.

MIAMI , April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia is setting its sights on the cruise tourism industry for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026. In 2023, Malaysia witnessed unprecedented cruise arrival figures, with its ports welcoming 1,055 cruise ships carrying 1,520,608 passengers—an 84.78% rise in ship arrivals and a 62.43% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2019 pre-pandemic rates.

As a burgeoning tourism hub in Southeast Asia , Malaysia presently serves as the homeport for two cruise lines operating from Port Klang in Kuala Lumpur , with plans for further expansion in the future. Marking a historic milestone in Malaysia's aspiration to emerge as a premier homeporting destination, the maiden voyage of the Costa Serena departed from Port Klang in January 2024 . Costa Serena is the latest addition to Kuala Lumpur's list of cruise partners choosing it as their homeport. With this, cruise tourism emerges as a key sector in elevating Malaysia's global appeal, in line with the destination's promotional plans toward Visit Malaysia 2026, the nation's upcoming campaign to welcome 35.6 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2026.

To advance these promotional plans and in line with the National Transport Policy (NTP) 2019-2030, a delegation from Malaysia led by The Honorable Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia is attending the Seatrade Cruise Global 2024, from April 8 to 11, 2024 , at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida , USA. Attendees are invited to visit booth #311 to engage with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and its port authorities to gain insights into the destination's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and wealth of natural and cultural attractions.

As part of efforts to promote Malaysia as a homeporting destination, besides actively engaging media interviews and discussion sessions, The Honorable Minister of Transport will deliver a keynote address titled "Malaysia Truly Asia: Malaysia Cruise Tourism" and will use this platform to highlight the advantages and potential of Malaysia as an attractive cruise destination. Malaysia's presence as a homeporting destination will not only strengthen the country's tourism industry but will also provide significant impetus to the local economy, including tourism-related sectors such as hospitality, tourism services, food and beverage businesses, and others.

"We are again thrilled to be part of Seatrade Cruise Global. This event provides an excellent platform to highlight Malaysia's potential as a homeport and to forge valuable connections with industry leaders. We look forward to engaging with the global cruise community and inviting them to experience the wonders of Malaysia , especially in developing suitable cruise tourism trips and packages into Malaysia ", said Mr. Akbal Setia , the Vice President of Tourism Malaysia - Americas.

Malaysia's participation in the world's leading cruise industry event highlights its dedication to harnessing the sector's potential as a driver for economic growth and bolstering Malaysia's status as a preferred global tourist destination towards its Visit Malaysia 2026.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene.

The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation's tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia's social media accounts on  Facebook , Instagram ,  Twitter ,  YouTube , and  TikTok .

Media contact on behalf of Tourism Malaysia US

Louise O'Brien , Trove Tourism, +1 917 836 1794 , [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tourism-malaysia-strengthens-commitment-to-the-global-cruising-industry-at-seatrade-cruise-global-2024-302112822.html

SOURCE Tourism Malaysia US

Costa Serena to Homeport in Malaysia in 2024

• October 4, 2023

The Costa Serena is scheduled to homeport in Malaysia in early 2024.

After concluding its first season in India, the cruise ship will offer three sailings departing from Port Klang in January.

The program is part of a “pilot charter service” by Hwajing Travel & Tours in partnership with Costa Cruises, according to local media reports.

With the Malaysian travel agencies serving as the sole retailer of the sailings, the Costa Serena is scheduled to arrive in Port Klang on January 17.

For its first roundtrip departure from the new homeport, the 2007-built vessel offers a two-night cruise to Penang.

The Costa Serena then offers two additional cruises from Port Klang on January 19 and January 22. Sailing for three nights, the itineraries feature a visit to Phuket, in addition to Penang.

According to TTG Asia, the program has the support of Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport, which expressed its enthusiasm with the vessel homeporting in a national port.

Currently sailing from Taiwan, the Costa Serena is currently the only vessel sailing in Asia for Italy-based Costa Cruises.

After resuming service in May , the 3,000-guest ship has been offering different programs in the region, serving local markets in Taiwan, South Korea and Thailand.

Starting in November, the Costa Serena is also scheduled to offer domestic cruising in India, with a series of itineraries departing from Mumbai .

Operated in partnership with an Indian travel operator, the program includes 23 cruises to Goa, Cochin, the Lakshadweep Islands and more.

Currently one of the oldest ships in Costa Cruises fleet, the Costa Serena originally entered service in 2007.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 112,000-ton vessel has been dedicated to China and other Asian markets since 2015.

With a series of amenities – including a large wellness center, three pool decks and several restaurants –, the Serena features a themed interior design that draws inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek mythology.

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MALAYSIA EXPRESSES INTEREST IN HOSTING SEATRADE CRUISE ASIA 2026

PUTRAJAYA, April 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has expressed interest in hosting the Seatrade Cruise Asia 2026 to demonstrate its commitment to promoting the cruise industry as a potential economic catalyst for the country, according to the Ministry of Transport (MOT)

It said Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who was the first Malaysian Transport Minister to attend the annual Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 in Miami, Florida, announced the intention at the the four-day conference from April 8.

"The Transport Minister has conveyed Malaysia's seriousness to become a major cruise destination when attending the Seatrade Cruise Global 2024," the ministry said in a statement today.

Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 drew cruise professionals from 80 cruise line brands representing 120 countries.

It said Loke also invited cruise ship operators attending the conference to leverage Malaysia's cruise port infrastructure, including the Langkawi Cruise Terminal, Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in Penang, Port Klang Cruise Terminal, Melaka International Cruise Terminal, as well as several ports in Sabah and Sarawak. 

The ministry said the cruise industry can assist in the development of green supply chains in Malaysia, including shore power and green bunkering, in line with the target of achieving net-zero emissions under the International Maritime Organisation's Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships.

It was also announced that the ministry is closely collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to position Malaysia as a selected homeport destination in the Asia-Pacific region.

“This collaboration is established considering the rapid growth in cruise tourism demand in China and the emerging trend in India.

"The cultural diversity of Malaysia and the ASEAN region can indeed offer an attractive vacation experience to tourists from China and India," the statement read.

The ministry is optimistic that the rapid growth of cruise tourism will have a positive impact on the economy through retail, food and beverage, and hospitality sectors in the country, it added.

-- BERNAMA

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Malaysia Cruises

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Luxury Cruises to Malaysia

Cruises to Malaysia bring you up close to tropical jungles, thrilling outdoor adventures, the best beaches, and vibrant, exciting cities that offer an eclectic Southeast Asian experience to be remembered. This beautiful country is famous for its natural splendor and balance between island life, cosmopolitan cities, incredible food, and cultural and religious diversity.

As well as visiting Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, you’ll sail to the exquisite island regions of Penang and Langkawi. From rainforest treks to beach days, ancient temples, and centuries-old markets, you'll enjoy the best of Southeast Asia and its many wonders with an unforgettable luxury cruise to Malaysia with Celebrity Cruises.

Malaysia Cruise Highlights

Malls and markets in kuala lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is one of the region’s top shopping destinations with endless options to choose from. There are over 50 shopping malls in the city as well as outdoor markets, street vendors, and bespoke clothing stores and tailors. Head to Suria KLCC for luxury brand shopping with over 300 stores to choose from. Walk the busy Petaling Street in Chinatown where you’ll find handmade bags, jewelry, souvenirs, and clothing at the many tiny shops.

Tropical Islands

On the Malay island of Penang and archipelago of Langkawi, you’ll explore biodiverse natural parks, small island fishing villages, and some of the best beaches in all of Malaysia. Take in local Malaysian culture at your own pace as you hop from island to island and see what makes each stop unique and memorable.

A Cultural Melting Pot

Malaysia is famous for its blended cultures and religions, with Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures intertwining to make up one of the most interesting mixes of people and traditions on Earth. You’ll find mosques and Buddhist holy sites that share the same neighborhood, as well as colorful Hindu temples. Malaysia’s cuisine, as a result of this cultural blend, is unique, featuring a range of excitingly spicy, tangy dishes.

Malaysia Cruise Ports

Langkawi is a dreamy island destination offering abundant natural beauty, beaches, and activities for the whole family. Learn about sustainable farming and sample delicious local jackfruit, mangoes, and pungent durian on a trip to the MARDI Langkawi Agro Technology Park. Hike to the Durian Perangin waterfalls, where you can picnic on the nearby rocks or take a swim in the natural plunge pool at its base. See Langkawi’s more secluded, smaller islands by boat, learn about the island’s many myths and legends, and tour some of the best beaches off the beaten path.

Penang’s richly-layered culture and access to nature have long drawn travelers to this lush Malaysian paradise. Explore the street art scene with a stroll down Beach Street in George Town. Take your senses to new heights on the glass-bottomed Rainbow Skywalk in Penang’s largest tower, an entertainment-themed complex known as “The Top”. End your visit with a tropical cocktail as you relax on the sand at the secluded Monkey Beach in Penang National Park. 

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a Southeast Asian mega-city that boasts efficient transportation, incredible food, and a fascinating melting pot of Malaysian culture and history against a decidedly modern backdrop. Gaze over the skyscraper-studded skyline and lush green surroundings from the observation deck near the top of the Petronas Towers, among the world’s tallest buildings. Admire the majestic colored facade and learn about the Hindu history of Kuala Lumpur at the Sri Mahamariamman, the oldest temple of its kind in the city. Before heading back on board, sample some delicious street foods like the Tamil-inspired nasi kandar, made with steamed curried rice, chicken, cinnamon, and anise

Malaysia Cruise Itineraries

Depart from Singapore; Mumbai, India; or Benoa, Bali on a 12-night cruise to Malaysia and the surrounding region. These cruises typically stop at six ports and cover a wide area in Southeast Asia with four or five days at sea to enjoy the ship. All itineraries include overnight stays, so you can see more, do more, and immerse yourself in these fabulous destinations.

Itineraries

Why cruise to malaysia with celebrity cruises.

Sailing through Southeast Asia on a Malaysia cruise with Celebrity brings you the best in luxury, service, world-class destinations, and attention to detail. The revolutionized Celebrity Millennium offers exceptional comfort. At The Retreat, you’ll indulge in exclusive suites, dining, and lounge access. Book a rejuvenating body treatment or massage at The Spa. Head to The Martini Bar to shake things up with a craft cocktail, then take in a sunset followed by a starlit film at the open-air movie theater on the Rooftop Terrace.

You’ll visit destinations that inspire, with a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Shop for trinkets on the Chinese Clan Jetties in Penang. Admire Kuala Lumpur’s futuristic skyline from the Petronas Towers. Explore the lush islands of Langkawi. All while cruising in complete luxury.

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Breaking news, third disney cruise crew member arrested on child porn charges this year.

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A Disney Cruise Line worker was arrested on child porn charges Monday — marking the third crew member employed by the kid-geared cruise company to be accused of the sick crime this year.

Tirso Neri, a 44-year-old crew member on the Disney Dream ship, was arrested by US Border Control and Homeland Security agents who discovered sexually explicit images and videos of girls as young as 9 on his phone, according to a criminal complaint.

Neri, of the Philippines, was charged with transportation of child pornography and possession of child pornography stemming from the December search of his two phones.

The federal agents boarded the Disney Dream ship when it arrived at the Fort Lauderdale-Port Everglades port in Florida from the Bahamas and conducted a search of the worker’s cabin, according to the complaint filed in the US Southern District of Florida.

The officers confiscated two phones that Neri had on him and discovered “numerous sexually explicit photographs and videos of young children whose ages could not be definitely determined.”

Later digging revealed that the cruise employee had a folder with the name of an apparent minor victim which contained several sexual and nude photos and videos of the minor along with a photo of her Philippines passport that revealed her date of birth.

The passport confirmed that she was 17 at the time the footage was taken, the complaint states.

Neri said that he downloads adult pornography and buys links containing the explicit content from different group chats on Telegram and Facebook Messenger in an interview with officers at Port Everglades.

He claimed that he received the folder with the images and videos of the 17-year-old girl from one of the group chats and saved it to his phone without looking at what was inside, according to the court document.

A forensic review of his phone later showed that the images were not only saved but viewed by the phone’s user.

Other videos later discovered on Neri’s phone allegedly show a boy, between 10 and 12, engaging in sex with a girl between 12 to 14 and a young girl naked with an adult man with the text “9 years old delicious” in Filipino written across the screen, the complaint states.

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Neri is being held at Broward Main Jail.

Two other Disney Cruise Line employees — Alvin Gonzales, 49, and Amiel Trazo, 28 — were each arrested and charged with felony possession of child pornography in January. Both men are also from the Philippines and worked aboard the Disney Dream, Local 10 News reported .

Disney Cruise Line did not immediately return a request for comment.

But a spokesperson for the company told the local Florida outlet that Neri is no longer an employee.

“In accordance with our zero-tolerance policy for this kind of alleged behavior, this individual is no longer with the company,” the spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday.

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US says Iran readying as many as 100 cruise missiles for possible strike on Israel, reports say

• The US expects Iran will carry out a number of strikes on Israel.
• President Joe Biden issued a warning to Iran, advising them against attacking.
• It comes after Israel killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp  officials in an airstrike in Syria.

The US expects Iran will carry out a number of strikes on Israel as tensions rise in the Middle East, a senior administration official and a source familiar with the intelligence said, per CNN .

One of the people said that US officials believe Iran could be readying as many as 100 cruise missiles for an attack, the report said. ABC News carried a similar report.

Both sources said Iran had been moving military assets, including drones and missiles, in preparation for a possible attack on the Jewish state.

Related stories

Iran's Revolutionary Guard also seized an Israeli-affiliated container ship near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, adding to the tensions in the region.

It comes after Israel killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) officials in an airstrike earlier this month.

"There is a real risk that Iranian-backed groups will intensify their targeting of US forces and Israel in response to this latest attack, leading to heightened escalations in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and possibly Jordan," Haid Haid, a consulting fellow in the think tank Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa Programme said in a report .

On Friday, the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah fired 40 rockets into Israel from its Lebanon base, some of which were shot down by Israel's Iron Dome defenses, reports said.

President Joe Biden issued a simple but stark warning to Iran following the reports, saying: "Don't," while also warning that he expected an attack "sooner than later."

"We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel," he added. "We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed."

The US has responded to the latest threat with plans to dispatch its warships, including the aircraft carrier the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, a cruiser, and two destroyers , closer to Israel, reports said.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have ramped up since Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip, following the October 7 terrorist attacks, when Hamas militants killed an estimated 1,200 people in Israel.

The Israeli counteroffensive has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

Watch: Israel bombards Lebanon and Gaza in retaliatory attack

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Norwegian cancels more than a dozen cruises on 7 ships in 2025

Norwegian Cruise Line canceled more than a dozen cruises on seven ships.

The sailings were scheduled to take place in 2025. The changes “are a result of varied events including the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and Israel, modified dry dock schedules for ship enhancements, a full ship charter, and lastly, to accommodate the demand for shorter close-to-home voyages to the Bahamas,” according to a spokesperson for the line.

The following itineraries were canceled:

• Norwegian Spirit: Jan. 21, 2025
• Norwegian Jade: Feb. 20 through and including March 24, 2025
• Norwegian Sky: April 19 through and including June 5, 2025
• Norwegian Star: May 17 through and including June 9, 2025
• Norwegian Viva: May 18 and 27, and Sep. 20 and 29, 2025
• Norwegian Pearl: Oct. 15, 2025
• Norwegian Epic: Nov. 1 and 11, 2025

“We are committed to providing exceptional vacation experiences, both aboard our ships and by taking our guests to some of the most sought-out destinations around the world,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “While we try to maintain original itineraries as much as possible, at times modifications are made to optimize the itinerary, enhance the guest experience or accommodate certain circumstances.”

Your cruise was canceled: Now what?

Guests whose cruises were impacted were given full refunds of their fare and a 10% discount in the form of a future cruise credit. The credit can be used on any of Norwegian’s published itineraries through Dec. 31, 2025.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].