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Penang Port handles some of the largest cruise vessels in the world at Swettenham Pier with a nice terminal in Georgetown on Penang Island. This is close to Beach Street, Weld Quay, Clock Tower and Esplanade.

At times you will be anchored and tendered in to town, if more than 2 ships are expected.

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Monthly Climate Averages for Penang Malaysia

Sightseeing:

Penang (Malay: Pulau Pinang) is an island off the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is also the name of the Malaysian state which is made up of Penang Island and the facing strip of territory on the mainland called Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley).

Penang is one of Malaysia's main tourist draws. Its beaches are a little lackluster when compared with those in some other Malaysian states, but this is more than compensated by the island's rich multicultural history which is full of colonial and Chinese influences. Penang is also well known for being the "food paradise" of Malaysia if not the whole of Asia.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

The old town is very walkable .

If getting a taxi, do so INSIDE the terminal as they are 'somewhat' regulated. Taxis are available immediately outside the terminal but will charge twice as much.

Take a funicular railway ride up the Mountain to see the old British Traders gracious homes, and marvel at the coolness, and the views.

Getting around Penang can be a minor hassle, as buses tend to be poorly signposted and infrequent; The free bus and city busses are the same vehicle, one's just a little more crowded Take the #204 to Kek Loc Si for 2RM then continue on to Penang Hill for 1.4RM before returning to Little India or beach for 2RM. The free bus travels throughput CBD but does not go to either site.

By trishaw: These three-wheeled vehicles might be the best idea for a pleasant city tour. One can stop at any point to take photo or buy souvenirs. Negotiate the fare first before get on the trishaw; it is advisable to hire them by the hour for extended sightseeing.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

Food tasting - Penang is popular among Malaysians for a huge variety of local food such as Char Kwey Teow, Penang Laksa and Nasi Kandar, which are found almost practically everywhere in the Island. However, the best place to go "food hopping" would be Macalister Road. For the most well-known Char Kwey Toew, try "Sister's Chow Koay Teow" at Lorong Selamat.

The three most popular shopping malls in Penang would be Gurney Plaza, Prangin Mall and Queensbay, which houses a full range of fashionable goods and necessity items. If you crave the unusual, head on down to the flea market at Lorong Kulit, which is open from morning until around 2:00pm daily. If mingling with the masses is your idea of fun, check out the pasar malam (night market) along Batu Ferringhi for some inexpensive shopping and dining, gets more interesting during weekends.

The Malaysian currency is the ringgit.

ATMs are widely available in cities, but do stock up on cash if heading out into the smaller islands or the jungle. Credit cards can be used in most shops, restaurants and hotels, although skimming can be a problem in dodgier outlets.

Tipping is not customary in Malaysia. However, hotel porters and taxi drivers will appreciate a small tip if you have been provided with exemplary service. Most expensive restaurants, bars and hotels may indicate prices in the form of RM19++, meaning that sales tax (5%) and service charge (10%) will be added to the bill.

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Communication:

The sole official language of Malaysia is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). English is also taught in schools and widely spoken in the cities although in rural areas a little Malay will come in handy.

Broadband Internet is available in most hotels, cafes which offer free WiFi for customers, and some restaurants and cafes. Both cable broadband and wireless broadband (available in hot spots areas such as Starbucks and McDonald's) are available.

Emergency numbers All type of emergency 999; From mobile phone - 999 or 112

Opening Hours and Holidays:

In general shops open from 10.30am till 9.30pm in the large cities. They open and close for business earlier in the smaller towns and rural areas.

For a list of public holidays click here .

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CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Georgetown Penang cruise port

Cruise ships dock at the Swettenham pier in Georgetown, Penang. This cruise dock offers a cruise terminal with several facilities and is located close to the city center of Georgetown. Read the full Penang cruise port guide to know all about what to see and do in port.

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal

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Things to Do near Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal

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• Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour
• Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town
• Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour
• Penang: Flexible 6-Hours Highlights
• Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak
• (1.33 km) Panpuri Organic Spa Penang
• (0.66 km) The Royale Spa
• (0.93 km) Legacy Spa
• (4.35 km) Danai Wellness Boutique @ Tanjung Tokong
• (5.44 km) Danai Wellness Boutique @Precint 10
• Discover over 1,000 restaurants near Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal
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The city’s landmarks range from the colonial-era Fort Cornwallis and the 60-foot Clock Tower on the waterfront Esplanade to the mighty Komtar Tower, and Georgetown has a fabulous choice of places to eat, drink and shop. Batu Feringhi, northwest of Georgetown, was Malaysia’s first international resort area, and with fine sand, accommodation to suit all budgets, nightlife, watersports and good shopping, it remains one of the region’s most popular and best-equipped beach destinations. Penang Bridge, the island’s road link to the mainland, was completed in 1988 – stretching 13.5 km (8.5 miles) from Gelugor on Penang to Seberang Prai in Malaysia, it is the longest bridge in South East Asia, and it is currently claimed to be the third longest bridge in the world.

Penang's cuisine shows typical signs as the rest of Malaysian food: multicultural influences and a huge variety. Several specialities originate from multiple ethic touches but do expect plenty of herbs and spices. Below you will find the best places to eat in Penang, Malaysia:

Being that close to the beach with sunny weather nearly all year long, grabbing a coffee in Penang might refer to having only an ice-cold one. However, there are coffee shops dotted across the whole city that offer hot beverages and tasty desserts as well as smaller refreshments.

Bars & Nightlife

Nightlife in Penang is happening, and it is hot: weekends mean nightclubs, pubs, bars, and karaoke, and there are many places to go if you want to dance the night away. Georgetown, however, is the party hub with many party options awaiting you.

Penang has everything from antique stores selling Chinese and colonial relics to air-conditioned malls and night markets where you can buy designer brands, cheap clothes and colourful beach wear. Let these markets surprise you.

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Penang, Malaysia Cruise Ships Schedule

Pulau Penang Island (Georgetown), Malaysia  cruise calendar 2023 provides the opportunity to search arrival and departure schedules of cruise ships arriving in port. The timetable displays dates and times of the cruise ships docking at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal is based on the major cruise lines itineraries.  Please note, the following cruise ship schedule is created on regularly updated itineraries from the  world's leading cruise lines.

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Penang Cruise Ship Schedule For 2022

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Cruises to Penang, Malaysia

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Penang Cruise Port guide

See the best of Southeast Asia and the beautiful Malaysian coast on a Penang cruise with Celebrity. The island of Penang is a vibrant mix of the many layers of culture and history that make Malaysia so unique. The region is known for its tropical setting, Hindu-inspired Buddhist temples, historic forts and villages, and its bustling port city of George Town. Penang boasts European colonial, Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian cultural influences that seep into every part of its colorful charm. 

Visit ornately adorned temples showcasing both Hindu and Buddhist iconography, or admire colorful shophouses protected by UNESCO. Relax on sunny beaches just a few miles from the port. Shop for Chinese and Malay antiques in one of George Town’s markets. Explore the wonders of local nature preserves, and sample delicious food blending Chinese, Malay and Indian influences, as well as local fusion dishes. Experience Penang in style on a luxury cruise to Southeast Asia with Celebrity Cruises.

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Top sites & attractions for cruises to penang, kek lok si temple.

The Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and the center for many religious pilgrims who make the journey each year from all over Asia to visit. The temple is famous for its striking, seven-story pagoda which towers over brightly-colored terraced buildings, many of which date back to the late 1800s. The Kek Lok Si Temple has a mix of Chinese, Thai, and Malay influences, and is considered an iconic representation of both the region’s diverse contemporary culture and history.

Clan Jetties of Penang

The Clan Jetties of Penang comprise stilt houses built over the water on long, narrow walkways. They feature rustic homes, small trinket shops and food stalls, and well-preserved facades. Penang’s Clan Jetties originated as homes for many of the city’s Chinese clans and were some of the first Chinese settlements on the island. There are considered cultural heritage sites in Penang, and there are six that still stand today, accessible by foot just south of the cruise terminal.

Gurney Drive

If you’re looking for modern urban shopping, a glittering skyline, and some of the best dining options in Penang, then a visit to Gurney Drive is a must. This popular seafront esplanade in George Town runs along the city’s waterfront and is ideal for a stroll by day, or a night out on the town. If street food is on your agenda, you’ll find some of the best in Malaysia at the many hawker stalls along Gurney Drive. There are also many traditional and upscale dining options available, including restaurants with sea and skyline views that offer more refined cuisine.

Things to Do in Penang

Visit fort cornwallis.

The British colonial influence on Penang is present in many ways, and none is more iconic than the former seaside military fortress of Fort Cornwallis. Built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century, this well-preserved fort is popular with visitors who want a first-hand glimpse of Penang’s colonial past and learn about the spice trade and subsequent conflicts. The fort has an authentic drawbridge as well as a statue that pays tribute to its founder, Sir Francis Light. Local legend says that placing flowers in the cannons at Fort Cornwallis will bring fertility, so if you see them during your tour, be mindful of the tradition.

Tour the Tropical Spice Garden

At first, these gardens appear to be more like a nature preserve or national park, but within them grow some of the most valuable spices on earth. The gardens are home to over 500 different tropical plant species. The herbs and spices that are grown and cultivated here have shaped the deep traditional flavors in the local cuisine and are part of the region’s cultural and culinary heritage. Book a cooking class at the Tropical Spice Garden to get a fabulous hands-on experience and tease your taste buds with some authentic Malay dishes.

Travel by Tram Up Penang Hill

For unbeatable panoramic views of the city and its lush green surroundings, take a ride on the tram up Penang Hill. The Penang Hill railway is one of the oldest funicular trams in the world, and offers a unique perspective from an altitude of over 2,500 feet, with sweeping views across George Town to the distant mainland. From the top, cooled by gentle breezes, you can take a short or long hike through one of the hill’s nature trails, looking out for lemurs, colorful birds and dazzling butterflies, or visit the nearby Botanical Gardens.

Top Food and Drink Near the Penang Port

On a Penang cruise, you’ll get to taste some of the most diverse cuisines in Asia, with flavors and styles from all over the region on offer. Near the port in George Town, you’ll find excellent Chinese dim sum, traditional Malaysian street food like Char Koay Teow noodles, and Malay-Chinese fusion restaurants. There are authentic Indian restaurants in George Town’s Little India district, too, just a few minutes away from the cruise terminal. Be sure to try a cool and refreshing Teh O Ais Limau, or iced lime tea, before ending your stay.

Culture & History of Penang

Penang’s culture and history have been influenced by the island’s roots as a former international spice trading hub. Much of Penang’s modern history was defined by the British East India Company, which purchased the island from the Sultanate of Kedah in the late 18th century. Contemporary life in Penang is a mix of modern maritime commerce, tourism, and local Malay traditions. There is also a heavy Chinese influence and a large community of Indian and other Asian cultures that share the island as their home. English and Chinese are widely spoken as second or third languages, and ancient Malay culture is still honored and prominent throughout the island as well.

Penang Port Facilities and Location

The Penang cruise port is located at Swettenham Pier, just blocks from some of the main attractions in the capital, George Town, such as Weld Quay, Beach Street, and the Jubilee Clock Tower. The port facilities have convenient access to water ferries, taxis, and shuttles right out front of the cruise terminal.

Transportation in Penang

Penang has many options for transportation, and all are available conveniently outside of the cruise terminal and around the center of George Town. There are many options for group travel via shuttle or bus if needed. If you prefer to travel by taxi, try to book one while inside the terminal. For a really fun local experience, take a ride on a pedal-powered rickshaw, or trishaw, to get around the center of town.

Shopping Near the Penang Cruise Port

You’ll find lots of great shopping options near the port while on a Penang cruise. Head to Gurney Plaza for higher-end fashion brands and electronics shopping, or peruse the many souvenir stalls that line the jetties, specializing in Chinese goods and trinkets. Look out for spices, preserved tropical fruits, silks, and batik. For a unique shopping experience, visit the flea market at Lorong Kulit, but make sure to go early, as it closes each day in the early afternoon.

Local Currency & Tipping Options

The local currency in Penang is the Malaysian ringgit. You’ll find plenty of ATMs and banks within the central area of George Town where you can withdraw cash, but fewer as you go out into the countryside. It’s recommended to use cash when you can, as skimming can often happen with cards in certain areas, and small vendors may not accept card payments for low-priced purchases. Tipping is not customary, however many taxi and rickshaw drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides are accustomed to receiving small tips from visitors who find their service accommodating.

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World's largest private cruise ship docks in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: The world's largest privately-owned residential cruise ship has docked in Penang for the next two days.

State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the cruise, dubbed "MS The World," would stay at the Penang cruise terminal for two days before departing for Langkawi on Tuesday (May 14) night.

He said the ship docked in Penang at 2pm on Sunday (May 12) and would depart at 11pm on Tuesday (May 14).

"This cruise serves as a lavish retreat for individuals and their families as it sails across the world's seas," he said.

"This extraordinary vessel houses 165 ultra-luxurious apartments, which arrived in Penang after it departed its last port of call at Koh Phi Phi, Thailand.

"Its next destination will be Langkawi," he said in a statement on Sunday (May 12).

Wong said its arrival was a momentous occasion in the state, marking a significant milestone for Penang.

"It solidifies our position as a premier destination for luxury maritime travel.

"Situated strategically in Southeast Asia, Penang stands out as a prime destination for cruise liners traversing the region.

"Serving as a key port city, the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in George Town showcases Penang's dedication to providing world-class facilities and services tailored to cruise tourists," he said.

MS The World is a private residential cruise ship operated like a condominium complex, with large apartments that can be purchased. Residents from many countries can live on board as the ship travels.

Some residents choose to live on board full-time, while others visit periodically throughout the year.

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• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
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• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
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• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
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