Penang is set to welcome a new addition to its waterfront offerings, with Malaysia’s first luxury dining cruise — the Penang Princess — targeted for completion and launch in 2027.

The project moved a step closer after Ocean World Cruises Berhad signed an MoU with Viet Princess Cruiser Corporation, Vietnam Shipbuilding Engineering Group (VISEC), and Ships Classification Malaysia (SCM). In short, the team behind this ship brings serious maritime and design experience to the table.

The Penang Princess will be a 61.58-metre vessel offering fine dining, entertainment, cultural performances, and sightseeing along the Straits of Malacca. The interiors, designed by award-winning Vietnamese designer Ngo Thi Quynh Nga, will mix British colonial touches with Oriental details — a nod to Penang’s multicultural roots.

At the signing ceremony, Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin — who is both Tourism Malaysia’s deputy chairman and chairman of the Penang Port Commission — called this a “new chapter” for Penang’s maritime tourism. According to him, Penang has always shined on land, and it’s time for visitors to experience the island from a different angle: the sea.

Beyond the lifestyle appeal, the project also carries economic weight. The cruise is expected to create jobs in hospitality, maritime operations, events, entertainment, and various supply-chain sectors. It also aims to draw higher-value visitors and position Penang as a regional player in luxury maritime tourism.

Interestingly, the idea didn’t start from building a grand cruise ship right away. Back in 2020, Ocean World Cruises founder Kenny Nye explored turning Penang’s old ferries into a floating restaurant. When that wasn’t feasible, he shifted to a bigger vision — building a fully seaworthy dining cruise from scratch. His research trips overseas eventually connected him with Truong Quang Cuong, a pioneer in river and dining cruises in Vietnam, who brought decades of experience into the project.

Construction will take around two years and involves a multi-million-dollar investment. VISEC, known for its naval architecture expertise, will handle the ship design and engineering, while SCM will ensure the vessel meets international maritime safety and environmental standards.

When completed, the Penang Princess is set to host everything from sea weddings and corporate galas to cultural showcases and high-end tourism events — adding a new layer to Penang’s evolving waterfront lifestyle.