In a significant boost for Malaysia’s cruise tourism ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, Hwajing Travel & Tours will bring the Adora Mediterranea to Port Klang for a dedicated homeport season later this year. This deployment represents Adora Cruises’ inaugural overseas homeport operation and marks the third international cruise homeport initiative by Hwajing Travel from Port Klang, following prior charters of Costa Serena in 2024 and MV Piano Land in 2025.
The announcement was made during ITB China 2026, held in Shanghai, emphasizing Malaysia’s ambition to establish Port Klang as a regional cruise hub, thereby enhancing accessibility for Malaysian travelers to cruise vacations.
The Adora Mediterranea, a newly upgraded “Art Ship,” accommodates up to 2,680 passengers across 12 decks, featuring Mediterranean-themed interiors, a variety of international dining options, live entertainment, and family-friendly amenities. For its deployment in Malaysia, the cruise will provide Muslim-friendly meal options and staff fluent in Mandarin, English, and Malay.
Kenny Cheong, Managing Director of Hwajing Travel, noted that this collaboration demonstrates the growing strength of China’s cruise industry and aims to offer a unique Muslim-friendly cruise experience tailored for regional travelers.
All eight scheduled sailings from November 24 to December 14, 2026, will set off directly from Port Klang, featuring shorter regional routes to Penang, Langkawi, and Phuket, as well as a longer one-way journey to Guangzhou. Pricing for packages starts at RM499 for a three-day, two-night trip to Penang, while a six-day, five-night itinerary from Port Klang to Nha Trang and Guangzhou begins at RM1,299.
This initiative aligns with the robust recovery of Southeast Asia’s cruise tourism sector post-pandemic, with regional operators increasingly viewing Malaysia as a strategic departure point due to its connectivity and the rising demand for short-haul travel options.
Source: BusinessToday Malaysia
