Penang tourism exco Danny Law Heng Kiang said the arrivals would be a boon to tourism players, from tour guides and cab drivers to trishaw peddlers, who often wait outside the Swettenham Pier to pick up passengers for tours.

“The state government will organise a Cruise Fiesta for the passengers at Fort Cornwallis next to the pier.

“The fiesta will showcase cultural attractions Penang is known for, like our Chingay and lion dance performances, and our local cuisine and street food,” he told reporters today outside the pier.

The cruise liners coming in March include Diamond Princess, Star Clipper and Mein Schiff 1.

Earlier this morning, thousands of passengers on cruise liners Mariner of the Sea and AIDAbella arrived in Penang for a day trip.

Law said Mariner of the Sea with some 3,400 passengers had sailed up from Singapore while AIDAbella with 2,600 came from Phuket.

“For their day-trip, they can go up Penang Hill, or enjoy the coastal areas like Teluk Bahang, where they can check out Entopia,” he said, referring to the famed attraction formerly known as the Penang Butterfly Farm.

“They can also go shopping or visit Komtar tower, which is now quite popular with The Top that has the Rainbow Skywalk on the roof where visitors get a 360-degree view of George Town and its surroundings.

“Of course the trishaw rides around George Town remain quite popular. Visitors get to see the inner city, the heritage sites and the street art before they return to the cruise liners by 5pm,” he said.