A joint announcement, commemorating the successful maiden call of the 5,000grt cruise ship, said the call was seen as an initial step towards the establishment of future cruise operations at PTP.

The 82m cruise liner with passenger capacity of 90 persons offers private charters to luxury and premium sectors of the market.

"Both parties are looking at options of developing PTP as a cruise hub in South East Asia and the beginning of a smart partnership," the statement said.

Although PTP focused on container transhipment as its main goal, it looked upon cruise operations as having potential to spur growth in southwest Johor's new industrial areas.

"Passenger traffic at PTP would see development for all parties in surrounding areas, and the establishment of downstream industries catering for passengers will benefit the port in the long run," said the press release.

It said that SC was confident that PTP's strategic location backed by excellent road linkages to Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia would ensure it served as an effective cruise hub.

With deep water of 15m at the access channel and wharf areas, a turning basin of 600m and a sheltered bay, PTP would be able to serve the largest of both cruise and container vessels.

PTP's long term plans include establishing the port as a maritime centre serving all the needs and requirements of the regional port and shipping sector.

Following the acquisition of NCL Holdings, SC is now the first global cruise line with a fleet of 20 ships and over 21,000 lower berths.

By 2004, with the delivery of five ships currently on order, SC/NCL will have 25 vessels with 35,000 lower berths.

Presently, SC's 11 ships are based in the Asia-Pasific region with Singapore, Port Klang, Phuket, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei and Kobe as ports of embarkation.
The NCL group operates a fleet of nine ships under three brands - Norwegian Cruise Line with six ships, Orient Line with two and one ship under Norwegian Capricorn Line.