International Cruise Terminal Kota Kinabalu (ICTKK) which is located in Kota Kinabalu Port has been identified to be the international cruise hub for East Malaysia as part of the National Cruise and Ferry Infrastructure and Tourism Blueprint. The world-class terminal will complement the Jesselton Quay and other upcoming projects in the vicinity such as the Sabah International Convention Centre and Kota Kinabalu Convention City.

A temporary CIQS has been set up at the Kota Kinabalu Port in November 2013 to serve the Kota Kinabalu cruise ships while waiting for the relocation of port activities from Kota Kinabalu to Sapangar.