Star Pisces will become the first ship to resume sailing in Malaysia, departing from Penang starting May 13, at the start of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holidays.
The 40,053 tonnage cruise ship, which can accommodate up to 1,600 passengers, will offer Langkawi itineraries, Genting Cruise Lines (GCL) and Penang Port said in a joint statement.
Star Cruises’ resume of sailing in Malaysia seen as step to revitalising the domestic tourism industry
The proposed Langkawi cruises will comprise of a two-night “Langkawi Escape” and a series of one-night “Straits of Malacca” Cruises.
The two-night “Langkawi Escape Cruise” departs Penang every Friday and Sunday, and passengers can have 10 hours of port time to explore Langkawi. The one-night “Straits of Malacca Cruise” will depart every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and passengers will be able to see all types of marine vessels in Straits of Malacca, which is the busiest straits in the world.
Cynthia Lee, vice president for GCL in Malaysia, said: “The new Langkawi itineraries will provide Malaysians the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of cruising again and will bring much-needed benefits to the local workforce, airlines, restaurants, retailers and hotels for pre- and post-cruise stays in Penang and Langkawi.
“Importantly, the resumption of cruises will revitalise the ailing travel agent sector which has been adversely affected by the pandemic and provide employment opportunities for more citizens.”
Sasedharan Vasudevan, CEO of Penang Port, added: “The cruise services have always been the cornerstone in Penang, and what gave Penang its distinctiveness. With the persistent issue of the Covid-19 pandemic that has curbed domestic tourism, supporting Genting Cruise Lines on ensuring safe and comfortable cruise trips is important to jumpstart the local cruise sector.”
Adam Kamal, head of contracting & domestic market, ICE Holidays, shared: “This is the spark we needed to revitalise the tourism sector. Hopefully, it will pave the way for other domestic tourism sectors such as group and incentive travel, to resume.”
Star Pisces will become the first ship to resume sailing in Malaysia, departing from Penang starting May 13, at the start of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holidays.
The 40,053 tonnage cruise ship, which can accommodate up to 1,600 passengers, will offer Langkawi itineraries, Genting Cruise Lines (GCL) and Penang Port said in a joint statement.
The proposed Langkawi cruises will comprise of a two-night “Langkawi Escape” and a series of one-night “Straits of Malacca” Cruises.
The two-night “Langkawi Escape Cruise” departs Penang every Friday and Sunday, and passengers can have 10 hours of port time to explore Langkawi. The one-night “Straits of Malacca Cruise” will depart every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and passengers will be able to see all types of marine vessels in Straits of Malacca, which is the busiest straits in the world.
Cynthia Lee, vice president for GCL in Malaysia, said: “The new Langkawi itineraries will provide Malaysians the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of cruising again and will bring much-needed benefits to the local workforce, airlines, restaurants, retailers and hotels for pre- and post-cruise stays in Penang and Langkawi.
“Importantly, the resumption of cruises will revitalise the ailing travel agent sector which has been adversely affected by the pandemic and provide employment opportunities for more citizens.”
Sasedharan Vasudevan, CEO of Penang Port, added: “The cruise services have always been the cornerstone in Penang, and what gave Penang its distinctiveness. With the persistent issue of the Covid-19 pandemic that has curbed domestic tourism, supporting Genting Cruise Lines on ensuring safe and comfortable cruise trips is important to jumpstart the local cruise sector.”
Adam Kamal, head of contracting & domestic market, ICE Holidays, shared: “This is the spark we needed to revitalise the tourism sector. Hopefully, it will pave the way for other domestic tourism sectors such as group and incentive travel, to resume.”