Cruises set to resume in Penang

 

The Star Pisces will become the first ship to resume sailings in Malaysia, and one of the few in the world, contributing to the growth of tourism in Penang and Pulau Langkawi. - Photo credit Genting Cruise Lines.

GEORGE TOWN: Genting Cruise Lines and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) today announced plans to restart cruises in Penang, with Star Cruises offering Langkawi itineraries beginning May 13, at the start of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.

The cruise will be on Star Cruises' 40,053 tonnage Star Pisces cruise ship, which can accommodate up to 1,600 passengers. Star Pisces will become the first ship to resume sailings in Malaysia, and one of the few in the world, contributing to the growth of tourism in Penang and Pulau Langkawi.

The proposed Langkawi cruises will comprise of a two-night "Langkawi Escape" and a series of one-night "Straits of Malacca" cruises.

The resumption of cruises will revitalise the ailing travel agent sector, which has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and provides employment opportunities for more citizens.

Cruise resumption will benefit the whole value chain related to goods, services and materials associated with cruise operations, which Genting Cruise Lines has been advocating as part of its guiding principle in rebuilding the cruise economy for each of the homeports where cruise operations can re-start.

Vice-president of Genting Cruise Lines in Malaysia, Cynthia Lee, said the new Langkawi itineraries would provide Malaysians the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of cruising again.

"This will also bring the much-needed benefits to the local workforce, airlines, restaurants, retailers and hotels for pre- and post-cruise stays in Penang and Langkawi.

"Like all Malaysians, we have been eagerly looking forward to another vacation alternative during this period when overseas travel is not permitted," Lee said.

PPSB chief executive officer Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan said the cruise services had 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 the Genting Cruise Lines on ensuring safe and comfortable cruise trips is important to jumpstart the local cruise sector.

"As such, we will work closely with Genting Cruise Lines to relaunch the cruise trips with safety in mind and without sacrificing safety and quality.

"We hope with this synergy we can witness higher standards of quality for the cruise services sector and revitalise the domestic tourism industry," he added.

Malaysian guests will now be able to enjoy a brand-new vacation option that will take the regular "stay-cation" concept and turn it into a "Super Seacation" experience to take advantage of the invigorating sea air and sunshine.

Initially operating at a reduced capacity, all activities on board will be organised in accordance with permitted group sizes – specific to each activity – in line with the prevailing national policy, and measures will be in place to discourage close contact between groups.

Star Pisces' new itineraries will highlight the breathtaking beauty of Langkawi. Known as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is famed for its alluring and idyllic natural beauty and its majestic and spectacular cultural heritage.

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.

Genting Cruise Lines is the first cruise line to resume service in Asia. It will continue to work with all relevant local authorities in Malaysia in making further adjustments to its comprehensive set of protocols to accommodate local guidelines and ensure the safest environment for everyone upon resumption of cruises.

-nst online.