After almost a year long hiatus due to covid-19 pandemic restrictions, Genting Cruise Lines and Penang Port Sdn. Bhd (PPSB) are pleased to announce its plans to restart cruises in Penang with Star Cruises, offering Langkawi itineraries beginning May 13, 2021.
The restarts also coincides with the start of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holidays on Star Cruises’ 40,053 tonnage Star Pisces cruise ship, which can accommodate up to 1,600 passengers.
The proposed Langkawi cruises will comprise of 2-Night “Langkawi Escape” and a series of 1-night “Straits of Malacca” Cruises. 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.
“Like all Malaysians, we have been eagerly looking forward to another vacation alternative during this period when overseas travel is not permitted.
“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.” said Cynthia Lee, VP for Genting Cruise Lines in Malaysia.
“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 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.” said Dato’ Sasedharan Vasudevan, CEO of Penang Port Sdn. Bhd. “
Importantly, the resumption of cruises will revitalize the ailing travel agent sector which has been adversely affected by the pandemic and provide 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 home ports where cruise operations can re-start.