By V. Sivaji
The Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong officiated the launch of Star Cruises deployment from the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal with Star Pisces today (Dec 23,2021).
The move will further benefit the local economy and elevate domestic tourism.
After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, local holiday makers can now enjoy cruise travel with strict standard operating procedures (SOP) in place.
The packages include the 1-night Straits of Malacca and 2-Night Langkawi Escape cruises.
“I would like to congratulate Penang Port Sdn Bhd and Genting Cruise Lines for their successful launch of cruise operations from today. I am confident of the SOPs in place to board the ship,” said Datuk Seri Dr Wee.
He also added that Penang Port is the first in the country to restart cruise operations.
“We are confident to forecast that for 2022 some 995 cruise trips with 660,318 passengers can be achieved. Cruise holidays are popular among locals as the location is in the heart of the heritage zone unlike anywhere else,” he added.
“The spinoff from the cruise industry is expected to benefit small businesses like taxis, trishaws, restaurants and other related industries.
Meanwhile, passenger capacity on the ship has been reduced to 50% of its full capacity for safety purposes.
Star Pisces has eight restaurants, bars and lounges with daily entertainment and live performances at the Galaxy of Stars is available.
At the ceremony, Penang Port Commission also donated RM150,000 for the benefit of flood victims in Selangor.
Also present was Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, chairman of Penang Port Commission, Pn Monaliza Suhaimi, General Manager Penang Port Commission, Dato’ Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza, chairman Penang Port Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Sasedharan Vasudevan, chief executive officer of Penang Port Sdn Bhd, Ms Cynthia Lee, Vice President (Sales) Genting Cruise Lines and Capt. Johan Aron Bohman, Captain of Star Pisces among others.
