Genting Cruise Lines pioneers private island cruises in Asia

MacLeod Island, Myanmar – Genting Cruise Lines, a division of Genting Hong Kong comprising of Star Cruises, Dream Cruises and Crystal Cruises, signed an agreement with Tint Tint Myanmar Group to jointly develop cruise facilities at MacLeod Islandto continue expanding its footprint in the region and reaffirm its leading position in the Asian cruise market. MacLeod Island is a secluded paradise located in the Myeik Archipelago in southern Myanmar, listed as one of the top ten countries to visit in 2017 by renowned travel guide the Lonely Planet.

“Private Islands are a key feature for many cruise lines in the Caribbean and, as a pioneer of the Asian cruise industry, we are excited to be partnering with Tint Tint Myanmar Group to help create the infrastructure on MacLeod Island to become a key private paradise for Genting Cruise Lines’ guests and to start Myanmar on its journey to become a worldwide cruise destination,” said Mr Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines. “Genting Hong Kong recognizes Myanmar as an important developing market with great potential in Asia and looks forward to playing an instrumental role in the evolution of the country’s tourism sector.“

The collaboration serves as a landmark partnership in Myanmar and Genting Cruise Lines is proud to represent the first international cruise enterprise to partner with a Myanmar company in cruise port development – opening up new opportunities for the domestic and regional cruise tourism market.

With a wealth of experience in cruise tourism and port development in the Asia Pacific, Genting Hong Kong has spearheaded numerous projects in the region including in Guangzhou Nansha in China and Danang, Vietnam. Through a long history stretching back to 1993 with Star Cruises, Genting Hong Kong brings to Myanmar a depth of knowledge and understanding of the cruise industry that is unrivalled by any other Asian cruise company.

Agreement Signing Ceremony between Genting Cruise Lines and Tint Tint Myanmar Group during the inaugural arrival of SuperStar Libra at MacLeod Island on 3 November 2017
Left to Right: Mr Ang Moo Lim (President of Star Cruises), Mr Raymond Lim (SVP, Planning & Port Management, Genting Hong Kong), Daw Tint Tint Lwin (Chairman of Tint Tint Myanmar Group) & U Myint Htwe (Deputy Director General of Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, Myanmar)

Tint Tint Myanmar Group, represented by chairperson Daw Tint Tint Lwin, is a renowned resort operator in Myanmar that manages the Andaman resort on MacLeod Island. Headquartered in Yangon, the overall group specializes in 11 different industries with a 500 strong workforce and is also making significant contributions to the development of Myanmar through these diversified business sectors. As part of the collaboration, Tint Tint Myanmar Group will also leverage its expertise to provide entertainment and experiential shore excursion options for visiting guests to offer glimpse of authentic traditional Myanmar heritage.

To capitalize on this partnership, Genting Cruise Lines has also announced exciting new itineraries for Star Cruises and Dream Cruises that offer a rare opportunity to cruise to MacLeod Island.

“Genting Cruise Lines is always looking for new and innovative ways to heighten our guest experience and to open up fresh and exciting destinations for our passengers,” added Mr. Zhu. “To further enhance our Southeast Asia itineraries, we have designed new cruise itineraries for both Star Cruises and Dream Cruises that will allow our guests to enjoy the exclusivity of a private island, which indeed will be a rare and unforgettable experience for many travellers.“

Star Cruises, “The Most Popular Cruise Line in Asia“, celebrated the inaugural arrival of SuperStar Libra to MacLeod Island on 3 November 2017, a new destination for her latest 4-Night round-trip cruise itineraries that includes stops in Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, MacLeod Island and Penang. With SuperStar Libra’s current triple homeport deployment, travellers have the convenience and flexibility to choose their embarkation location from any one of three locations, Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang), Penang or Phuket, to start their unforgettable round-trip cruise journey.

During SuperStar Libra’s inaugural welcome ceremony in MacLeod Island, a number of events were held on board the ship, attended by special Guest of Honour, U Myint Htwe, Deputy Director General of Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar. A series of memento exchanges between the Guest of Honour, key local authorities and Mr. Ang Moo Lim, President of Star Cruises were also held to commemorate this auspicious occasion.

Additionally, on board Genting Dream, from Asia’s Luxury Cruise Line, Dream Cruises, guests can enjoy a special 5-night itinerary with ports of call to world-famous destinations and hidden island gems across three countries from 26 November to 1 December from her inaugural homeport in Singapore with visits to Penang, Phuket and MacLeod Island as well. Singapore offers a variety of exciting activities that guests can enjoy before the start of their cruise including amazing shopping and culinary experiences and family-friendly attractions such as Universal Studios theme park, the world’s largest Oceanarium, S.E.A. Aquarium, and more.

Phuket, Thailand
Phuket has a rich cultural history and landscape dotted with Buddhist temples and shrines, plus the glorious architecture of Old Phuket Town. For those who enjoy water sports there is a wide choice of activities including yachting, sailing, jet skiing, parasailing and deep sea fishing.

MacLeod Island, Myanmar
An out-of-the-way, pristine retreat that many may not have had the chance to visit, MacLeod Island will offer a unique tropical island experience and adventure from its untouched tropical forests, which is home to a wealth of wildlife to its unspoiled white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters.

Penang Island, Malaysia
A destination recognized for its fusion of modernity and traditions, Penang Island is famous for its well-preserved heritage buildings in George Town which has been designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. In addition, Penang Island boasts a beautiful coastline and is known as one of the ultimate food havens in the region.

SuperStar Libra 4-Night Round Trip Cruise Itinerary: Port Klang – Phuket – MacLeod Island – Penang – Port Klang, starting 1 November (Wednesday) 2017:

( ) local time indicated in bracket

Genting Dream 5-Night Round Trip Cruise Itinerary: Singapore – Penang – Phuket – MacLeod Island – Singapore, departing 26 November 2017

( ) local time indicated in bracket

Photo caption: The natural beauty of MacLeod Island in Myanmar

Theodore Koumelis

Co-Founder & Managing Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Articles

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

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