At the special ceremony, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong was briefed on the safety and preventive measures implemented at the terminal and on the ship.
PENANG, MALAYSIA – Star Cruises, a division of Genting Cruise Lines, together with Penang Port Commission (PPC) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) held a special ceremony on Star Pisces to commemorate the ship’s homeport deployment from Penang, which was officiated by the Minister of Transport Malaysia, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong. With Star Cruises being the first international cruise line to restart safe cruises in Malaysia, its local presence will further boost the domestic tourism industry, providing exciting and unique vacation options beyond land-based staycations. As part of Star Cruises’ ‘Super Seacation’ cruise holiday, Star Pisces is pleased to launch its 1-Night Straits of Malacca cruise, complemented by its 2-Night Langkawi Escape cruise.
At the special ceremony, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong was briefed on the safety and preventive measures implemented at the terminal and on the ship. As all embarking individuals are required to be fully-vaccinated, he also personally experienced the embarkation process and health screenings at the terminal. Captain Henrik Örtenblad also provided a briefing of the enhanced and stringent safety and preventive measures on Star Pisces, including the heightened cleaning and disinfection protocols; the 100% Fresh air filtered ventilation system with no recirculation of air between staterooms; the various medical-related facilities, such as the on board Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine for COVID-19, the medical ward and the designated negative pressure Isolation Cabins.
“On behalf of Genting Cruise Lines and Star Cruises, we are honoured to have the Minister of Transport Malaysia, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong graced today’s occasion. We
thank you and the ministries for the support and guidance, together with PPC and PPSB as well,” said Madam Cynthia Lee, Vice President, Sales, Genting Cruise Lines. “With Star Pisces now in
operations, demand has been very encouraging. We are optimistic of the continued growth of the cruise industry in Malaysia, which will also revitalized the overall network of tourism related sectors, such as provisioning, bunkering, cruise terminal operations, employment, travel agents and tour- guides, as well as for the local businesses at the homeport and destinations. Gradually, we hope to expand our safe cruises to more local and international destinations, as well as bring tourists to Malaysia from our sister ships in the region,” added Madam Cynthia Lee.
With guest and crew safety being the number one priority, Star Cruises has implemented enhanced and strict safety and preventive measures in accordance with Malaysia’s guidelines and
international standards, receiving the ‘Certification in Infection Prevention for the Marine industry (CIP-M)’ from global healthcare expert, DNV. Additional on board safety measures include Star Pisces operating at a reduced passenger capacity of 50%, inclusive at the various on board venues with safe social distancing measures, mandatory facemasks wearing for guests and crew, no self- service at dining venues, high frequency of cleaning and disinfection, automated hand-washing machines and hand-sanitizers are readily available on board, a well-equipped medical centre with qualified nurses and doctors, including an Infection Control Officer (ICO).
The introduction of safe cruises from Penang in Malaysia will provide vacationers with exciting holiday choices via its ‘Super Seacation’ cruises with Star Pisces. Travellers can also opt for a quick ‘Super Seacation’ get-away and hop-on the 1-Night Straits of Malacca round-trip cruise from Penang, which departs every Thursday, Friday & Saturday, starting from RM199 per guest based on twin-sharing. So sit-back, relax and don’t miss this chance to enjoy Star Pisces and the many on board offerings and facilities while cruising on the open seas. Guests can also catch the daily entertainment and live performances at the Galaxy of the Stars, as well as access various recreational facilities, including a pool and Jacuzzi, jogging track, karaoke,
hair and beauty services, massage, foot reflexology and the gymnasium. Alternatively for the ultimate retail therapy, guests will have fun shopping at the board duty-free shops that offers a variety of merchandise at exciting prices.
In addition, guests can look forward to the 2-Night Langkawi Escape round-trip cruise from Penang, departing every Sunday and Tuesday, starting from RM399 per guest based on twin-sharing. Prior to arriving at Langkawi, guests can rejuvenate and travel in the comfort of their staterooms, as well as enjoy a variety of on board offerings, such as dining at our inclusive restaurants or at our specialty restaurants with up to 8 restaurants, bars and lounges, serving some of the best and authentic Asian and international cuisine.
Upon arriving at Langkawi, guests will have ample time on the island up to 10 hours. For the guests’ convenience, Star Cruises is also providing a series of tour options at affordable prices to discover the best of Langkawi. These include tours to popular tourist sites such as to Eagle Square, Langkawi Tower, duty free shopping-haven at Kuah town and The Zon Shopping Paradise Langkawi, Oriental Village with multiple attractions such as the Panorama Cable Car, Sky Bridge, Sky Dome, Sky Rex and more. To catch some of Langkawi’s beautiful nature, look out for the Mangrove tour or visit Cenang beach, among many other renowned places that Langkawi has to offer.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
