Star Cruises, a division of Genting Cruise Lines, together with Penang Port Commission (PPC) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) held a special ceremony today 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 today, 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 about the continued growth of the cruise industry in Malaysia, which will also revitalize 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 onboard safety measures include Star Pisces operating at a reduced passenger capacity of 50%, inclusive at the various onboard 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-sanitisers are readily available onboard, 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 onboard 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 onboard offerings, such as dining at our inclusive restaurants or at our speciality restaurants with up to 8 restaurants, bars and lounges, serving some of the best and authentic Asian and international cuisines.

Upon arriving at Langkawi, guests will have ample time on the island for 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 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.