You might not be able to travel yet but for those of you in Malaysia, you can hop on a cruise for a short getaway very soon! On 19 March 2021, Genting Cruise Lines and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) have announced their plans to resume cruise trips in Penang with Star Cruises as early as 13 May 2021!
Set to begin at the start of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Star Pisces will become the first ship to resume sailings in Malaysia! As part of the effort to revive the domestic travel industry in Malaysia, Star Cruises will offer two Langkawi cruises:
2-Night Langkawi Escape
- Departs from Penang every Friday and Sunday
- Passengers can have 10 hours of port time to explore Langkawi
1-Night Straits of Malacca cruise
- Departs from Penang every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
- Passengers will be able to see all types of marine vessels in Straits of Malacca
In a press release, VP for Genting Cruises Lines Cynthia Lee shares that they're 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."
It may be awhile before we can travel safely again, but this news definitely sends a glimmer of hope that Malaysians will be able to travel safely again with proper health and safety guidelines in place.