Star Cruises is poised to become the first cruise line to resume operations in Malaysia, with Star Pisces ready to offer convenient vacation getaways from December 22nd.
This will continue the successful restart of parent company Genting Cruise Lines in the Asian market, bringing more travel opportunities to the region, boosting tourism and welcoming guests to enjoy the amazing hospitality and culture of the region.
Star fish sailing from Penang
The 40,000-gross-ton Star Pisces offers five round trips each week, including 2-night cruise routes “Langkawi Escape” and 1-night “Straits of Malacca”. These domestic cruises will be welcome “super seacation” alternatives to vacation travel as international travel remains restricted. Officials hope that successful cruises will pave the way for an early resumption of international cruises.
“Just like in many parts of the world suffering from pandemic fatigue, Malaysia’s residents deserve a well-deserved break. We are therefore delighted to welcome travelers from Malaysia on Star Pisces and to offer them a safe and ultimately unforgettable “Super Seacation” cruise vacation. said Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines.
Star fish (Courtesy photo: Star Cruises)
Star Pisces has implemented stringent health and safety standards, including fresh air circulating throughout the ship, reducing passenger capacity (typically 2,200 when double occupancy) to 50%, thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols, and social distancing guidelines.
All passengers must be fully vaccinated and have a negative rapid antigen test at the cruise terminal on the day of departure, and the ship is labeled negative with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device for COVID-19 testing, as well as negative pressure isolation cabins.
Star Cruises in Asia
Hopefully this fresh start in Malaysia is just the beginning of expanded itineraries and port options in the region.
“We hope to be addressing other Malaysian destinations in the near future and adding regional destinations such as Phuket to our itineraries to boost the cruise tourism industry.” said Zhu.
Star fish (Courtesy photo: Star Cruises)
“We are also actively working with the various port authorities to create“ Harmonize Cruising Standards ”for the region in the hope of gradually reopening the international cruise in a controlled and safe manner that will also bring incoming tourists to Malaysia. ”
Star Pisces bookings will open in mid-December and are available to all Malaysian citizens.
Foreign nationals with valid Malaysian Long Term Visiting Passes and international tourists who
Has completed and passed the Malaysian authorities’ quarantine and home surveillance order.
Cruise restart in Asia
As of July 2020, Genting Cruise Lines has been the first international cruise company in the world to operate
Pioneered and resumed operations with Dream Cruises sailing from Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line resumed operations in Asia in December 2020 with the Quantum of the Seas from Singapore, the world’s first Royal Caribbean ship to resume operations. Quantum of the Seas continues to offer 3- and 4-night cruises from Singapore, and Spectrum of the Seas is expected to sail from Singapore with itineraries of 3-9 nights in October 2022.
