Spectrum Of The Seas Return To Penang Boosting Local Tourism

GEORGE TOWN, August 8 – The Asia Largest Innovative Ship, Spectrum of the Seas had return to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT), Penang and Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur on Yesterday, August 5 is charting a course that will help boost local tourism after more than Two Years of Cruises to Nowhere. The first port was docked in Kuala Lumpur on 30 June and Penang on 1 July, 2022 after the reopening of international border that was shutdown due to pandemic.

Malaysian can anticipate the twice weekly sailings of the Spectrum of the Seas which is scheduled to deliver into Malaysian Ports that include Penang and Port Klang. In recognition of cruise tourism being given a new lease of life, the celebration events was held onboard of Spectrum of the Seas at the Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur yesterday, August 5 and at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT), Penang this morning with Press Briefing and Ship Tour.

Penang is a prime for tourism rebound with the arrival of Spectrum of the Seas as Penang Port has served 13 International Calls with nearly 35,000 passengers just in July and 27,000 were guest from Spectrum of the Seas. The cruise will make 50 visits to Malaysia for this year or more than 200,000 guests to enjoy the culture, food, attractions, and experiences in the country and contributing towards the target of two million tourist arrivals in 2022.

During the media tour on the cruise, we were delighted by the delicious breakfast before the welcoming reception hosted by the Crew Members including Angie Stephen, the Royal Caribbean International (RCI) Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific of Royal Caribbean International. In her welcoming speech, Stephen said the Quantum of the Seas was the First Ship of Royal Caribbean Fleet to Restart Sailings back in December 2020 from Singapore, following the Global Shutdown due to the pandemic. The resumption of cruising began with Ocean Getaway itineraries on Quantum of the Seas.

With the Royal Caribbean Signature Line-Up of Experiences including Adrenaline-Filled Adventures with World Class Dining and Entertainment. She said Royal Caribbean International had 26 Vessels that were operating across the globe and it was committed to build one ship per year. Asked during the Press Briefing if Royal Caribbean International would make Penang a Home Port, Stephen said Malaysia need to boost its International Air connectivity and always look into expending as RCI always positioned itself as a leading position for route expansion.

She also mention that the Royal Caribbean International will be introducing new routes for the cruise destinations which would be announced every year and with the upcoming new LNG Fuel Vessel which is the Utopia Class and will be unveiled next year. In respond the Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Chairman Yeoh Soon Hin had said that the State Government will make Penang a Home Port for International Cruise through the Flight and Cruise initiative.

The Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal is now more equip with Amenities and Duty Free shops that have been updated to accommodate both Domestic and International Guests including the Facilities that are cater for both Local and International Passengers. As the chosen Port Calls in Malaysia for Spectrum of the Seas’ with Twice Weekly Sailings, Penang Port Welcome the Spectrum of the Seas and appreciates for the Economic Growth and Benefits bring to Penang,” said Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, Chairman of Penang Port Commission.

The members of the media were toured with the amenities on board including SkyPad is the Virtual Reality Trampoline, Family Suite a multi-room retreat suite slide and cinema including karaoke satge, air hockey and table tennis, RipCord by iFly where can experience the Skydiving with stunning ocean view, FlowRider where guest can Surfing in a Wave Simulation on the cruise, Two70, SeaPlex, Music Hall and the 92 Meters High North Star in a Glass Capsule that guest can have breathtaking of the 360 Degree Views.

“It is truly a privilege to share the majesty of the ocean and the vibrancy of our destination communities with our guests. To that end we are committed to pilot and develop new technologies and practices to protect region’s local waters, preserve the health and heritage of the local communities we visit, and continue to deliver the best vacations at sea, responsibly and sustainably.” With the combination of brand-new thrills and signature favourites on board and ashore, the new 3- and 4-night itineraries offer guests of all ages the first opportunity of many to sail and explore international shores once again.