Passengers enjoying food and the view during the Penang Bridge Sunset Cruise. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
THE new Penang Bridge Sunset Cruise is set to enhance the appeal of the state.
The leisurely evening cruise, held during weekends for now, will give tourists and locals an opportunity to dine on the ferry while the ferry takes them to and from the Penang Bridge.
Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chief executive officer Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan said this initiative was a significant milestone for Penang’s tourism industry.
“By showcasing the beauty of Penang’s landmarks in a novel way, the cruise aims to boost local businesses,” he said in his speech on the ferry during the soft launch of the cruise.
Sasedharan said PPSB would be collaborating with a private restaurant operator for now but welcomed companies and those wanting to charter the ferry for private events.
“The restaurant will manage the food and ticketing for those wanting to book the ferry.
“This cruise is using one of the four new ferries purchased by PPSB.
A scenic backdrop for snapshots on deck.
“For regular trips to take commuters across the channel, we at any point will use between one and three ferries.
“During peak hours, we use three.
“We always have one spare ferry, which will now be used for the Penang Bridge Sunset Cruise.
“For now, the restaurant has chartered the ferry for the Penang Bridge Sunset Cruise Buffet package on weekends (5pm to 8pm),” he said.
He added that there had been many enquiries to charter the spare ferry for private events.
“We have worked tirelessly over the past four to five months to ensure the success of this new tourism product,” said Sasedharan.“We made sure to obtain the necessary approval to operate the cruise service.
“Since this is the first time we are doing something like this, we are starting without high expectations.
“We hope to have between 80 and 100 trips per year,” he said.
When asked if the use of the spare ferry might hinder ferry operations in case of an emergency, he said the cruise was timed for off-peak hours and for now, the new ferries were functioning well.
The Penang Bridge Sunset Cruise is slated to begin on Dec 16, departing from Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda in George Town.
