Marella Cruises customers take off from Manchester on the UK’s only direct flight to Langkawi, Malaysia

Marella Cruises customers have jetted off from Manchester on the UK’s only direct flights to Langkawi, Malaysia. TUI Airways is operating the flights from Manchester, as well as Birmingham and London Gatwick, to fly cruisers to the Langkawi homeport for Enchanting Far East and Eastern Sunsets itineraries, forming part of Marella Cruises’ new Asia programme as the cruise line continues its pledge of offering its customers more choice and flexibility.

Manchester Airport celebrated TUI Airways’ cruise-only inaugural flight with a special surprise performance from a Malaysian dance troupe, as well as cake and drinks. The Boeing 787 then took off for Langkawi with excited cruisers onboard.

Marella Cruises is the only cruise line to operate cruise-only flights on its own exclusive airline, providing customers with a seamless end-to-end customer experience. Flying from regional airports, the third largest cruise line in the UK gives customers the opportunity to travel from the airport most convenient for them. The brand new TUI Airways flights to Langkawi will make it relaxing and stress-free for local customers to start their holiday, before enjoying fantastic, adult-only itineraries onboard Marella Discovery.

Managing Director of Marella Cruises Chris Hackney said: “We’re really excited to be launching inaugural flights from the UK to Langkawi in Malaysia. We’re always looking at ways we can offer our customers even more flexibility and choice when it comes to choosing a cruise and the TUI Airways flights mark the next step in our continued effort to give our customers the best holiday experience.

As part of our new Asia programme, our itineraries from Langkawi offer customers amazing destinations to some of the most sought out corners of the world, all alongside nothing but the best service onboard our ships with the friendliest staff at sea.”

Julian Carr, Aviation Director for Manchester Airport, said: “Customers can now get their cruise off to a fantastic start with direct flights from Manchester to Langkawi. South East Asia is a fantastic region to explore and I’m sure the cruises will prove hugely popular with our passengers.”