Silver Muse from Monaco docks at Senari Port

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Cruise passengers (left and centre) pose for a group photo with the welcoming cultural group.

KUCHING: The Silver Muse, Monaco’s cruise ship berthed at Senari Port here yesterday bringing 528 passengers from around the world.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) in a statement said the passengers are from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA).

“The highest number came from UK with 97 passengers with 91 passengers from USA, 76 Australians and 61 Canadians.

“Sarawak’s recent statistics put the UK as our highest long-haul market with 25,520 visitors arriving in 2018 from January to September,” said an STB spokesperson.

Passengers were given a traditional welcome and presented with beaded garlands by a cultural group sponsored by STB, and given a tour of Kuching city,  Semenggoh Nature Reserve , Annah Rais  and Sarawak Cultural Village. Some passengers opted to take a City Shuttle to explore Kuching on their own.

The cruise ship on its 12-day Hong Kong – Singapore route stopped by Kuching as the final port before arriving in Singapore.

Meanwhile, STB said it is looking into intensifying Sarawak’s presence in the UK and European market by taking Sarawak travel partners to the international World Travel Market in London as well as taking part in events in Berlin and Helsinki as part of the upcoming Visit Sarawak Campaign.