StarCruises, in collaboration with the Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia (RMHC Malaysia), recently hosted nearly 200 families and paediatric patients aboard the Star Voyager cruise ship during a special port-stay event. The patients and their families are beneficiaries of the Ronald McDonald House (RMH), a facility that serves as a “home away from home” for families accompanying their children while receiving treatment at Hospital Tunku Azizah, Kuala Lumpur. This event marks the maiden voyage of the Star Voyager for the 2025/2026 season from Port Klang, operating from 19 December 2025 to 2 February 2026, with destinations including Phuket, Singapore and Bintan. This event reflects StarCruises’ ongoing commitment to supporting and engaging with local communities.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme under the theme “Bringing Hope and Happiness Onboard and Beyond,” the initiative underscores the company’s dedication to fostering meaningful collaborations across various ports and destinations throughout Asia. In line with this spirit, StarCruises is proud to collaborate with RMHC Malaysia, which provides temporary accommodation through the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) for families with children undergoing medical treatment, offering comfort and support during challenging times. “On behalf of StarCruises, we are delighted to have the RMHC families with us aboard the Star Voyager. As we begin our Port Klang deployment this season, it was a joy for our crew to spend the day with the children and their families, sharing smiles, laughter and memorable moments together. We hope this day has brought happiness to everyone involved and created lasting memories,” said Michael Goh, President, StarDream Cruises.
This special event brought together families, crew members and special guests for a joyful experience, featuring appearances by the StarCruises and McDonald’s mascots, as well as family-friendly acrobatic performances, magic shows and dance performances by the Star Voyager team. Adding to the joy of the event, StarCruises further surprised RMHC families by gifting selected families with complimentary cruise packages, giving them something special to look forward to — a future cruise holiday aboard Star Voyager or her sister ship, Genting Dream under Dream Cruises, departing from Port Klang.
RMH families were also treated to a delightful Halal afternoon tea at The Lido restaurant, the ship’s inclusive dining venue featuring a dedicated Halal-certified section. Children were entertained with balloon art, clown performances, and creative craft activities. Crew members also took them on tours of the ship, showcasing its recreational facilities and onboard attractions. The ship’s crew engaged warmly with the young patients, making the experience full of joy and happiness. “StarCruises and RMHC Malaysia hope that collaborations like this can serve as an example for other companies to support families facing challenges while accompanying their children undergoing long-term medical treatment in hospitals. Experiences like these provide families with the opportunity to take a temporary break from the stressful hospital environment. Companies and the community can also assist families by contributing through RMHC Malaysia,” said Mohd Nasri Mohd Nordin, General Manager of RMHC Malaysia.
“Aryan was very excited to have the opportunity to visit the cruise ship. It was something we never imagined, especially after going through challenging times. My husband and I once slept in the hospital lobby while Aryan underwent surgery. So, we are truly grateful to RMHC for providing comfortable accommodation and to StarCruises for brightening our lives with this special event. This joyful once-in-a-lifetime experience will surely be remembered by Aryan forever,” said Mrs. Rohaya, mother of Aryan Haiqal, who was born with a serious congenital condition. StarCruises’ mission is also aligned with RMHC Malaysia’s, as it is committed to continuously supporting and contributing to local communities, in line with the company’s efforts to make the cruising experience a platform that delivers benefits and positive impact to society.
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