Marella Cruises customers have begun jetting off on the UK’s only direct flights to Langkawi, Malaysia.

TUI Airways is operating the flights from Manchester, 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.

Birmingham airport kicked off the celebrations with cake and gifts for customers boarding the flights and 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.

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.

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.”