The relaunch of StarCruises has stirred a wave of excited nostalgia among cruise enthusiasts and the travel trade alike, as the beloved Asian cruise line makes its much-anticipated return with the Star Voyager. With a history spanning over 30 years, the revival of StarCruises signals a new chapter in affordable and lifestyle-driven cruising, blending cherished memories with fresh innovations.
After a US$50 million refurbishment of the 1,940-passenger ship that was acquired from P&O Cruises, StarCruises' Star Voyager kicked off its maiden voyage with celebratory festivities, a plaque exchange ceremony, and a showcase of the entertainment features onboard.
The Star Voyager departed Singapore for its 5-night cruise on 26 March, calling at Malacca and Jakarta before returning to its homeport at Singapore Cruise Centre to make way for more sailings.
Regional sailings for Star Voyager
The Star Voyager embarked on its maiden voyage on 26 March 2025, marking the return of StarCruises. Photo Credit: StarCruises
The Star Voyager will homeport in Singapore until July 2025, offering a variety of regional itineraries, including:
5-Night Melaka-Jakarta Cruise (26 March – 15 April 2025)
5-Night Bangkok-Ko Samui Cruise (20 April – 10 May 2025)
5-Night Melaka-Ho Chi Minh Cruise (6 – 21 July 2025)
4-Night Ko Samui-Pulau Redang Cruise (15 – 23 May 2025)
4-Night Jakarta Cruise (10 – 30 June 2025)
3-Night Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang)-Medan Cruise (27 May – 5 June 2025)
2-Night Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang)-Medan Cruise (8 June 2025)
Passengers from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam can also board from their homeports, making the cruise experience even more accessible.
A tale of two cruise lines
Michael Goh explained that after carrying over two million passengers, splitting Resorts World Cruises into two separate brands allows them to better cater to different traveller segments. Photo Credit: Travel Weekly Asia
So why did Resorts World Cruises split operations into StarCruises and Dream Cruises? According to Michael Goh, president of StarCruises and Dream Cruises, the decision was about reclaiming legacy and refining their identities.
“When we launched Resorts World Cruises two and a half years ago, we needed a brand that was instantly recognisable. But after carrying over two million passengers since then, we felt it was time to bring back the legendary StarCruises name, which still resonates deeply with our partners and travellers,” Goh explained.
“StarCruises is about affordable, intimate cruising, while Dream Cruises is focused on luxury and elegance. This separation allows us to tailor our experiences and better define what each brand offers.”
From tots to TikTokers
Keeping up with evolving travel trends, StarCruises has designed its onboard experience to cater to multi-generational travellers. The onboard experience is designed to cater to families, including activities for children and teens, while still providing relaxation options for parents.
“Today’s family travel is different – we see multi-tiered generations cruising together, from grandparents to young children. Onboard activities keep kids engaged, while parents can enjoy a romantic dinner or spa,” Goh shared. “We even have a Little Butler Programme, where kids can dress up and learn from real butlers onboard.”
The debut of Star Voyager offered a sneak peek at StarCruises' theatre performances, showcasing impressive audio and visual effects alongside the performers' exceptional finesse. Photo Credit: StarCruises
Star Voyager also boasts diverse entertainment, with shows designed to be visually engaging and Instagrammable. “Music is the universal language of our shows, catering to multiple nationalities. We ensure a mix of high-energy performances and social media-friendly moments,” added Colin Kerr, senior vice president of entertainment of StarCruises and Dream Cruises.
The cruise line has also demonstrated its ability to keep up with trends among younger generations. The theatre performance celebrating Star Voyager’s inaugural sailing featured a dance routine set to Lady Gaga’s recent hit, 'Abracadabra', a song that has gone viral on TikTok with countless Gen Z and Millennial users recreating the choreography.
Anchoring Singapore as a cruise hub
The relaunch of StarCruises has been met with enthusiasm in Singapore, where the cruise line has played a significant role in bringing international travellers to the country for decades.
Jean Ng, assistant chief executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, highlighted the significance of the launch: “Star Voyager’s seasonal homeporting in Singapore marks an exciting milestone for our cruise industry. Her addition bolsters our variety of cruise offerings, underscoring strong confidence in Singapore’s flourishing cruise sector.”
StarCruises' big return has been met with enthusiasm, with bookings already showing strong demand. “The response has been overwhelming,” Goh said. “As we continue refining the Star Voyager experience, we are confident that StarCruises will once again be a household name in cruising.”