Dream Cruises has released details of the upcoming Australia and New Zealand deployment for the newest member of the fleet – Explorer Dream.

Formerly the SuperStar Virgo of sister brand Star Cruises, Explorer Dream will undergo a US$30 million transformation in March 2019 to become one of the Dream Cruises fleet.

Facilities will include The Palace, Dream Cruises’ signature private enclave featuring 50 suites and butler service.

Guests will also enjoy all new food and beverage options and a new Crystal Life Spa for pampering and relaxation.

Superstar Virgo has graced Australian shores before, with two previous visits – the first in 2003 and the second in 2015 for an eight-week deployment.

From October 2019, Explorer Dream will homeport in Sydney, where she will embark upon a series of seven-night itineraries cruising north to Queensland and the Barrier Reef (Newcastle, Gladstone, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane), plus south to Victoria and Tasmania (Eden, Phillip Island, Burnie, Port Arthur, Hobart and Melbourne).

Explorer Dream will cruise from Sydney to Auckland on 8 December 2019 and back again on February 2, 2020, with the relocation itineraries visiting ports in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dunedin, Wellington and Gisborne.

There are also seven-night New Zealand itineraries departing Auckland will see guests exploring Bay of Islands, Napier, Akaroa and Picton.

Explorer Dream will spend Christmas and New Year in New Zealand where there has already been an overwhelming response for those dates.

Dream Cruises has released special rates to kick start the season, on sale now until 31 January 2019. 7-night cruises start from $1,105 per person twin share.