Pacific Explorer becomes Star Voyager – and goes luxe with Palace Suites

• When StarCruises took over Pacific Explorer, P&O Australia’s most famous ship, they promised a $50 million transformation.
• The renamed Star Voyager is ready for her first itinerary.
• She is looking smart in her new livery – but find out what she’s like inside.

The newly transformed Star Voyager officially made her debut in Singapore this week, marking her maiden voyage under the revitalized StarCruises banner.

Just a month ago, she was sailing as P&O Australia’s much-loved Pacific Explorer, the ship that brought cruising back to Australia three years ago. P&O Australia has now been folded into Carnival Cruise Lines and Explorer was sold.

In brilliant new livery and with a US$50 million refit, her relaunch also marked the rebirth of StarCruises and Dream Cruises, a transition out of the Resorts World Cruises branding.

So nostalgia was the order of the day when StarCruises showed off its new baby.

“We are thrilled and honoured to return to our roots with the launch of the revitalized StarCruises and Dream Cruises brands, offering an enhanced cruising experience.

“To celebrate this milestone, we are also excited to introduce the Star Voyager, as she embarks on her maiden voyage from Singapore, exploring the wonders of Southeast Asia,” said Michael Goh, President of StarCruises and Dream Cruises.

As well as Asians who know and love the StarCruises brand, the new line is also targeting Australians and inviting them to fly and cruise in Singaore with a special offer of $1,011 for a five-night cruise. Find out more here.

So what has changed on board?

For many Australian cruisers, Star Voyager will feel familiar yet different – given her storied history as Pacific Explorer.

The big news is she now sports Palace Suites – a luxe apartment-style penthouse and villa that is certainly a long way from the old P&O.

A significant amount of the renovation costs went toward transforming the ship’s lobby area.

StarCruises traditionally creates an expanded hub at the atrium so guests can congregate. Now, there is a spacious reception, and passengers will find a larger, grander lobby where they can watch live entertainment performances or hang out and chat.

A large LED screen has also been added, similar to what’s already on Star Navigator and another signature StarCruises amenity.

As for the suites, work was focused on upgrading those that form part of the Palace suites.

We visited the Palace Penthouse and Palace Villa, the most luxurious cabins on board. Both include additional features such as living areas and bathtubs. Rooms have been retrofitted to align with the brand’s signature aesthetic for Palace suites on other ships such as Genting Dream.

Transformation works also went into the Balcony Deluxe staterooms (one class above Balcony staterooms). Aside from a larger cabin size, the deluxe staterooms feature comfy wicker chairs with cushions at the balcony area. Large TVs are built into the wall panels.

Other retrofitted areas include the Symphony Spa, Symphony Fitness (gym) and Symphony Salon. The brand new Mozzarella Ristorante and Pizzeria, serves up Italian cuisine.

Restaurants have been rebranded in alignment with StarCruises brand. For example, Pacific Explorer’s Dragon Lady is now The Bistro, which serves up western fine-dining food.

As StarCruises shared during the press event, there’s still work to be done for the ship’s refurbishment in the next 6 months.

Offerings for every traveller

StarCruises and Dream Cruises are designed to cater to distinct travel segments in the Asian and global cruise markets. 

• StarCruises: StarCruises ushers in a new era of affordable, lifestyle-driven cruising, tailored for the Asian market. Operating mid-sized ships with a capacity of approximately 2,000 guests, StarCruises offers a more intimate and accessible cruising experience aboard Star Voyager and Star Navigator. 
• Dream Cruises: Dream Cruises elevates luxury cruising to new heights, offering unparalleled elegance and world-class services. With spacious ships accommodating more than 3,000 guests, Dream Cruises delivers exclusive privileges and premium amenities. Genting Dream, Dream Cruises’ flagship, is currently homeported in Singapore year-round. 

Latest trends

StarCruises says it is catering to multi-generational travellers. And the onboard experience is certainly aimed at families.

“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 told local trade journals. “We even have a Little Butler Programme, where kids can dress up and learn from real butlers onboard.”

Star Voyager also boasts a wide world of entertainment, including a dance routine set to Lady Gaga’s recent hit, ‘Abracadabra’.

Where can you cruise?

The Star Voyager will now homeport at the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) through 21 July 2025. The Star Voyager will offer an exciting array of itineraries from Singapore across Southeast Asia, including the: 

• 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 

The relaunch of StarCruises has sparked a new wave of excitement in Singapore as it marks a new chapter in affordable and lifestyle-driven cruising.

The 1,940-passenger ship departed Singapore for its 5-night cruise calling at Malacca and Jakarta.

For more information, click here.