Singapore - News signaling a significant turning point for the Asian cruise industry has been reported. 'Star Cruises' and 'Dream Cruises', new successors to the 'Star Cruises' brand that once led the Asian cruise market, have officially announced their relaunch in Singapore with the grand inaugural voyage of the Star Voyager. This relaunch is based on over 30 years of Asian cruise operation heritage, reintroducing the two legendary cruise brands under a new vision.
The official event, held aboard the Star Voyager berthed at the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC), was attended by key executives including Jean Ng, Deputy Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board; Jacqueline Tan, CEO of the Singapore Cruise Centre; and Colin Au, CEO and Group President of Star Cruises and Dream Cruises, along with President Michael Goh.
Notably, the event was further significant as it coincided with the maiden voyage of the Star Voyager, embarking from Singapore under the Star Cruises flag for the first time after undergoing a US$50 million refurbishment. Singapore will now serve as a key homeport and destination for Star Cruises and Dream Cruises, along with other major Southeast Asian cities such as Jakarta, Melaka, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City, offering passengers a variety of embarkation options across different countries.
President Michael Goh expressed his sentiments, stating, "We are incredibly delighted and honored to return to our roots with the newly revamped Star Cruises and Dream Cruises brands. We promise to deliver enhanced cruise experiences. We are thrilled to introduce Star Voyager as she embarks on her maiden voyage from Singapore to celebrate this momentous occasion and explore the wonders of Southeast Asia."
Deputy Chief Executive Jean Ng emphasized the strategic importance of this relaunch, saying, "The seasonal homeporting of Star Voyager in Singapore and the offering of several new itineraries across Southeast Asia mark a very exciting milestone for our cruise industry.
The addition of Star Voyager enhances Singapore's diverse range of cruise offerings and demonstrates strong confidence in the prosperity of Singapore's cruise industry. As a leading cruise hub in Asia, we will continue to strengthen our cruise offerings for both locals and international visitors to enjoy."
CEO Jacqueline Tan welcomed the return, stating, "Singapore Cruise Centre is very pleased to welcome Star Cruises back to our terminal as a homeport. It feels like a homecoming, considering their first ship, Langkapuri Star Aquarius, homeported with us 32 years ago in 1993. HarbourFront Cruise Terminal’s location provides Star Voyager’s passengers with seamless access to over one million square feet of retail and F&B options, a convenient multi-modal transport hub with easy connectivity to Singapore’s myriad attractions, and the resort island of Sentosa right across. These advantages further reinforce our position as the preferred port of call for small and medium-sized vessels."
Differentiated Brand Experiences
Star Cruises will position itself as an affordable lifestyle cruise brand targeting the Asian market, offering a more intimate experience on mid-sized vessels such as the Star Voyager and Star Navigator, which can accommodate approximately 2,000 passengers.
On the other hand, Dream Cruises will focus on premium cruising, operating larger vessels such as the Genting Dream, which will homeport year-round in Singapore. This brand promises world-class service, exclusive privileges, and premium amenities to discerning travelers.
Southeast Asia Itineraries Departing from Singapore
Star Voyager will offer a variety of Southeast Asian itineraries from the Singapore Cruise Centre until July 21, 2025, including:
5-Night Melaka-Jakarta Cruise: March 26, 2025 – April 15, 2025
5-Night Bangkok-Koh Samui Cruise: April 20, 2025 – May 10, 2025
5-Night Melaka-Ho Chi Minh City Cruise: July 6, 2025 – July 21, 2025
4-Night Koh Samui-Pulau Redang Cruise: May 15, 2025 – May 23, 2025
4-Night Jakarta Cruise: June 10, 2025 – June 30, 2025
3-Night Kuala Lumpur-Medan Cruise: May 27, 2025 – June 5, 2025
2-Night Kuala Lumpur-Medan Cruise: June 8, 2025
Passengers from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam can also embark from their homeports, enjoying flexible itineraries connecting Singapore and regional destinations.
History of Star Cruises: Established in 1993 by Malaysia's Genting Group, Star Cruises grew to become a leading cruise line in the Asia-Pacific region. It was beloved for its diverse fleet and innovative services but faced operational difficulties after the pandemic.
The Emergence of Dream Cruises: Dream Cruises was a brand established by Genting Group in 2016 to target the premium cruise market. It grew rapidly by offering luxurious facilities and services but ceased operations due to the financial difficulties of its parent company.
A New Beginning: Star Cruises and Dream Cruises have made a spectacular relaunch this time by attracting new capital and reorganizing their management. They are expected to regain their past glory and once again lead the Asian cruise market with even more advanced services.
Future Prospects: The relaunch of Star Cruises and Dream Cruises is expected to inject vitality into the stagnant Asian cruise market. With diverse routes and differentiated brand strategies, they are expected to target a wide range of consumers and contribute to the revitalization of the regional economy.
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