TAT and StarDream Cruises Launch Star Voyager to Anchor Thailand as Cruise Hub

Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with StarDream Cruises, is elevating Thailand’s profile in global cruise tourism with the launch of the Star Voyager on 22 April. For the first time, the luxury cruise ship—accommodating around 1,940 guests—will operate with Thailand as its home port.

Miss Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific, described the launch as a milestone for Thai tourism. “The launch of Star Voyager marks a significant step in our efforts to strengthen Thailand’s tourism and maritime sectors, in line with national policy and the objectives of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025. This achievement reflects the dedication of our teams and partners who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life.”

The debut of Star Voyager also marks the revitalisation of the StarCruises brand and reinforces Thailand’s role as a key cruise hub in Southeast Asia. Fresh from a US$50 million refurbishment, the ship now offers a premium cruising experience departing from Laem Chabang Port. It is operating two exclusive five-night sailings—22–27 April and 7–12 May—on the Laem Chabang – Ko Samui – Singapore – Laem Chabang route, giving travellers a gateway to Thai culture and hospitality.

“We’re excited to homeport the Star Voyager in Bangkok as we introduce the revitalised StarCruises brand in Thailand,” said Mr. Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises. “This launch represents a significant step forward in our vision to position Thailand as a cruise hub in Southeast Asia. With this regional deployment, we aim to attract a diverse range of travellers while supporting the country’s growing tourism economy.”

To celebrate the inaugural sailing, TAT hosted a welcome event at Laem Chabang Port featuring a traditional long-drum procession and a performance by Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya. Passengers on these two sailings also received commemorative Thai souvenirs.

Onboard, guests are taking part in curated cultural experiences including Bo Sang umbrella painting, herbal sachet (Bunga Rampai) crafting, and classical Thai dance. These activities are part of the “5 Must Do in Thailand” theme—Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See—designed to offer cruise travellers a rich, immersive Thai experience and inspire future visits to the Kingdom.

Thailand’s cruise sector continues to grow. In 2024, the country welcomed 162 cruise ship calls, carrying over 379,000 passengers and generating 1.89 billion Baht in revenue—a 6.9% increase from the previous year, according to the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center. The busiest cruise ports include Patong Bay, Laem Chabang, Ko Samui, Phuket Deep Sea Port, and Sriracha Port, with most travellers arriving from Singapore, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the United States, and Germany.