Thailand Boosts Cruise Tourism with Star Voyager Launch as Luxury Ship Departs from Laem Chabang Port Offering Immersive Thai Cultural Experiences - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with StarDream Cruises, is boosting Thailand’s presence in the global cruise tourism market with the launch of the Star Voyager on April 22. This marks a significant milestone as the luxury cruise, which can host around 1,940 guests, embarks on its maiden voyage 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 introduction of the Star Voyager also signals the revival of the StarCruises brand and reinforces Thailand’s prominence as a premier cruise destination in Southeast Asia. Following a US$50 million refurbishment, the ship now offers an enhanced luxury experience, departing from Laem Chabang Port. It will operate two exclusive five-night cruises—April 22–27 and May 7–12—on the Laem Chabang – Ko Samui – Singapore – Laem Chabang route, providing travelers with an immersive journey into Thailand’s rich culture and hospitality.

“We’re excited to homeport the Star Voyager in Bangkok as we introduce the revitalised StarCruises brand in Thailand,” saidMr. 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 mark this special occasion, TAT hosted a vibrant welcome event at Laem Chabang Port, featuring a traditional long-drum procession and a performance by the renowned Alcazar Cabaret Show from Pattaya. Passengers on these inaugural sailings were also gifted unique Thai souvenirs to commemorate the event.

Onboard, guests can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, including Bo Sang umbrella painting, crafting herbal sachets (Bunga Rampai), and watching classical Thai dance performances. 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 travelers an enriching Thai cultural experience and encourage future visits to the Kingdom.

Thailand’s cruise tourism industry continues to thrive. In 2024, the country welcomed 162 cruise ships, hosting over 379,000 passengers and generating 1.89 billion Baht in revenue, marking a 6.9% increase from the previous year, according to the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center. Among the busiest cruise ports are Patong Bay, Laem Chabang, Ko Samui, Phuket Deep Sea Port, and Sriracha Port, with most visitors arriving from Singapore, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the United States, and Germany.