Star Voyager Cruise 2025: Real Traveler Reviews & Ratings

Cruises are back, and the Star Voyager is making waves across Southeast Asia! Based on a broad traveler survey (image below), here's an in-depth review shaped by real passenger feedback—plus expert insights, and a spot for video testimonials near the end.

Traveler Experience at a Glance

Here’s how passengers rated their time onboard:

Accommodation: 81% Satisfaction

Spacious cabins and stylish decor impressed most travelers, especially those who chose Balcony and Suite categories.

Food & Drinks: 90% Satisfaction

With diverse fare from buffet to Chinese and Western set-menus, it’s a clear highlight for nearly everyone.

Shore Excursions: 85% Satisfaction

Excursions to heritage destinations like Melaka, Jakarta and Phuket were smooth, culturally rich, and well organized.

Activities & Entertainment: 75% Satisfaction

With spa, rock wall, live performances, and family zones, it hits most expectations—though some travelers hoped for more variety.

About Star Voyager: Refurbishment & Operations

Formerly Pacific Explorer (Dawn Princess), Star Voyager received a US$50million makeover, debuting under StarCruises on March26,2025. It’s now homeported in Singapore, connecting Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Key Stats

Passenger capacity: 1,940
Gross tonnage: 77,441 GT
Decks: 13
Cabins: 972 (Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Suites) with about 70% featuring private balconies

Accommodation: Where Comfort Meets Style

Cabin Options & Quality

Interior & Oceanview: Cosy and efficient—great for budget-conscious travelers.
Balcony Staterooms: Recommended—larger space (13-15m²), modern furnishings, outdoor view.
Palace Suites: For premium travelers-butler service, lounges, and luxe perks.

Real Guest Impressions

Balcony deluxe staterooms… significant upgrades, like TVs embedded into wall panels and upgraded balcony furniture - Cruise Passenger.

Media reviews described the cabin style as "cosy and intimate… more homely vibe".

I’ve stayed in five-star hotels. But sitting on that balcony, early morning coffee in hand, watching the sea shimmer… nothing compares.

Verdict: 81% guest satisfaction matches well—rooms are comfy and cabins especially standout when upgraded.

The Balcony Staterooms get the most love. Travelers praised the natural light, revamped decor, and surprising spaciousness. One vlogger mentioned they felt "like a celebrity in a floating suite."

For others in Oceanview and Interior rooms, the experience was simpler but still comfortable. Most agreed the bed quality and cleanliness was consistently solid.

Dining & Drinks: A Feast at Sea

Onboard Options

Lido Buffet: An assortment of Southeast Asian dishes plus global staples.
The Bistro: Western style set menus (beef tenderloin, skewers, mocha custard).
North Star Dining & Silk Road: Chinese cuisine, sushi, premium dishes—body attention to detail.
Mozzarella Ristorante & Pizzeria: Authentic Italian-style pizza & pasta.

Every Meal Felt Like a Festival and Why It Scores 90%

Guests rave about the variety and taste:

Chinese food is where StarCruises really shines… steamed cod fillet… mayonnaise jumbo prawns

The Lido buffet? Dangerous—in a good way. From sambal prawns to roast beef to matcha cake, we tried everything. Twice.

The Food & Drinks category scored 90%—and rightfully so. Star Voyager blends international tastes with strong Southeast Asian culinary identity. Travelers highlighted:

Fresh sushi at Silk Road
Pizza slices with crispy crusts from Mozzarella Ristorante
Chinese family-style dinners with dishes like salted egg crab

Many noted the buffet never felt overcrowded, and halal and vegetarian options were always available.

Shore Excursions: Exploring New Destinations

Highlights

Melaka: UNESCO walk, river cruise, Malacca Tower, Peranakan cuisine.
Jakarta & Phuket: Friendly local tours, beach time, culture-rich glimpses.
Other stops include Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Port Klang, Pulau Redang, Medan.

Shore Days Were My Favorite Chapters

Clear itineraries, smooth logistics, and enough onshore variety contribute to the 85% satisfaction rate.

We sailed from Singapore to Melaka to Jakarta. I got lost in markets, temples, and street food—and found a version of myself I hadn’t seen in years.

Excursions stood out as meaningful rather than touristy. Travelers especially enjoyed:

Melaka’s river cruise & Jonker Street walk
Jakarta’s old town and museum district
Phuket’s beaches and Thai cooking classes

The cruise team offered well-paced schedules and guides who “felt like locals showing you around, not robots.”

Activities & Entertainment: Fun & Relaxation Onboard

What's Included

Live Shows: Zodiac Theatre, Velvet Lounge for musicals and live bands.
Adventure Park: Zip line, rock wall, water slides (availability may vary).
Wellness: Symphony Spa, gym, sauna, spa services (paid extras).
Family Zones: Little Dreamers Club, teen hangouts, waterslides.

Why Some Wish for More

While many appreciated the leisure and wellness offerings, some adventures were offline during sailing. For instance, the rock wall and zip line weren't available on certain cruises.

Verdict: Solid 75% pattern—many facilities, but occasional closures affected expectations.

Entertainment Had Heart - Even If It Wasn’t Broadway

Some nights we danced under the stars. Some nights we just sat by the bar, listening to jazz. No stress, just flow.

Live shows at Zodiac Theatre, open mic karaoke, cultural dance nights, and outdoor movie screenings all got good reviews. Still, some noted that activities were more laid-back than adrenaline-pumping.

Families liked the Little Dreamers Club, and teens gravitated toward the arcade and game zones.

Real Stories on YouTube (Suggestions to Watch)

Final Thoughts: Is Star Voyager Worth It?

Strengths	Considerations
Excellent dining (90%)	Some activities may be unavailable at times
Comfortable and upgraded cabins	Spa and premium options cost extra
Diverse Southeast Asia itineraries	Entertainment mainly evenings
Family-friendly onboard options	Accommodation satisfaction moderate

The Star Voyager provides great value-spacious cabins, superb food, solid ports, and enough onboard fun—especially for first-time cruisers or those seeking a relaxed but engaging sea holiday. With an overall traveler satisfaction well above 80%, it's an appealing choice for affordable, immersive cruises in 2025.