Thailand is making strides in the global cruise tourism industry with the homeporting of the Star Voyager, a luxury cruise ship, at Laem Chabang Port. This marks a significant milestone for Thai tourism, as the Star Voyager becomes the first cruise ship to operate with Thailand as its home port.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with StarDream Cruises, officially launched the Star Voyager on April 22. The ship can accommodate up to 1,940 guests, offering a premium cruising experience as it sets sail from Thailand.
Miss Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific, praised the launch as a key achievement. “The introduction of the Star Voyager is a significant step forward for Thailand’s tourism and maritime sectors, aligning with the national goals of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025,” she said. “This success reflects the hard work of our teams and partners who have made this vision a reality.”
The Star Voyager’s debut also signifies the return of the StarCruises brand to the region, further solidifying Thailand’s position as a major cruise hub in Southeast Asia. The ship, which underwent a US$50 million refurbishment, will operate two special five-night sailings in April and May. These voyages will follow a route from Laem Chabang to Ko Samui, Singapore, and back to Laem Chabang, offering passengers a chance to experience Thailand’s rich culture and hospitality.
Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises, expressed excitement over the launch. “We are thrilled to homeport the Star Voyager in Bangkok as part of our efforts to introduce the revitalized StarCruises brand to Thailand,” he said. “This marks a key step in positioning Thailand as a leading cruise hub in Southeast Asia. We aim to attract a wide range of travellers and support the country’s growing tourism economy.”
To celebrate the inaugural sailing, TAT hosted a welcome event at Laem Chabang Port, featuring traditional long-drum performances and a show by the Alcazar Cabaret in Pattaya. Passengers also received commemorative Thai souvenirs as part of the event.
Onboard, guests are enjoying cultural activities, 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, which highlights essential Thai experiences such as Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See.
Thailand’s cruise tourism sector continues to grow. In 2024, the country welcomed 162 cruise ship calls, bringing 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. Key cruise ports include Patong Bay, Laem Chabang, Ko Samui, Phuket Deep Sea Port, and Sriracha Port, with the majority of travellers arriving from Singapore, the UK, Malaysia, the US, and Germany.
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