Before we tried it years ago, the idea of cruising felt a bit intimidating to us. We thought it was too expensive, if not too indulgent. But while many cruise lines do have dizzyingly pricey sailings, others make this mode of travel more accessible by offering more affordable options that could level up your vacation without breaking the bank. One of them is StarCruises.
Boasting over 30 years in the industry, StarCruises understands the need to evolve. This 2025, the revitalized cruise line relaunched and revamped one of its legacy vessels — Star Voyager – with Singapore as its main homeport. It commences its journey across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Star Voyager is a great introduction for first-time cruisers. Who says we need a rocket ship to reach for the stars? Sometimes, a cruise ship will do just fine. Read on to discover more about the ship, what to expect on board, and tips before you embark on this voyage.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
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How to book a cruise?
Available Cruise Schedule
Below are the itineraries for sailings departing from Singapore from April 2025 to July 2025.
Photo Credit: Star Cruises
For the updated timetable, visit the official website.
What are the different types of accommodations?
Star Voyager offers four types of rooms with varying sizes and capacities. These are the following:
- Interior Stateroom. This is the smallest and has no windows. Maximum Capacity: 2-4 pax
- Oceanview Stateroom. The cabin has no balcony but provides a window with a view. Maximum Capacity: 2-4 pax
- Balcony/Balcony Deluxe Stateroom. It includes a balcony with two lounge chairs and a small table. Maximum Capacity: 2-4 pax
- The Palace Suites. An upscale all-suite area covering different types of luxurious lodgings. Maximum Capacity: Palace Balcony, 3 pax; Palace Suite, 3-4 pax; Palace Deluxe Premium, 4 pax; Palace Penthouse, 4-5 pax; Palace Villa, 4 pax
In each stateroom, you’ll find toiletries, towels, a hairdryer, a mini-refrigerator, a safe, a water kettle, complimentary bottled water, and packets of tea, coffee, and sugar. As for The Palace suites, additional comforts and upgraded amenities are expected.
Housekeeping is done daily for all cabin types.
What is the best room to book?
It depends on your budget and preferences.
If you’re planning to spend most of your time enjoying the ship’s amenities and you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, the Interior Stateroom is the one for you. It covers the basics without digging deep into your pocket.
Interior Room with Twin Beds (Top Left) and Interior Room with Bunk Bed (Bottom Left)
If a balance of comfort and value is what you’re seeking, the Balcony Stateroom is a solid choice. It has a spacious interior and a private balcony where you can have quiet moments while soaking in the views.
This room type has added perks, such as welcome drinks, retail and service discounts, and SGD50 dining credits per cabin per night!
The Oceanview Stateroom is a great pick if you’re simply after ocean views and can do without a balcony.
Curious about luxury options? The Palace guests are given exclusive access to The Palace Restaurant, plus special menus at designated specialty dining restaurants and priority services. Take a peek at one of Star Voyager’s The Palace suites here:
The Palace Villa
What to prepare before the cruise?
To ensure a smooth embarkation, here are the things you need to do before your cruise.
Online Check-in
After receiving your ‘Booking Reservation’, head to
web check-in page to complete the mandatory online check-in. You’ll also find the link in your ‘Cruise Ticket’. Remember that online check-in closes 48 hours before cruise departure. If you forget to do this, you can still check in manually on the day of sailing.
Travel Documents
Here are the documents you need to secure:
- Valid Passport. Must be valid for at least six (6) months.
- Photocopy of your passport’s bio page. The staff member will collect your passport upon boarding, so it’s a good practice to have a copy of the bio page with you. Your passport will be returned a day before disembarkation.
- Cruise ticket (printed or digital copy). You’ll need to present this when dropping off your luggage and checking in at the cruise terminal.
- Visa (if applicable). Philippine passport holders don’t need a visa as the destinations are within Southeast Asia and the home port is Singapore.
- Singapore Arrival Card. Submit this online within three days before arriving in Singapore. You can access the form here.
Onboard Currency and Time
- Currency. Since Singapore is the home port of Star Voyager, all onboard transactions are in Singapore Dollars (SGD). Credit cards are widely accepted for hassle-free purchases. But best to also bring cash as backup.
- Time. The ship operates on Singapore time, which is the same as the Philippine and Malaysian times. But note that Indonesia and Thailand are an hour behind. To avoid confusion, disable the ‘Set Automatically’ option on your devices and manually adjust to Singapore time.
Pack Your Luggage
- Clothes/Outfits. We usually pack two sets of outfits per day: (1) casual wear for daytime activities and (2) smart casual or dressy attire for evening shows or fine dining. Also, don’t forget to pack proper swimwear for pools and waterslides.
As for footwear, bring closed-toe shoes or comfortable sneakers for activities like zip line, rope obstacles, and wall climbing. - Toiletries. No need to pack your own set of toiletries because each stateroom includes shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving kit, and tissues. You’ll also have bath towels, hand towels, bathrobes, and hotel slippers.
- Universal Socket Adapter. Finally, get a universal adapter. The power outlets onboard use China sockets, so you’ll find Type A (two flat parallel pins), Type C (two round parallel pins), or Type I (three flat pins in a V shape). USB ports are also available in your cabin.
Prohibited Items
The following items are not allowed on board the Star Voyager:
Photo Credit: StarCruises (formerly Resorts World Cruises)
- Flammable materials and explosives
- Pressurized containers
- Sharp objects
- Illegal drugs and substances
- Alcoholic beverages
- E-cigarettes/vapes
- Weapons, firearms, and ammunition (including replicas, stun devices, and blunt weapons)
- Electrical items and heating devices (like clothes iron, coffee maker, and cooking appliances)
- Extension cords
- Raw food (such as dairy, meats, eggs, pastries, fruits, etc.)
- Other objects that could pose a risk to fellow passengers (like hoverboards and laser pointers)
Travel Insurance
This is optional, but we highly recommend this, especially when traveling abroad. Travel can be unpredictable, and though we hope we’ll never use it, having it gives us peace of mind in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For this cruise, we availed of PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance. You can GET IT HERE. Don’t forget to use WORTHIT for a special affordable rate.
Where to Stay in Singapore?
Travel hiccups like flight delays can cost you valuable time — and potentially your chance to board the ship. To avoid the stress of last-minute delays, we strongly suggest flying to Singapore at least a day before your cruise.
Singapore Cruise Centre is the terminal hosting Star Voyager. Consider staying at a hotel near this area for added convenience.
But truth be told, Singapore is small so any part of the city center is OK. Just allot plenty of time to get to the cruise terminal on your sailing day. Here are some top-rated options based on online user reviews.
K2 Guest House. Image provided by Agoda.
Search for more Singapore Hotels!
What to expect during boarding?
Take note of your cruise departure time and last boarding time. You must arrive at the terminal at least two hours before the gate closes to allow enough time for the entire embarkation process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for boarding Star Voyager from Singapore:
- Make your way to the Singapore Cruise Centre. Star Voyager departs from this cruise terminal. Note that this is completely different from Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Make sure you’re going to the right site. If you’re taking the MRT, the closest station is the HarbourFront Station on the North East Line (NEL) or Circle Line (CCL). For a more convenient transfer, you can also take a cab or Grab. The landmarks are Vivo City and HarbourFront Centre.
– Address: 1 Maritime Square, Singapore 099253
- Drop off your luggage. Go to the departure area and find the baggage drop counter. Present your cruise ticket, then wait for the staff to tag your luggage with your deck and stateroom number. Later, it will be delivered directly to your cabin.
- Check in and get your sea pass card. Present your passport and cruise ticket. You’ll receive your sea pass card here. Hold on to this card as this serves as your cabin key and payment card for onboard purchases.
- Go through security and immigration clearance. Your hand-carry bags will be scanned at the security check. After that, proceed to immigration for travel clearance.
- Surrender your passport upon boarding. Don’t worry, this is standard procedure. Your passport will be returned to you the day before disembarkation.
- Board through your Assembly Station. Your sea pass card indicates your designated Assembly Station. Upon entering the ship, your card will be scanned, and you will be asked to watch/attend the safety or muster drill.
Bon voyage!
What to do after boarding?
- Watch/Attend the safety drill. As instructed, watch the safety drill and familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout and emergency exits.
- Chill or have a meal. Feel free to explore the ship or grab a bite at one of the inclusive restaurants while waiting for your cabin to be ready and your luggage to arrive.
- Settle in your cabin. Check for your luggage. It may already be outside, or you might need to wait a little longer. If it’s taking longer than expected, don’t hesitate to coordinate with the Reception for an update.
Is there a WiFi on board?
Yes! You can connect to the internet while at sea. You can either get the Standard or the Premium type.
- Standard. Good for e-mail, chat, and social media
- Premium. Good for e-mail, chat, social media, and video streaming
Rates vary depending on the number of days, the number of devices, and the package type.
Photo Credit: StarCruises (formerly Resorts World Cruises)
What are the things to do while cruising?
There is something for everyone here! Star Voyager is never short of things to do. Here’s a quick rundown:
Recreation and Entertainment
Star Voyager is packed with various activities — both indoor and outdoor, so you’re bound to find something that fits your vibe. And don’t worry about the youngsters because there’s tons of fun stuff for them, too, so no one’s left out.
Complimentary Activities and Amenities
Here are the onboard attractions and amenities that you can enjoy for FREE:
Paid Activities and Amenities
- Shopping. How about some retail therapy? Then, swing by The Starlight Boutiques for duty-free goodies and souvenirs. Location: Deck 6, Midship
- Little Dreamers Club and Vibe Check Arcade. Packed with fun and games, these two spots are a playground for kids, teens, and young at heart. Location: Deck 12, Aft
- Beauty and Wellness. Go ahead and treat yourself to some pampering! Make your way to the back of Deck 12, where the spa, gym, and salon are all clustered in one relaxing corner. Location: Deck 12, Aft
Restaurants and Bars
On board, there are two types of dining options: inclusive restaurants and specialty restaurants.
Inclusive Restaurants
Your cruise fare covers meals at these restaurants. That means you can indulge in what they’re offering without any extra charge — it’s all complimentary! On our recent cruise, these were the inclusive dining options available:
- The Lido Buffet. This offers Asian and international buffets, including Halal and vegetarian cuisines. Available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea times with snacks (morning and afternoon). Location: Deck 14, Forward
Buffet Meal - North Star Dining Restaurant. It mainly serves Chinese cuisine set menus, along with Western cuisine set menus for breakfast. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Location: Deck 5, Midship
Steamed Orange Roughy Fish (Top Left), Stir Fried Prawn Meat (Top Right), Shandong Style Braised Duck (Bottom Middle), and Marinated Baby Octopus with Cucumber (Bottom Right) - Bistro. This restaurant has a Western set menu. It serves lunch and dinner. Location: Deck 6, Midship
Roasted Lamb Loin (Top Left), Roasted Vegetable Lasagna (Top Right), Almond Crusted Chicken (Bottom Left), and Slow Roast Pork Collar
Specialty Restaurants
Dining at specialty or exclusive restaurants incurs an extra charge. But if you are curious about their special offerings, treat yourself and try them out!
- Silk Road. Chinese (and Japanese) Fine Dining. Location: Deck 6, Midship
Jumbo Prawns (Top Left), Steamed Cod Fillet (Top Right), Stir Fried Duck Meat (bottom Left), and Japanese Tokusen Sashimi Moriawase (Bottom Right) - Mozzarella Ristorante & Pizzeria. Italian Dishes — Pizza, Pasta, and Salad. Location: Deck 8, Midship
Rucula and Parma Pizza (Left), Margherita Pizza (Top Right), and Lasagna (Bottom Right) - Lobby Café. Coffee, Tea, Juices, Cakes, and Pastries. Location: Deck 5, Midship
- Blue Lagoon. This is a 24-hour cafe, serving breakfast to midnight snacks and meals. Location: Deck 14, Forward
Laksa (Left) and Char Kway Teow (Right) - Gelateria. Homemade Gelato. Location: Deck 12, Midship
Bars and Club
Are you looking to connect with other party people or just hoping to unwind with a drink or two? Whatever your preference, you are sure to find the perfect spot to cap off the night. Here are the onboard bars and clubs:
Sky Bar and Pool Bar (Left), Ocean Bar (Top Right), and Palm Court (Bottom Right)
- Sky Bar: Deck 15, Forward
- Oasis Bar: Deck 14, Aft
- Pool Bar: Deck 12, Midship
- Ocean Bar: Deck 7, Forward
- Palm Court: Deck 7, Forward
- Velvet Lounge: Deck 7, Midship
Other Onboard Services
Star Voyager Reception
- Reception: Deck 5, Midship
- Palace Reception: Deck 5, Midship
- Clinic: Deck 4, Aft
Shore Excursion (Shorex)
One of the things we love most about cruising? We get to visit multiple countries while taking advantage of all the ship’s amenities in between. From April 2025 to July 2025, Star Voyager by StarCruises offers two- to five-night sailings departing from Singapore, with ports of call (stops) in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Sailings with Ports of Call
- 2N PORT KLANG (KL) CRUISE
-Singapore
–Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur)
-Singapore - 3N PORT KLANG (KL) – MEDAN CRUISE
-Singapore
–Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur)
–Medan (Kuala Tanjung)
-Singapore - 4N KOH SAMUI – REDANG CRUISE
-Singapore
-High Seas
–Koh Samui
–Redang
-Singapore - 4N JAKARTA CRUISE
-Singapore
-High Seas
–Jakarta (Tanjung Priok)
-High Seas
-Singapore - 5N MELAKA (KL) – JAKARTA CRUISE
-Singapore
–Melaka (Kuala Lumpur)
-High Seas
–Jakarta (Tanjung Priok)
-High Seas
-Singapore - 5N BANGKOK – KOH SAMUI CRUISE
-Singapore
-High Seas
–Bangkok (Laem Chabang)
–Koh Samui
-High Seas
-Singapore - 5N MELAKA (KL) – HO CHI MINH CRUISE
-Singapore
–Melaka (Kuala Lumpur)
-High Seas
–Ho Chi Minh (Phu My)
-High Seas
-Singapore
Shorex in Melaka, Malaysia
Shorex or DIY Tour?
At each stop (port of call), you have two options:
- Join a Shorex Tour. These are guided group tours organized by Star Voyager in partnership with local tour operators. They take care of everything — transportation, itinerary, and usually lunch too — so all you need to do is show up on time. Shorex kiosk is on Deck 5, Midship.
- Go D-I-Y. If you prefer exploring on your own, pull a D-I-Y trip. This gives you full control over your time and itinerary. Oftentimes, it’s also the cheaper option. However, be sure to keep track of time as the ship will depart as scheduled — with or without you. Return to the port on time (or even earlier) to avoid getting left behind.
Regardless of your choice, you’ll be given these details when getting off the ship: return instructions, port name, and port address.
Reminders
- Bring your Sea Pass Card and a photocopy of your passport bio page. You have to present the card when exiting and re-entering the ship.
- Some tours may include long walks or physical activities. If you are planning to join a Shorex tour, check the itinerary and assess your fitness level before booking.
- Tours may get canceled. This is due to many factors like bad weather, insufficient bookings, and other unforeseen circumstances.
What to do before the cruise ends?
Here are a few things to take care of before disembarkation:
How to disembark?
- Head to your assigned departure area. The Disembarkation Notice will indicate your designated location and time for getting off the ship. Be there on time.
- Present your sea pass card. Scan your sea pass card at the exit. If you have not settled your onboard purchases yet, you will be redirected to the Reception on Deck 5 to complete payment.
- Go through immigration. Proceed to the immigration area for arrival clearance. Make sure you accomplished your SG Arrival Card before disembarking.
- Take your luggage. Collect your luggage at the Baggage Claim Area. Double-check the bag tag to avoid picking up someone else’s stuff by mistake.
IMPORTANT! Accomplish the eTravel Pass before DEPARTING from and ARRIVING in the Philippines.
More About StarCruises
With over 30 years of legacy, the redefined StarCruises focuses on providing affordable yet premium lifestyle-driven cruising experiences to new generations. It features two cruise ships — Star Voyager (formerly Star Scorpio) and Star Navigator (previously Resorts World One).
This post is brought to you by StarCruises.
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