Explorer Dream

In the period 1999-2019, the vessel was operated by Star Cruises (GHK's subsidiary, sister-brand of Dream Cruises) under the name "SuperStar Virgo". SuperStar Virgo's last drydock refurbishment by Star Cruises was in 2014 (January 5-29). The USD 19,7 million renovation project resulted in upgraded staterooms, hotel services, dining options, renovation of all recreational facilities, refit of 270 balcony cabins, 560 m2 public spaces expansion, new shops.

In May 2018, Genting Cruise Lines signed a partnership deal with Wirecard (digital payments / online shop development company) for implementing a fleetwide onboard payment system. The system ("Quick Pay") was first installed on World Dream and Genting Dream, then launched on SuperStar Virgo (Explorer Dream). "Quick Pay" allows passengers to be in full control of their onboard money spending - including pre-authorized limits, account management, monitoring, paying the total bill at disembarkation. The technology is based on scanning individual QR codes (during check-in, in staterooms or via the ship's intranet network, then selecting the "Quick Pay" option. Payments can be made via Alipay (Chinese online payment platform) and the credit cards Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, UnionPay. The mobile app allows passengers to set up pre-authorized amounts for themselves, as well as for friends and family members.

In 2018, Genting Cruise Lines signed an agreement with Okinawa Agricultural Cooperatives Association and Leospo Inc. Following the partnership, on select GHK-owned liners is offered Okinawa-sourced food and local produce. The new onboard dining options include the famous Okinawa Wagyu beef and Okinawa Agu pork. The offer is available on select ships and during summer when they cruise to Okinawa. In 2018 (April through November), these premium food specialties were available on World Dream, SuperStar Aquarius, SuperStar Gemini, SuperStar Virgo. The exclusive gourmet dishes are served via specially designed theme menus. They also include the traditional Japanese dishes Shabu Shabu (with ingredients stirred in cooking pot) and Teppanyaki (iron griddle cooked food), as well as BBQ Okinawa Agu Pork and the wok-fried Okinawa beef (with bitter gourd garlic) and Okinawa beef rib eye (with sweet plum sauce).

Vessel's 2019 drydock (USD 56 million refurbishment project) added new facilities and amenities, including The Palace - an exclusive ship-within-a-ship suite complex with over 40 new staterooms served by dedicated butlers. The Palace passengers also enjoy beverage and dining privileges and exclusive activities, like fashion workshops with Chen and Connoisseurs Circle (club amenities). Other new venues on the ship include Zodiac Theater, ESC Experience Lab (virtual reality room), Palm Court (observation lounge), redesigned Atrium Lobby, new restaurants (Mozzarella Ristorante and Pizzeria, Umi Uma Sushi and Teppanyaki, Seafood Grill by Mark Best).

Explorer Dream ship's hull art was designed by the NY-based Chinese artist Kuri Huang. The artwork has Dream-brand's signature mermaid icon. Ship's godmother is Grace Chen - a very successful Chinese fashion designer, Founder and Chief Designer of "Grace Chen Couture" (brand established in 2009 as one of China's major fashion companies), as well as Chinese alumni of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. Liner's christening ceremony was on April 11, 2019, held in homeport Shanghai. Mrs Chen also presented an exclusive onboard fashion show during the inaugural cruise.

Following the acquisition, vessel's registry/flag-state was changed from Panama (MMSI 357271000 of SuperStar Virgo) to Bahamas (MMSI 311000165 of Explorer Dream).

SuperStar Virgo review

In 2016 was officially announced that SuperStar Virgo will offer roundtrip itineraries out of China's Port Nansha-Guangzhou in 2016. In 2017, the ship was homeported in Kaohsiung-Taichung (Taiwan). The Hong Kong-based company confirmed two itineraries per week leaving from Nansha-Guangzhou - the largest city of Guangdong province (Southern China) and located close to Hong Kong City. The itineraries were a 3-day cruise to Hong Kong, and a 6-day cruise to Vietnam (Halong Bay, Danang-Hue) and Sanya China.

In 2017, the ship was homeported in Kaohsiung (Taiwan) offering 6-day roundtrip itineraries in the “Golden Triangle”. Beside Kaohsiung, ship's other turnaround ports were Hong Kong and Manila.

In March-May 2018, SuperStar Virgo was homeported in Manila Philippines for roundtrip themed cruises to ports in Taiwan and Japan. Ship's itinerary program from The Philippines (March 5 through May 29) included a total of 18 roundtrips visiting Ishigaki (Japan) and Keelung (Taiwan), as well as Naha (Japan) and Keelung. Both Japan and Taiwan don't require visas, which is convenient and cost-saving for the Filipinos cruisers. In September-November 2018, SuperStar Virgo was homeported in North China (Dalian, Qingdao, Tianjin).

SuperStar Virgo had a total of 935 staterooms in 18 categories. The largest cabins were the Executive Suites (60 m2 / 650 ft2). All staterooms offered as standard amenities electronic safe box, flat TV, individually controlled air-conditioning, mirrored vanity/dressing table with chair, double bed (convertible to twins), en-suite bathroom. Suites were designed with a separate sitting/sleeping areas, scenic balcony views, bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs.

The onboard cruising experience was "freestyle" which means passengers had the choice to dine when, where and with whom they choose. All Main Dining Room meals were complimentary. Follows the complete list of SuperStar Virgo restaurants and food bars.

• Bella Vista Restaurant (560-seat, International cuisine)
• Samurai Restaurant
• Mediterranean Restaurant (Buffet-style restaurant, offers International cuisine of high quality with fresh ingredients - a hallmark of Star Cruises)
• Tai Pan (a la carte Chinese restaurant for more upscale Chinese cuisine)
• Tatami Room (with sliding screens, floor-level seating and low tables; Japanese cuisine)
• The Noble House (multi-course Chinese banquet)
• The Pavilion Room (family-style Chinese restaurant)
• The Taj (Indian restaurant)
• Palazzo (Italian)
• Blue Lagoon (serves fast food and snacks)

The vessel featured an art gallery, a video game arcade, Jacuzzis, and nightly live music. The Star Cruises' vessel was perfect for family holidays, romantic excursions and group adventures. The amenities on board the cruise ship were planned to suit every cruise style. During the evenings, guests could take advantage of the main performance theatre, The Lido, producing and hosting cabaret shows, magicians, musicians, and other talented acts. There were also a couple of themed bars - Celebrity vodka bar, and Bellini champagne bar.

Music artists from Hong Kong and Taiwan (including Richie Ren, Andy Hui, Michael Wong, Tiger Huang, Michael Tse, William So, Edwin Siu, Johnny Yip, Bo Luk) performed in The Lido on a weekly basis. The liner also featured “BEATSHIP by ZOUK” (onboard nightclub party), an illusionist show, the Broadway opera "Memory Lane" (featuring the best of Shanghai and Hollywood from the 1950s).

Follows the complete list of SuperStar Virgo lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Star Club; Grand Piazza
• The Promenade; Lobby Boulevard; Sunset Boulevard
• Oscar's Hair & Beauty Salon; Apollo Spa & Fitness Centre; Universal Gym
• VIP Room; Genting Club; Activity Centre
• Cafe Gelato; The Observatory
• Bellini (jazz bar)
• Galaxy of the Stars Lounge (with 360-degree views)
• The Den (you can see the Captains working and ship's "Hall of Fame")
• Samson's and Delilah's (steam, sauna and massage rooms for men/women)
• Star Boutique; Wine Shop; Internet Cafe; Photo Gallery; Card Room
• The Lido (Theater); Starlight Video Arcade
• Charlie's Childcare, Computer World, Starlight Cinema
• Neptune's Wet & Wild; Jumbo Chessboard; Table Tennis
• Pool Deck, Pool Bar, 3 pools, 5 Jacuzzis; Mega Waterslide; Sun Deck; Jogging Track.