Resorts World One

Former names: Explorer Dream (Dream Cruises GHK), SuperStar Virgo (Star Cruises)

Resorts World One current position

Resorts World One current location is at South East Asia (coordinates 12.25347 N / 109.27414 E) cruising at speed of 13.1 kn (24 km/h | 15 mph) en route to HKHKG >> VNNHA. The AIS position was reported 3 hours ago.

Current Position

Specifications of Resorts World One

Year of build1999  /  Age: 25
Flag state Bahamas
BuilderMeyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany)
Building costUSD 350 million
Speed24 kn / 44 km/h / 28 mph
Length (LOA)268 m / 879 ft
Beam (width)32 m / 105 ft
Gross Tonnage75338 gt
Passengers1856 - 2800
Crew1300
Passengers-to-space ratio38
Decks13
Cabins928
Decks with cabins7
Last Refurbishment2019
Sister-shipsSuperStar Leo (Norwegian Spirit)
Former namesExplorer Dream (Dream Cruises GHK), SuperStar Virgo (Star Cruises)
Christened byGrace Chen (Dream Cruises GHK)
OwnerGHK-Genting Hong Kong Ltd
OperatorResorts World Cruises (Asia)

Resorts World One Review

Review of Resorts World One

The 1999-built Resorts World One cruise ship was launched as "SuperStar Virgo" (for Star Cruises) and operated under the name "Explorer Dream" (for Dream Cruises) in the period 2019-2022. Both companies (Star Cruises and Dream Cruises) were fully owned by the Malaysian corporation Genting Group.

Explorer Dream's fleetmates were the newbuild premium passenger liners Genting Dream (2016) and World Dream/now Aroya Manara (2017). The sistership SuperStar Leo/now Norwegian Spirit is owned by NCL.

Since February 2023, Resorts World One is operated under charter by Resorts World Cruises (new travel brand/May 2022-established) owned by GHK's former owner Lim Kok Thai.

The vessel (IMO number 9141077) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000165) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Genting Cruises was one of the world's largest cruise companies and the biggest (by fleet/passenger capacity) on the Asia-Pacific market. The company was listed on the Singapore Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Star Cruises was established as an associate of Genting Group of Malaysia, incorporated on November 10, 1993, in Bermuda (corporate headquarters in Hong Kong). The first ships were two cruiseferries bought from the bankrupt Swedish company Rederi AB Slite. Star Cruises purchased several other second-hand vessels in the following years. In 1998, the company acquired its first newbuild - SuperStar Leo (now Norwegian Spirit for NCL). The sistership SuperStar Virgo (Explorer Dream) followed in 1999.

Explorer Dream cruise ship (SuperStar Virgo)

The 2800-passenger ship Explorer Dream was constructed in Germany by Meyer Werft (Papenburg Shipyard) and delivered to Star Cruises on August 2, 1999. In March-April 2019, the boat was drydocked in Singapore for a complete redesign and refurbishment, then transferred from Star Cruises to Dream Cruises.

Decks and Cabins

Explorer Dream/Resorts World One staterooms (928 total) are in 4 main types - Interior, Oceanview (with either Picture Window or Porthole Window/both non-opening), Balcony staterooms (with step-out private verandas), and Suites (in categories Palace Suite, Palace Deluxe Suite, Palace Penthouse, Palace Villa).

The Palace complex is an exclusive "ship-within-a-ship" boutique shopping enclave spreading the aft sections of decks 9-10-11. The Palace houses a total of 46 ultra-premium accommodations (with chic Italian decor) and exclusive VIP facilities like a sundeck (with a large swimming pool/ aft on Deck 10), a dining venue (Palace Restaurant, serving signature European and Asian gourmet cuisine specialties) and a bar lounge (Genting Club). The Palace Reception (an exclusive service desk) and the dedicated Dream Butlers team offer unparalleled expertise and the highest level of hospitality.

The boat has 13 decks, of which 10 are passenger-accessible and 7 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The onboard cruising experience is "freestyle" which means passengers have the choice to dine when, where and with whom they choose. All Main Dining Room meals are complimentary.

Follows the complete list of the ship's restaurants and food bars.

  • Pavilion Restaurant (complimentary restaurant)
  • Dream Dining Room is a complimentary restaurant with wall-to-wall/floor-to-ceiling windows and fitted with predominantly 6-seat round tables.
  • Seafood Grill by Mark Best is a specialty restaurant serving premium meats and fresh seafood dishes from a menu created by the Australian chef Mark Best. Seafood Grill also has an extensive beverage menu.
  • Palace Restaurant (only available to The Palace guests)
  • Silk Road offers traditional dim sum along with Cantonese cuisine
  • "Mozzarella Ristorante e Pizzeria" features a modern fusion of classic Italian pizzas and dishes with a Japanese twist
  • "Umi Uma Sushi and Teppanyaki" (Japanese Restaurant)
  • Hot Pot is a noodle bar offering traditional Chinese cuisine and beverages, including a selection of traditional soups.
  • The Lido and Lido Grill
  • Bread Box (shop), Candy Kingdom (candy store), Gelateria (Italian ice-cream shop)
  • The Little Cake Cafe (patisserie) offers artisanal chocolates and decadent cakes.
  • Matcha Ice offers signature Asian desserts (including from Japan and China)

In late-July 2020, Dream Cruises debuted (on MS Explorer Dream) the "Flexi-Feast" - a completely customized shipboard dining (food and beverage) concept that allows passengers to choose from more venues. Upon boarding the ship, cruisers receive a set of complimentary dining vouchers which can be used at designated restaurants, as well as OBC (onboard credits) for ordering meals at specialty restaurants, beverages at bars and also for room-service orders.

Explorer Dream cruise ship (SuperStar Virgo)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The peacock-inspired Zodiac Theatre offers Broadway-style live shows. The ship also boasts with the ESC Experience Club for Virtual Reality games and the Action Zone for conventional gaming. Guests can indulge in a variety of spa treatments at the onboard Crystal Life Spa. Those who prefer to stay active can head to the gym, jogging track, or Sportsplex. The Parthenon Pool deck houses the waterslide Caesar's Slide. The Little Dreamers Club is where kids can enjoy workshops, costume parties, games, and a DJ booth.

Follows the complete list of the ship's lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues (for adults and children).

  • Zodiac Theatre hosts Broadway-style live production shows
  • Observation Deck
  • Captain's Observation Lounge - via the educational gallery, guests can Play Captain for a day
  • Function 8 is a meeting room for group events or conferences
  • The Dream Boutiques
  • Genting Club
  • Palm Court is a forward/bow-facing observatory lounge with slanted windows (providing 270-degree ocean views), a large dance floor, premium plush seating (armchairs and low tables).
  • Humidor Cigar Lounge
  • The Zone is a multipurpose lounge with game consoles (an Action Zone for conventional gaming)
  • Photo Corner
  • SPA (with a reflexology lounge, private treatment rooms, and saunas), Beauty Sanon, and Gym
  • ESC Experience Lab is a gaming venue dedicated to VR/Virtual Reality and AR/Augmented Reality games.
  • Parthenon Pool is the ship's main swimming pool flanked by two jacuzzies/whirlpool hot tubs. Parthenon Pool deck has a stage (for live band music performances), a large LED screen and also houses the Caesar's Slide (waterslide).
  • A stage for live bands and an LED screen
  • ViewPoint
  • International Room
  • Premium Room
  • Resorts World at Sea
  • Mahjong Lounge
  • Blue Lagoon
  • Grand Piazza with Reception, Dream Elite Member Information Centre, Shore Excursions/Future Cruise Sales/Box Office, and Meetings/Future Cruise Sales
  • Lobby Cafe
  • Casino
  • Boardwalk
  • Little Dreamers Club is a children's venue for workshops, games, and costume parties and has a DJ booth.
  • Sun Deck with a Sun Deck Bar
  • Jogging Track

The aft-located SportsPlex doubles as Helideck (has a helipad/helicopter-landing platform used in cases of emergency).

In January 2021, Dream Cruises introduced with Explorer Dream the company's culinary program "Taste the Dream - Wine and Dine at Sea". The new program (European cuisine-themed) debuted in Taiwan and features traditional food specialties from England, Iberia, Italy and Central France. The program's signature menu was developed by Chef Reinhard Mammes (Dream Cruises' Executive Chef).

(Resorts World Cruises) Resorts World One itineraries

MS Resorts World One started operations for Resorts World Cruises with the Maiden Voyage departing Hong Kong on March 10, 2023. A special celebration (held onboard on March 10th) was attended by 400+ VIP guests including media, the company's local partners (travel and business), and chief managers (President Michael Goh, and COO Raymond Lim). The event featured a live performance by HKCO-Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.

Resorts World One's itinerary program is based on short breaks from homeport Hong Kong (2-night and 3-night roundtrips) offering three voyages weekly with departures on Fridays, Sundays, and Wednesdays.

After Taiwan lifted travel restrictions on Hong Kong/Macau residents in February 2023, on April 2nd the ship started dual homeporting adding roundtrips from Kaohsiung Taiwan.

The 3-night/4-day voyages depart on Sundays while the 2-night/3-day voyages depart on Wednesdays. The 2-night/3-day "Weekend High Seas" cruises-to-nowhere (roundtrips without call ports) depart on Fridays. Additionally, tourists embarking in Hong Kong on Sundays can debark in Kaohsiung on Mondays (for a 3-4-day stay) and re-embark on the ship on Thursdays to arrive back in Hong Kong on Fridays.

Resorts World One cruises from China to Taiwan (one-way Hong Kong to Kaohsiung) in 2023 were priced from HKD 1300 (USD 165/EUR 155) per person with double occupancy, while the 3rd/4th passengers paid HKD 650 (USD 83/EUR 78) pp. Resorts World's "Early Bird" promotion offered discount pricing (HK$300/US$38) for each of the twin-sharing passengers, with an additional HK$150/US$19) off for each of the 3rd/4th passengers. The promo was valid for bookings made before the end of March and for departures in April-May (2023) excluding only voyages starting between and including April 5th-15th.

With 2 weekly sailings to Kaohsiung from Hong Kong, the ship's 2023 schedule included a total of 78 calls to Kaohsiung. With 3 weekly sailings from Hong Kong, Resorts World's 2023 schedule listed a total of 126 port visits.

In 2023 was also added Magong/Penghu Islands (the first visiting voyage departed on April 11th). The 3-night/4-day itineraries (departing roundtrip from Kaohsiung on Mondays) visit Penghu on Tuesdays and Hong Kong on Wednesdays, prior to returning to Kaohsiung on Thursdays. Fares started from NT$6900/US$226 pp with double occupancy, with the 3rd/4th guests paying NT$3500/US$115 pp.

As a one-way Taiwan-China cruise option, tourists leaving from Kaohsiung (on Thursday) can debark in Hong Kong (on Friday) and book a 2-night hotel stay (in Hong Kong) prior to re-boarding the liner on Sunday and returning to Kaohsiung on Monday.

In winter 2023-2024 (starting Sept 24th) were introduced itineraries between Hong Kong and Sanya. Out of Hong Kong are offered 3-night/4-day voyages to Sanya (departing Sundays), 2-night/3-day voyages to Sanya (departing Wednesdays) and 2-night/3-day Weekend Getaways (departing Fridays). Resorts World One's packages included 5-night/6-day "Hainan Cruise & Land-Stay" (Sunday to Friday, inclusive of 3-night hotel in Sanya) and 6-night/7-day "Hainan Cruise & Land-Stay" (Wednesday to Wednesday, inclusive of 4-night hotel in Sanya). Resorts World Cruises also introduced homeporting in Sanya (as departure port) for guests willing to combine the voyage with domestic flights. Fares started at HK$1200 (US$154) per person with double occupancy.

In October 2023 were introduced three 5-night itineraries (Hong Kong roundtrips) visiting either Vietnam (Nha Trang and Da Nang/Hue), the Philippines (Caticlan/Boracay Island and Manila) or Japan's Okinawa (Naha, Hirara/Miyakojima Island, and Sakishima/ishigakijima Island, visiting attractions like Cape Manzamo, Mihama American Village, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa World & Gyokusendo Cave, Kabira Bay, Shigira Ougon Onsen hot spring).

In summer 2024 (June 16th through July 1st) the ship was homeported in Tanjung Priok Port (Jakarta, Java Indonesia). The schedule listed 6-night/7-day roundtrip itineraries visiting Singapore and Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). Prices started from IDR 10 million (~USD 640) per person based on double occupancy, with 3rd and 4th passengers in the same stateroom traveling for free.

(GHK DREAM CRUISES) Explorer Dream itineraries

Starting operations for Dream Cruises in April 2019, MS Explorer Dream was homeported in Shanghai and Tianjin during summer. For winter season 2019-2020, the liner was deployed in Australia and New Zealand with homeporting in Sydney NSW and Auckland NZ. The program included 21x 7-day itineraries.

  • 6x 7-day "Queensland and the Barrier Reef" itineraries (starting October 27, 2019) visit Mooloolaba, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gladstone.
  • 8x 7-day "Tasmania Island and Melbourne" itineraries (starting February 9, 2020) visit Port Arthur, Burnie, Hobart, Melbourne, Phillip Island, Eden.
  • 7x 7-day "North and South New Zealand" itineraries (starting mid-December) visit Wellington, Dunedin, Milford-Doubtful sounds, Napier, Bay of Islands, Picton, Akaroa, Gisborne.

Following the Coronavirus crisis, in 2020 (March-June) Explorer Dream resumed voyages on July 26st, with a new (2-night and 3-night) short breaks from homeport Keelung/Taipei (Taiwan). The new itinerary visited Taiwan's Peng Hu Island (Magong), Matzu Island, Kinmen island and Hualien.

In late-September 2020, Dream Cruises launched Explorer Dream's new "Discover Taiwan" itinerary program with short breaks (1-2-3-4-5-night roundtrips out of Keelung) visiting Anping Tainan, Magong/Penghu, Kaohsiung, Hualien, plus scenic cruising around Guishan Island (Yilan) and Keelung Islet. Shorter (3-4-night) roundtrips visited Penghu, Kaohsiung, Hualien. The 2-night roundtrips visited only Anping (Tainan). Explorer Dream's "Discover Taiwan" also offered 1-night cruises (around Keelung Islet and Guishan Island) and a 2-night voyage to Ishigaki Island.

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    Resorts World One Wiki

    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".

    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.

    Explorer Dream cruise ship (SuperStar Virgo)

    In 2018, Genting Cruise Lines signed an agreement with Okinawa Agricultural Cooperatives Association and Leospo Inc. Following the partnership, on select GHK-owned liners was offered Okinawa-sourced food and local produce. The new onboard dining options include the famous Okinawa Wagyu beef and Okinawa Agu pork. The offer was 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/Manara, 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).

    Explorer Dream cruise ship (SuperStar Virgo)

    Explorer Dream ship's hull art was designed by the NYC-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).

    Ship refurbishments review

    Explorer Dream's drydock in 2021 (February 19-25) was conducted at CSBC Kaohsiung Shipyard (Kaohsiung Taiwan).

    Resorts World One's first drydock refurbishment was in 2023 (January 25-February 15) at Singapore's Sembcorp Marine Shipyard. The project included technical maintenance and class works, and some minor hotel renovations.

    The 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 added in 2019 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).

    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, new dining options, renovation of all recreational facilities, refitted 270 balcony cabins, 560 m2 public spaces expansion, adding new shops.

    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 offer 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 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 the 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.