Star Voyager

The 1997-built (as Dawn Princess) cruise ship Star Voyager was last named "Pacific Explorer" and was part of P&O Australia's fleet between May 2017 and February 2025. Dawn Princess was the second SUN-class vessel in the Princess Cruises fleet, with sister ships Sea Princess/Dream and Sun Princess/Pacific World.

The vessel (IMO number 9103996) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001666) and registered in Nassau. As Pacific Explorer, she was UK-flagged (MMSI 232006603) and registered in Southampton.

A fun fact is that following the acquisition by Resorts World Cruises in 2024, the ship was initially planned to be named "Star Scorpio", but the name was later changed to "Star Voyager".

History - construction and ownership

In May 2024, Carnival Corporation announced the termination of P&O Australia's operations and the discontinuation of the brand in 2025. The announcement stated that Pacific Explorer (28 years old) would be retired in February 2025 (sold or scrapped). Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure remained Australia-based but were transferred to CCL-Carnival Cruise Line and renamed. A total of 80 cruises scheduled for Pacific Explorer (from February 18, 2025, through June 23, 2026) were canceled.

Pacific Explorer's final voyage for P&O Australia departed on February 7, 2025, on a repositioning itinerary from Australia to Asia (Fremantle to Singapore) for drydocking. The vessel visited Sydney NSW for the last time on July 4, 2024.

In late December 2024, Carnival Corporation sold the vessel to Resorts World Cruises (a subsidiary of Genting Group, Malaysia). In March 2025, under Resorts World ownership, Pacific Explorer underwent a US$50 million refurbishment and was renamed "Star Voyager". She began revenue operations with her maiden voyage on March 26, 2025, departing from Singapore.

Under P&O, Pacific Explorer's hull was adorned with the company's final Southern Cross livery, representing the national symbol of Australia and New Zealand, also featured on their flags.

Following a major drydock refurbishment in Singapore (at Sembcorp Marine Admiralty Yard) in 2017, the ship was renamed from "Dawn Princess" to "Pacific Explorer".

Pacific Explorer's inaugural cruise for P&O Australia departed from Sydney NSW on June 22, 2017. The vessel replaced Pacific Pearl, which was sold to CMV UK and renamed Columbus.

In February 2025, Resorts World Cruises announced the reinstatement of GHK's brands "Star Cruises" and "Dream Cruises". As part of the transition (expected to be completed by June 2025), Resorts World One (renamed "Star Navigator") joined Star Voyager as part of Star Cruises, starting with homeporting in Keelung (March 28 to November 14, 2025).

Star Navigator began revenue operations on March 7, 2025, from Singapore. Star Voyager was launched on March 26, 2025, operating seasonal deployments from multiple homeports, including Singapore, Jakarta, Malacca, Bangkok, and Saigon.

Dream Cruises focuses on the premium segment, with the Genting Dream ship homeported in Singapore year-round, operating roundtrip itineraries to Malaysia and Thailand.

Decks and Cabins

Star Voyager staterooms (998 total, in 20 categories) include 38 Suites, 372 Balcony cabins, 192 Oceanview cabins, and 396 Inside cabins, including 19 wheelchair-accessible units. Most cabins are sized 140-160 ft2 (13-15 m2), with balconies averaging 30 ft2 (3 m2). Nearly 70% of all outside staterooms feature private step-out balconies. The largest accommodations are Balcony Suites (375-430 ft2 / 35-40 m2) with terraces sized 85-275 ft2 (8-26 m2).

The ship has 14 decks, of which 11 are passenger-accessible and 7 contain cabins.

Pacific Explorer ship review (onboard facilities and amenities)

Passengers can enjoy waterslides, a kids' aquapark, an extreme sports park (P&O Edge with climbing course and zip line), and barefoot bowling on open decks. Additional leisure options include a day spa, cabana-style pool deck, 4 swimming pools, 5 Jacuzzis, and live entertainment (music and shows).

The 2017 drydock refurbishment added two new casual dining venues for P&O Australia - "Luke's Grill" (poolside bar/evening restaurant by chef Luke Mangan) and "400 Gradi" (Neapolitan pizzeria by chef Johnny Di Francesco).

Other dining venues include Waterfront Restaurant (main dining room), Angelo's (Italian), Dragon Lady (Asian), and The Pantry (buffet marketplace with 9 food outlets).

Also added was The Bonded Store (bar lounge), serving signature cocktails through a partnership with Archie Rose Distilling Co (founded in Sydney, NSW, in 2014), along with whisky- and gin-making classes and tasting events.

Deck 4 houses all crew cabins, the ship's tender embarkation and disembarkation areas, and the Infirmary/Medical Center (staffed by physicians and nurses on 24-hour call).

Deck 5 houses the Grand Atrium (4 decks high, with a stage for live performances) and the Lobby Hall (Reception and Shore Excursions desks), served by Lilly's Bar and Charlie's Bar (coffee, pastries, desserts, wine, and spirits). Also on Deck 5 is the Waterfront Restaurant (complimentary dining room open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Midship-aft on Deck 6 are Dragon Lady (Asian cuisine) and Angelo's (Italian cuisine), as well as P&O Retail (duty-free shopping complex). Angelo's offers complimentary Italian dishes such as slow-cooked pork neck, veal shank ragout, pumpkin arancini, osso buco, seafood cacciucco, pan-fried gnocchi, and cannoli. Dinner reservations are made at the Reception Desk. Dragon Lady offers a banquet-style dining concept with shareable dishes and a distinctive origami-folded menu.

Deck 7 features the Marquee Theatre (two-level main show lounge for productions, trivia, bingo, workshops, and events), Explorer Hotel (piano bar by day and English pub at night), Future Cruise Sales Office, Blue Room (Atrium Lounge & Bar), Art Gallery, IMAGES Photo Gallery, HQ & HQ+ (nightclub and entertainment venue), and Black Circus Theatre.

Blue Room serves as a live music venue by day and transforms into a nightclub at night, featuring DJ programming. The Blues@Blue session showcases rotating musicians in live jam performances.

Black Circus Theatre hosts cabaret-style shows, comedy acts, and performances by guest entertainers. It features a full-service bar and a supper-club ambiance, though without full dining tables. During the day, the venue is used for kids' programs, laser tag, and cinema screenings.

Deck 8 houses the Casino (slot machines and table games, including poker tournaments) and 400 Gradi pizzeria, open for lunch and dinner with takeaway and room service options.

Aft on Deck 11 is the Lawn Bowls (outdoor bowling green), open daily with scheduled tournaments and bar service.

Deck 12 includes the Navigation Bridge, main pool area (2 pools, 3 Jacuzzis), Pool Bar, live music stage, Ice Cream Bar (New Zealand Natural Ice Cream), youth centers (Turtle Cove and Shark Shack), Photo Shop, Library/Card Room, Level UP Arcade, and the wellness complex (Spa and Gym).

The Elemis Spa complex includes a pool, Jacuzzis, fitness center with aerobics studio, thermal suite, saunas, treatment rooms, beauty salon, and an aft-facing deck with a virtual golf simulator.

Deck 14 features The Pantry buffet, Shell & Bones, Luke's Bar & Grill, Big Screen outdoor cinema, deck games area, and the Oasis adults-only pool deck with bar service.

The Pantry offers multiple food stations (salads, stir-fry, Mexican, curry, fish and chips, Italian, carvery, soups, desserts) and operates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A kids' dinner service is also available.

Deck 15 houses the adults-only sundeck (formerly The Sanctuary), P&O Edge outdoor activities area, sports court, and the aft Aqua Park with waterslides.

The Aqua Park features twin racing slides over 80 m (260+ ft) long, with LED lighting and sound effects, plus a shaded kids' splash area with interactive water features.

Star Voyager itineraries (Resorts World Cruises)

The following outlines Star Voyager's inaugural 2025 itinerary program.

Roundtrips from Singapore (March 26-July 21) include 10x 5-day "Malacca and Jakarta" (Mar 26-Apr 15, Jun 11-Jul 1), 5x 5-day "Bangkok and Koh Samui" (Apr 20-May 10), 3x 4-day "Koh Samui and Redang" (May 15-23), 5x 3-day "Malacca and Medan" (May 27-Jun 8), and 4x 5-day "Malacca and Ho Chi Minh" (Jul 6-21).

Roundtrips from Jakarta/Tanjong Priok Port (March 29-April 13, June 14-29) include 8x 5-day "Singapore and Malacca" cruises.

Roundtrips from Bangkok/Laem Chabang Port (April 22-May 7) include 4x 5-day "Koh Samui and Singapore" cruises.

Roundtrips from Malacca/ICQS Cruise Terminal (May 28-June 9) include 5x 3-day "Medan-Kuala Tanjung-Singapore" cruises.

Roundtrips from Ho Chi Minh City/Phu My Port (June 13-17-21, July 9-24) include 3x 4-day and 4x 5-day "Singapore and Malacca" cruises.

Cruises from China (Hong Kong schedule 2025)

In April 2025, Star Cruises announced Star Voyager's summer homeporting in/roundtrips from Hong Kong scheduled for June 27 through August 31. The program includes 2- to 5-night voyages visiting Taiwan (Keelung, Kaohsiung, Penghu) and Japan (Naha, Ishigaki).

Taiwan itineraries:

• (3-night) Hong Kong-Kaohsiung-Penghu (Sundays: Jun 29, Jul 13, Aug 10)
• (2-night) Hong Kong-Kaohsiung (Wednesdays: Jul 2, Jul 16, Aug 13)

Japan itineraries:

• (5-night) Hong Kong-Ishigaki-Naha (Sundays: Jul 6, Aug 3)
• (5-night) Hong Kong-Naha-Ishigaki (Sundays: Jul 20, Aug 17)

Japan and Taiwan B2B itinerary:

• (5-night) Hong Kong-Ishigaki-Keelung-Penghu (Sundays: Jul 27, Aug 24)

Weekend high seas cruises (no port calls):

• (2-night) Cruise to Nowhere (Fridays: Jun 27, Jul 4, 11, 18, 25; Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29)

Pacific Explorer itineraries (P&O Australia)

Pacific Explorer's itinerary program was based on roundtrips from Australia (homeports Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle, Cairns) and New Zealand (Auckland). Voyages visited Tasmania, the South Pacific Islands, and Papua New Guinea. The program also included short breaks/mini-cruises and cruises to nowhere (themed voyages without port calls).

Following the Coronavirus crisis, Pacific Explorer was paused for more than 2 years (March 2020 through June 2022) and was scheduled to restart on May 31, 2022, with roundtrips from Sydney. Previous homeporting plans (Adelaide, Fremantle-Perth, Cairns for February-June 2022) were canceled. In late February 2022, P&O also canceled the entire New Zealand season - all 20 departures from Auckland scheduled between July 5 and November 27, 2022.

The Fincantieri Monfalcone-built Pacific Explorer features the longest and most thrilling waterslides on an Australian-based cruise ship. Each slide stretches over 80 m (260 ft). During a drydock in Singapore, the P&OEdge Adventure Park (a top-deck outdoor sports facility) was installed. The decor of all onboard public spaces and venues (including the Atrium, bars, lounges, and restaurants) was обновed.

Pacific Explorer (Monfalcone shipyard / hull number 5955) is powered by Wartsila-Sulzer marine diesel engines (models 8ZAV40S and 8ZAL40), generating a total power output of 46.08 MW.

The Captain is Roger Bilton.

In March 2017, P&O Australia confirmed an exclusive partnership with Sydney-based "Archie Rose Distilling Co". Pacific Explorer became the fleet's first ship to feature the new Archie Rose Bar. Part of this premium cocktail venue is "The Bonded Store", where all cocktails are made with Archie Rose spirits. The venue also offers hosted gin-making and whisky masterclasses.

On July 2, 2017, the ship's christening ceremony was held at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal, led by godmother Dora the Explorer (a fictional Nickelodeon character). Dora was joined by several Nickelodeon characters, including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Skye from PAW Patrol. The traditional bottle-smashing ceremony featured a papier-mache champagne bottle. Dora used a large stick to break it open, releasing green goo that covered Sture Myrmell (President of P&O Australia). Prior to the ceremony, children onboard attended a Welcome Party where they met their favorite Nickelodeon characters.

In June 2018, P&O Australia launched "The Big Laugh" onboard program, promoted as "the biggest comedy festival at sea." The program featured 14 stand-up comedians performing a total of 36 live shows (over 33 hours of performances). It debuted with a 4-day roundtrip cruise from Sydney to Moreton Island (departure June 20). "The Big Laugh" extended across 72 comedy-themed cruises in 2018-2019.

Pacific Explorer refurbishment 2020 review

During the ship's drydock refurbishment in 2020 (February 12-27, in Singapore), general maintenance work, hull cleaning, repainting, and repairs were carried out. The USD 30 million project also included renovations of public areas (venues, hallways, staircases) and all cabins, featuring new carpeting, upholstery, artwork, and lighting. Both theaters and several public spaces were refurbished, and new cabin categories and family-friendly activities were introduced. The project also resulted in the following updates.

• 400 Gradi (midship deck 8, pizzeria by chef Johnny Di Francesco) and Luke’s Bar (deck 14, grill bar by chef Luke Mangan) were completely redesigned. Luke’s Bar now also operates as a specialty restaurant for lunch and dinner while continuing as a poolside food bar for premium burgers and seafood (with take-away options).
• A new games arcade was added, featuring 21 machines, including the popular VR game "Virtual Rabbids".
• Two new 5-berth suites were introduced for families, offering perks such as priority embarkation, disembarkation, and tendering, plus complimentary laundry service. All quad cabins were upgraded with new beds, carpets, artwork, and full-length luggage lockers.
• The Elemis Spa (deck 12 wellness complex) was redesigned, and the Beauty Bar now includes a nail studio.

Several key public spaces, including The Atrium, The Pantry, and Marquee Lounge, were also refreshed. Black Circus Lounge (deck 5) was renovated with new artwork and upholstery.

Pacific Explorer refurbishment 2017 review

Before joining the P&O Australia fleet, the ship underwent a multi-million drydock refit and refurbishment (May 30 - June 9) at Sembcorp Marine in Singapore. As Dawn Princess, she was last refurbished in May 2016.

Deckplan changes following the refit included:

• (deck 5) Florentine Restaurant was transformed into Waterfront Restaurant.
• (deck 6) Rigoletto Restaurant was redesigned into two specialty venues - Dragon Lady (Asian, portside) and Angelo's (Italian, starboard).
• (deck 7 forward) Princess Theater was renamed The Marquee.
• (deck 7 forward starboard) Wheelhouse Bar was transformed into Summer Pub.
• (deck 7 portside) Jammers disco was transformed into the Blue Room.
• (deck 7 portside) "Library & Writing Room" became HQ&HQ* (kids facilities). The Internet Cafe was removed.
• (deck 7 aft) Vista Lounge became Black Circus Lounge & Bar.
• (pool deck 12 aft) Ice Cream Bar became P&O Australia's "New Zealand Natural Ice Cream". Turtle Cove was renamed Youth Center, Shark Shack became Teen Center, Lotus Spa became Elemis Day Spa, and Platinum Studio became Photo Studio.
• (lido deck 14) Horizon Buffet became The Pantry (marketplace). Movies Under The Stars was renamed Big Screen. Seaview Bar (aft) became The Oasis (adults-only area).

Over 1,000 contractors worked more than 200,000 hours on the refit, installing 25,000 m2 of new carpeting, painting 10,000 m2 of walls, installing over 3,000 pieces of furniture, and adding approximately 1,200 artworks. The hull received P&O Australia's Southern Cross livery, first introduced on Pacific Dawn (now Ambassador Ambience) in March 2017.

Newly added venues and facilities (many introduced fleetwide for the first time) include:

• Barefoot lawn (bowling green)
• Aqua Park (deck 15) with two waterslides (each over 80 m / 260 ft) and a shaded kids' splash area
• P&OEdge Adventure Park (top-deck outdoor sports complex)
• Luke’s fast-casual dining (poolside grill by chef Luke Mangan)
• 400 Gradi (Neapolitan pizzeria by chef Johnny Di Francesco)
• The Bonded Store (cocktail bar featuring Archie Rose Distilling Co spirits, with whisky and gin classes and tastings)

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2017

Below is the list of departures from Sydney, NSW, during Pacific Explorer's inaugural cruise program in 2017:

• The "Inaugural Cruise" departed Sydney on June 22, 2017 - a 10-night "Melanesian Discovery" roundtrip to New Caledonia (Noumea, Lifou), Vanuatu (Vila, Mystery Island), and Isle of Pines.
• 3-night Cruises to Nowhere from Sydney were scheduled for July 28, August 4, September 21, October 28, November 10 and 17, December 14 and 27 (2017).
• 4-night "Sunshine Coast" cruises to Mooloolaba were scheduled for July 31 and August 26 (2017).
• 4-night "Moreton Island" cruises were scheduled for September 17, October 31, November 13 and 30 (2017).
• 5-night "Australian Open Tennis" cruise (Sydney–Melbourne roundtrip) departed January 19, 2018.
• 7-night "Southern Barrier Reef Discovery" (Mooloolaba, Gladstone, Moreton Island) departed August 19, 2017.
• 8-night "Getaway to Mare" itineraries (Noumea, Mare, Isle of Pines) departed July 2, July 20, September 9, October 4, December 30 (New Year 2017).
• 10-night "Barrier Reef Discovery" (Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, Willis Island, Brisbane) departed August 30, 2017.
• 10-night "Melanesian Discovery" itineraries departed July 10, September 24, November 20, December 4 and 17 (Christmas 2017).
• 12-night "Best of the Pacific" (Champagne Bay, Vila, Mystery Island, Mare, Noumea) departed August 7, 2017.
• 16-night "Bounty Adventure" (Norfolk Island, Nuku'alofa, Vava'u, Suva, Port Denarau, Dravuni, Mare) departed October 12, 2017.

The following table shows the ship's inaugural cruise (June 22 - July 2, 10 days, themed "Discover Vanuatu") with ports of call and times. Prices started from AUD 880 pp (double occupancy, inside cabin).

4 nights / 5 days (inaugural short-break cruise roundtrip to Moreton Island) - prices from AUD 580 pp.

On September 21, 2017, the 3-night / 4-day inaugural "cruise to nowhere" (themed "Food and Wine") departed Sydney, with prices starting from AUD 400 pp.

Pacific Explorer's Cruise to Nowhere itineraries are themed Australian roundtrips without port calls. These short cruises typically feature themes such as Food and Wine, Music, Comedy, and Sports.

P&O Australia's "cruises to nowhere" include all onboard themed entertainment and activities, such as classes, workshops, lectures, guest performances, and themed parties.

Dawn Princess ship

• Cabin grades: 25
• Dining Rooms: Florentine, Venetian
• Restaurants and food bars: Sterling (steakhouse), Horizon Court (buffet), La Scala (pizzeria), Balcony Grill
• Lounges & Bars: Theater, Atrium, Vista, Jammers (nightclub), La Patisserie (lobby), Wheelhouse, Windjammers, Magnums, poolside bars
• Facilities include The Sanctuary (adults-only area), Oasis & Lotus Spa, basketball court, 3 swimming pools, gym, 4 Jacuzzis, shuffleboard, golf simulator, "Movies Under The Stars" (outdoor cinema), and promenade deck (deck 7).
• Dawn Princess is part of Princess Cruises' Sun-class (the oldest in the series). Sister ships include Sea (now MS Dream) and Sun (now Pacific World).
• She was built in 1997 by Fincantieri (Italy). The christening ceremony took place on May 8, 1997, in Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida). Godparents included the cast of "The Love Boat": Gavin MacLeod, Fred Grandy, Ted Lange, Bernie Kopell, Jill Whelan, and Lauren Tewes. This marked their first reunion since the show ended in 1986.

In 2009, Dawn Princess was repositioned to the South Pacific for cruises around Australia and New Zealand.

In 2017, she was transferred to P&O Australia (Carnival Corporation brand) after 20 years with Princess Cruises. P&O Australia had earlier received two ships from Holland America Line - MS Ryndam (now Celestyal Journey) and MS Statendam (now Vasco da Gama Nicko).

Dawn Princess's final voyage was on May 14, 2017 - a 12-day repositioning cruise from Fremantle to Singapore. Below are the final Australian itinerary and repositioning cruise details.

Repositioning cruise from Australia to Asia for refurbishment.

Godspeed!

Dawn Princess ship review

Dawn Princess operated itineraries in Australia and New Zealand, departing from Sydney, Fremantle, and Melbourne.

The 77,441-ton, 1,950-passenger vessel was based in Australia and offered cruises to Australia-New Zealand, South Pacific islands, Hawaii, and World Cruises. Onboard pricing was in AUD, with Australian touches such as Vegemite at breakfast and fitness classes like "legs, bums, and tums". Compared to newer Princess ships, Dawn Princess was more intimate, though with smaller and less modern facilities.

This was particularly noticeable in the Horizon Court buffet, the compact fitness center, and the teen lounge. However, having two show lounges allowed for a broader range of nightly entertainment. The ship made efficient use of space, offering diverse activities from ceramics and dance classes to game tournaments and computer workshops.

The Florentine and Venetian Dining Rooms are nearly identical, differing mainly in decor and murals depicting Florence and Venice. Both feature etched glass panels and fine woodwork, creating an intimate dining atmosphere. The cuisine is of high quality, well-presented, and varied. Vegetarian options are excellent, and desserts are outstanding. Healthy choices are available nightly, and service is friendly and attentive. Horizon Court is open 24 hours, offering breakfast from 4 am to 11:30 am, along with fruits, breads, and European specialties.

Complete list of restaurants and food bars:

• Florentine Restaurant (dinner only, aft Dining Room, fixed seatings at 5:45 and 7:45 p.m.)
• Venetian Restaurant (aft Dining Room, open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner)
• La Scala Pizzeria (complimentary)
• Horizon Court (buffet, complimentary)
• Sterling Steakhouse (specialty restaurant)
• Balcony Grill Bar (fast food, complimentary)

Daytime activities include trivia, art auctions, games, and cocktail demonstrations, alongside themed "@Sea" programs. Computers@Sea offers classes in photography, computing, and video-making. Common Interest@Sea organizes social meetups, Ballroom@Sea teaches dance, and Scholarship@Sea provides lectures on topics such as astronomy and destinations. Additional activities include ceramics, scrapbooking, and book discussions. The Ultimate Ship Tour (3 hours, AUD 175) provides behind-the-scenes access, including the bridge and engine control room, with exclusive souvenirs.

Complete list of lounges and entertainment venues:

• The Grand Piazza Atrium (4-deck space with live entertainment and Bar Piazza)
• La Patisserie Bar (coffee, desserts, pastries, wine, spirits)
• Atrium Boutiques (Regatta Shop)
• Art Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop; Platinum Studio
• Internet Cafe (24-hour); Card Room
• Princess Dawn Theatre (shows, workshops, seminars)
• Jammers Disco & Nightclub
• Princess Dawn Grand Casino
• Vista Lounge & Bar
• Wheelhouse Bar (piano bar by day, pub by night)
• Magnums Bar; Sundaes Bar; Oasis Bar
• Oasis Spa complex; Beauty Salon; Fitness Center (with aerobics studio)
• Movies Under the Stars (outdoor cinema)
• Video Arcade; Teen Center; Youth Center with outdoor play areas
• The Sanctuary (adults-only area); Riviera Pool
• Sports Court (volleyball, basketball, soccer)
• Shuffleboard, Golf Net, Princess Links (mini-golf)