Star Navigator

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

NCL now owns SuperStar Virgo's sistership SuperStar Leo/Norwegian Spirit.

In the period February 2023-March 2025, Resorts World One was operated under charter by Resorts World Cruises/StarDream Cruises (a new travel brand established in May 2022) 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 largest (by fleet/passenger capacity) in 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 (with corporate headquarters in Hong Kong). The first ships were two cruiseferries acquired from the bankrupt Swedish company Rederi AB Slite. Star Cruises later purchased several additional second-hand vessels. In 1998, the company acquired its first newbuild—SuperStar Leo (now Norwegian Spirit for NCL). Her sistership SuperStar Virgo (Explorer Dream) followed in 1999.

The 2800-passenger ship Star Navigator was constructed in Germany (by Meyer Werft in Papenburg) and delivered to Star Cruises on August 2, 1999.

In March-April 2019, the ship was drydocked in Singapore for a complete redesign and refurbishment, then transferred from Star Cruises to Dream Cruises.

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 (fka P&O Pacific Explorer) as part of Star Cruises, starting with homeporting in Keelung (March 28 through November 14, 2025).

Star Navigator began revenue operations on March 7, 2025, operating 3-night roundtrips from Singapore to Penang Island (Georgetown). On March 28, she started an 8-month deployment based on roundtrip itineraries between Taiwan (Keelung), Japan, and Korea. Fleetmate Star Voyager (launched on March 26, 2025) operates 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 Navigator staterooms (928 total) are divided into 4 main types—Interior, Oceanview (with either picture or porthole windows, both non-opening), Balcony staterooms (with private step-out verandas), and Suites (Palace Suite, Palace Deluxe Suite, Palace Penthouse, Palace Villa).

The Palace complex is an exclusive "ship-within-a-ship" enclave spanning the aft sections of decks 9, 10, and 11. It includes 46 ultra-premium accommodations (with chic Italian décor) and exclusive VIP facilities such as a sundeck (with a large swimming pool, aft on Deck 10), a dining venue (Palace Restaurant, serving European and Asian gourmet cuisine), and a bar lounge (Genting Club). The Palace Reception (dedicated service desk) and Dream Butlers team provide personalized service and premium hospitality.

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

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

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

Below is the complete list of the ship's restaurants and food venues.

• Pavilion Restaurant (complimentary dining venue)
• Dream Dining Room (complimentary restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and predominantly 6-seat round tables)
• Seafood Grill by Mark Best (specialty restaurant serving premium meats and fresh seafood created by Australian chef Mark Best, with an extensive beverage menu)
• Palace Restaurant (exclusive to The Palace guests)
• Silk Road (traditional dim sum and Cantonese cuisine)
• "Mozzarella Ristorante e Pizzeria" (Italian cuisine with a modern twist)
• "Umi Uma Sushi and Teppanyaki" (Japanese restaurant)
• Hot Pot (noodle bar offering traditional Chinese cuisine and soups)
• The Lido and Lido Grill
• Bread Box (bakery), Candy Kingdom (confectionery), Gelateria (ice cream shop)
• The Little Cake Cafe (patisserie with chocolates and cakes)
• Matcha Ice (Asian desserts from Japan and China)

In late July 2020, Dream Cruises introduced the "Flexi-Feast" concept (on Explorer Dream), a customizable onboard dining program allowing guests to choose from multiple venues. Upon boarding, passengers receive complimentary dining vouchers and onboard credits (OBC) for use at specialty restaurants, bars, and room service.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The peacock-inspired Zodiac Theatre presents Broadway-style productions. The ship also features the ESC Experience Lab (virtual reality gaming) and the Action Zone for conventional gaming. Guests can enjoy spa treatments at Crystal Life Spa or stay active at the gym, jogging track, or SportsPlex. The Parthenon Pool deck includes Caesar's Slide (waterslide). The Little Dreamers Club offers activities for children, including workshops, games, and themed events.

The following is the complete list of lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for adults and children.

• Zodiac Theatre (Broadway-style shows)
• Observation Deck
• Captain's Observation Lounge (interactive educational gallery)
• Function 8 (meeting and conference room)
• The Dream Boutiques
• Genting Club
• Palm Court (bow-facing observation lounge with 270-degree views)
• Humidor Cigar Lounge
• The Zone (multipurpose gaming lounge)
• Photo Corner
• Spa (with reflexology lounge, treatment rooms, and saunas), Beauty Salon, and Gym
• ESC Experience Lab (VR/AR gaming)
• Parthenon Pool (main pool with two Jacuzzies, stage, LED screen, and waterslide)
• Stage for live bands and LED screen
• ViewPoint
• International Room
• Premium Room
• Resorts World at Sea
• Mahjong Lounge
• Blue Lagoon
• Grand Piazza (Reception, Dream Elite Member Information Centre, Shore Excursions, Future Cruise Sales, Box Office)
• Lobby Cafe
• Casino
• Boardwalk
• Little Dreamers Club (children's venue with DJ booth)
• Sun Deck with bar
• Jogging Track

The aft-located SportsPlex doubles as a helideck (with a helicopter landing platform used in emergencies).

In 2025, the ship's sports facilities were upgraded with a pickleball court, replacing the former basketball court.

In January 2021, Dream Cruises introduced its culinary program "Taste the Dream - Wine and Dine at Sea" on Explorer Dream. The European cuisine-themed program debuted in Taiwan and featured specialties from England, Iberia (Spain and Portugal), Italy, and Central France. The signature menu was developed by Executive Chef Reinhard Mammes.

STAR CRUISES / Star Navigator itineraries

Star Navigator's inaugural 2025 season for Star Cruises began with homeporting in Keelung (Taiwan). The deployment (March 28 through November 14, 2025) featured weekly roundtrips from Taiwan to destinations in Japan and South Korea.

The inaugural schedule included three main itineraries:

• (41x) 3-day roundtrips to Japan (Ishigaki, Miyakojima, Naha), plus weekend cruises-to-nowhere
• (8x) 4-day roundtrips to Naha and Ishigaki or Miyakojima
• (25x) 6-day roundtrips to Japan and South Korea

Themed voyages:

• "Cherry Blossom Cruises" - two spring voyages offering visits to Japan's cherry blossom locations such as Kumamoto Castle, Mount Yoshino (Kagoshima), and Tateyama Park (Nagasaki), including a complimentary "Hanami Excursion" with traditional picnics.
• "World Expo 2025 Cruises" - select itineraries visit Osaka (via Wakayama), allowing guests to attend World Expo 2025.
• "Fall Foliage Cruises" - two November voyages highlighting autumn landscapes in Japan and Korea.

In January 2025, the ship was also announced to homeport in Mumbai India (March 5 through June 1, 2025). The itineraries included a 2-night "Weekend High Seas Cruise," a 3-night "Lakshadweep Cruise" (to Agatti Island), and a 2-night "Goa Cruise" (to Mormugao).

In June 2025, Star Navigator's homeporting in Kaohsiung/Taipei for winter 2025-2026 (November 16 through January 30) was announced. The 11-week program includes 22 voyages (2- and 5-night "Warm Winter Cruises") to Japan (Okinawa), the Philippines (Laoag, Coron, Boracay, Puerto Princesa), and Vietnam (Ha Long Bay, Da Nang).

The winter 2025-2026 schedule includes 9 weekend sea-cations (2-night roundtrips to Laoag), 2 cruises-to-nowhere, 1 Palawan voyage (Coron and Puerto Princesa), and 11 five-night itineraries covering Okinawa, Vietnam, Puerto Princesa, and Boracay.

RWC/RESORTS WORLD CRUISES / Resorts World One itineraries

MS Resorts World One began operations for RWC with her Maiden Voyage departing Hong Kong on March 10, 2023. A special onboard celebration was attended by over 400 VIP guests, including media, partners, and company executives (President Michael Goh and COO Raymond Lim), and featured a live performance by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.

Resorts World One's itinerary program focused on short cruises from Hong Kong (2- and 3-night roundtrips) with three weekly departures.

Following the lifting of travel restrictions in February 2023, dual homeporting with Kaohsiung Taiwan was introduced on April 2.

The program included 3-night cruises departing Sundays, 2-night cruises departing Wednesdays, and weekend cruises-to-nowhere departing Fridays. One-way options between Hong Kong and Kaohsiung were also available.

In 2023, the schedule included 78 calls to Kaohsiung and 126 total port visits.

Additional itineraries included visits to Magong/Penghu Islands, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, and Sanya, as well as seasonal deployments in Indonesia and the Arabian Gulf.

GHK DREAM CRUISES / Explorer Dream itineraries

Explorer Dream began operations for Dream Cruises in April 2019, initially homeported in Shanghai and Tianjin, and later deployed to Australia and New Zealand for the 2019-2020 winter season with homeports in Sydney NSW and Auckland NZ.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, operations resumed in July 2020 with short cruises from Keelung/Taipei, followed by the "Discover Taiwan" program offering short itineraries to various domestic destinations.

In the period 1999-2019, the vessel was operated by Star Cruises (a GHK subsidiary and sister brand of Dream Cruises) under the name "SuperStar Virgo".

In May 2018, Genting Cruise Lines signed a partnership with Wirecard (a digital payments and online shop development company) to implement 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 full control over onboard spending, including setting pre-authorized limits, managing accounts, monitoring expenses, and settling 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), then selecting the "Quick Pay" option. Payments can be made via Alipay (Chinese online payment platform) and credit cards (Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, UnionPay). The mobile app also allows passengers to set pre-authorized spending limits for themselves and for friends or family members.

In 2018, Genting Cruise Lines signed an agreement with Okinawa Agricultural Cooperatives Association and Leospo Inc. As a result, select GHK-owned ships offered Okinawa-sourced food and local produce. New onboard dining options included Okinawa Wagyu beef and Okinawa Agu pork. These offerings were available on selected ships during summer cruises to Okinawa. From April through November 2018, these premium food specialties were available on World Dream/Manara, SuperStar Aquarius, SuperStar Gemini, and SuperStar Virgo. The dishes were served through specially designed themed menus and included traditional Japanese cuisine such as Shabu Shabu and Teppanyaki, as well as BBQ Okinawa Agu pork, wok-fried Okinawa beef (with bitter gourd and garlic), and Okinawa beef ribeye (with sweet plum sauce).

Explorer Dream's hull artwork was designed by NYC-based Chinese artist Kuri Huang and features Dream Cruises' signature mermaid icon. The ship's godmother is Grace Chen, a renowned Chinese fashion designer and founder of "Grace Chen Couture" (established in 2009), as well as an alumna of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. The ship's christening ceremony took place on April 11, 2019, in homeport Shanghai. During the inaugural voyage, Mrs. Chen also presented an exclusive onboard fashion show.

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

Ship refurbishments review

Drydock 2026

Star Navigator's drydocking in February 2026 (February 2-17) was conducted in China at Yiu Lian Dockyards (Shekou). The project included routine maintenance, technical overhaul, classification and safety inspections, hull cleaning and repainting, and minor updates to public areas.

Drydock 2024

The April 2024 drydocking was conducted by Yiu Lian Dockyards (Shekou) Ltd in Shenzhen China.

Entering drydock on April 7, the vessel underwent a full technical overhaul (including engines), classification and safety inspections, and hull cleaning and repainting. Most public areas and passenger staterooms were also upgraded and renovated.

Drydock 2023

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, class work, and minor hotel upgrades.

Drydock 2021

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

Drydock 2019

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 40+ new staterooms served by dedicated butlers. Palace guests also enjoy enhanced dining and beverage privileges and exclusive activities such as fashion workshops with Chen and access to the Connoisseurs Circle.

Other venues added in 2019 include Zodiac Theater, ESC Experience Lab (virtual reality room), Palm Court (observation lounge), a redesigned Atrium Lobby, and new restaurants such as Mozzarella Ristorante and Pizzeria, Umi Uma Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Seafood Grill by Mark Best.

Drydock 2014

SuperStar Virgo's last drydock refurbishment (by Star Cruises) was in January 2014 (5-29).

The USD 19.7 million renovation project resulted in upgraded staterooms, improved hotel services, new dining options, refurbishment of all recreational facilities, refitting of 270 balcony cabins, expansion of public spaces by 560 m2, and the addition of new shops.

SuperStar Virgo review

In 2016, it was officially announced that SuperStar Virgo would offer roundtrip itineraries from China's Port Nansha-Guangzhou. In 2017, the ship was homeported in Kaohsiung-Taichung (Taiwan). The Hong Kong-based company confirmed two weekly itineraries departing from Nansha-Guangzhou—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 also homeported in Kaohsiung (Taiwan), offering 6-day roundtrip itineraries in the “Golden Triangle.” In addition to Kaohsiung, turnaround ports included 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. The itinerary program (March 5 through May 29) included 18 roundtrips visiting Ishigaki (Japan) and Keelung (Taiwan), as well as Naha (Japan) and Keelung. Both Japan and Taiwan do not require visas, making these itineraries convenient and cost-effective for Filipino travelers. 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 Executive Suites (60 m2 / 650 ft2). Standard amenities included an electronic safe, flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, mirrored vanity/dressing table with chair, double bed (convertible to twins), and en-suite bathroom. Suites featured separate living and sleeping areas, private balconies, and bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs.

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

• Bella Vista Restaurant (560 seats, international cuisine)
• Samurai Restaurant
• Mediterranean Restaurant (buffet-style, offering high-quality international cuisine with fresh ingredients—a hallmark of Star Cruises)
• Tai Pan (a la carte Chinese restaurant featuring upscale cuisine)
• Tatami Room (Japanese cuisine, with sliding screens, floor seating, and low tables)
• The Noble House (multi-course Chinese banquet dining)
• The Pavilion Room (family-style Chinese restaurant)
• The Taj (Indian cuisine)
• Palazzo (Italian cuisine)
• Blue Lagoon (fast food and snacks)

The vessel featured an art gallery, video game arcade, Jacuzzies, and nightly live music. The ship was well-suited for family vacations, romantic getaways, and group travel. Evening entertainment included performances at the main theater (The Lido), featuring cabaret shows, magicians, musicians, and other acts. There were also themed bars such as the 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 regularly in The Lido. The ship also featured "BEATSHIP by ZOUK" (nightclub events), illusionist shows, and the Broadway-style production "Memory Lane" (inspired by Shanghai and Hollywood from the 1950s).

The following is the complete list of SuperStar Virgo lounges, clubs, and 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 (featuring the Captain's work area and the ship's "Hall of Fame")
• Samson's and Delilah's (steam, sauna, and massage rooms for men and 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 Jacuzzies; Mega Waterslide; Sun Deck; Jogging Track