22 April 2025 (Bangkok) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with StarDream Cruises, has announced a major milestone in its effort to promote high-value cruise tourism. For the first time, Star Voyager—a newly refurbished luxury cruise ship with capacity for approximately 1,940 guests—will use Thailand as a home port.
The inaugural cruise sets off today, operating two round-trip sailings between Laem Chabang – Koh Samui – Singapore – Laem Chabang from 22–27 April and 7–12 May 2025, under the banner of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025.
“This marks a pivotal step in strengthening Thailand’s position as a leading regional cruise hub,” said Ms Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and South Pacific), TAT. “It reflects the success of collaboration between our teams, partners, and stakeholders, and showcases Thailand’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.”
To welcome cruise guests, TAT has curated special cultural festivities, including a traditional Thai long-drum procession, a performance by Pattaya’s Alcazar Cabaret, and exclusive souvenir gifts for passengers on both voyages.
Mr Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises, added, “We are proud to homeport the Star Voyager in Bangkok and reintroduce the StarCruises brand to this key market. This regional deployment supports Thailand’s growing tourism economy and enhances its global cruise appeal.”
Onboard cultural highlights include umbrella painting, herbal sachet crafting, and Thai classical dance performances—curated under the theme ‘5 Must Do in Thailand’: Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See—giving travellers a deeper cultural experience.
The Star Voyager, recently upgraded with a US$50 million refurbishment, sets a new standard for cruising in the region. Its launch from Laem Chabang Port, the main gateway to Bangkok, signals a new era for Thailand’s cruise tourism ambitions.
In 2024, Thailand recorded 162 cruise ship calls, carrying 379,036 passengers and 163,331 crew members, generating 1.89 billion baht in revenue—a 6.9% increase from the previous year. Cruise travellers mainly arrive through five key ports: Patong Bay, Laem Chabang, Ko Samui, Phuket Deep Sea Port, and Sriracha Port. Leading source markets include Singapore, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the United States, and Germany.