Resorts World Cruises expanded its fleet with the acquisition of the 1800-passenger vessel Pacific Explorer (to be renamed "Star Scorpio") currently in operation under P&O Australia. The ship is slated for a US$50 million refit and refurbishment in Singapore before its deployment on Southeast Asian itineraries (commencing on March 26th, 2025) for Resorts World Cruises.
Upon completion of the refurbishment, Star Scorpio will homeport in Singapore until July 21st, 2025, offering voyages to destinations including Jakarta and Medan in Indonesia; Malacca and Redang Island in Malaysia; Bangkok and Koh Samui in Thailand; and Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon in Vietnam.
The ship will also feature dual homeporting arrangements, allowing passengers from countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam to embark on roundtrips from their respective ports during peak holiday periods, eliminating the need for air travel.
Michael Goh (President of Resorts World Cruises) emphasized that this strategy aims to provide greater accessibility and convenience for travelers in the region. He noted that the dual homeporting approach is designed to cater to the peak holiday schedules of these nations, offering a seamless travel experience.
Bookings for Star Scorpio's itineraries opened in January 2025. The deployment includes inaugural voyages from Singapore to Malacca and Jakarta, with subsequent cruises offering various Southeast Asian destinations.
The refurbishment is expected to enhance the vessel's amenities, aligning with Resorts World brand's standards for dining, entertainment, and recreational facilities.
Industry sources have indicated that the ship may undergo a renaming to Star Voyager upon completion of the refit, though official confirmation from Resorts World Cruises is pending.