Travel Star Voyager Sets Sail for Thai Shores, Boosts Pattaya Tourism

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Thai Post

 

Exciting times have arrived in Thailand as the luxury cruise scene receives a significant boost. In a historic first, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with StarDream Cruises to bring the Star Voyager to the shores of Pattaya. This milestone event heralds a new era for Thailand's ambitions to become a leading cruise destination.

 

The impressive Star Voyager kicked off its operations from Laem Chabang Port just this Tuesday, on April 22. The cruise ship sets off on a lavish route linking Laem Chabang with Koh Samui and Singapore before returning home. With a remarkable capacity of 1,940 passengers, Star Voyager is set to operate two voyages until May 12, carrying travellers eager to revel in Thailand's coastal splendour.

 

Patthra-anong Na Chiangmai, TAT's Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific stated, “This collaboration with StarDream Cruises supports our mission to position Thailand as a world-class cruise destination and attract high-spending tourists.” The initiative aligns with Thailand’s strategy for the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, aiming to offer luxurious travel experiences.

 

 

 

The maiden docking of Star Voyager was celebrated in grand style at Laem Chabang, where TAT orchestrated a warm welcome featuring traditional Thai performances and cultural displays. It set a vibrant tone for passengers as they embark on their nautical journey.

 

Meanwhile, Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are proud to partner with TAT in growing cruise tourism in Thailand. This will not only drive economic benefits but also reinforce Thailand’s standing on the global cruise map.” Such enthusiasm reflects a promising future for Thailand’s cruise tourism industry.

 

As a bonus, Pattaya stands to gain significantly from the increase in upscale travellers. The city, a quick hop from Laem Chabang Port, is set to see a surge in its luxury tourism sector, benefitting hotels, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Local enterprises from tour guides to transport services will likely thrive from the visitor influx.

 

Last year, the kingdom saw 162 cruise arrivals, generating close to 1.89 billion baht in revenue. With key ports, including Patong Bay and Koh Samui, carving a path on the cruise circuit, Thailand is fast emerging as the hub for Southeast Asia’s cruise adventure.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-25

 

 

 

[Hakuna Matata]

Oh, those pesky Uzbeks in Thailand.

 

Stricter visa rules are required.

[hotchilli]

From 5 star service on the vessel to a shock on shore...

[norsurin]

Boost tourism again and again..the lead cruise ship destination..they lead everywhere and everything.

How many billions this time?

 

[Reddavy]

Thailand fast becoming the hub of cruise destinations. Another hub to add to the hub of hubs 🙈🤣🤣

[sandyf]

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

From 5 star service on the vessel to a shock on shore...

So why haven't other cruise ships been deterred?

Cruise ships are a far better prospect than bar fodder, the more the merrier.

[CanadaSam]

Only in Thailand do I encounter the exact same problem every time a new service / product is announced:  NO WAY to book it / buy it!  Spent 30 minutes online, without success!

 

In countries where there is a modicum of common sense, the direct link to book / buy is included with the huge advertisments or announcements of new products / services!!!

[Burma Bill]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

to bring the Star Voyager to the shores of Pattaya.

 

I wonder what a surprise the passengers will get on arrival to this sh..hole destination!

[johng]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Laem Chabang Port

 

Leam Chabang  is quite a way from Pattaya.

There was talk of expanding the pier at Bali Hai port ( actually in Pattaya)

to accommodate larger sized boats  but it's not materialised as far as I know.

 

On my first trip to Pattaya the US navy aircraft carrier was visible "parked"

in the bay  way off shore obviously needed quite deep water  there were smaller craft to bring the mariners to and from Pattaya beach  where the bar workers rushed to meet the "very handsome men"

[connda]

Floating petri dishes. I avoid them.

[RMK54]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Thai Post

 

Exciting times have arrived in Thailand as the luxury cruise scene receives a significant boost. In a historic first, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with StarDream Cruises to bring the Star Voyager to the shores of Pattaya. This milestone event heralds a new era for Thailand's ambitions to become a leading cruise destination.

 

The impressive Star Voyager kicked off its operations from Laem Chabang Port just this Tuesday, on April 22. The cruise ship sets off on a lavish route linking Laem Chabang with Koh Samui and Singapore before returning home. With a remarkable capacity of 1,940 passengers, Star Voyager is set to operate two voyages until May 12, carrying travellers eager to revel in Thailand's coastal splendour.

 

Patthra-anong Na Chiangmai, TAT's Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific stated, “This collaboration with StarDream Cruises supports our mission to position Thailand as a world-class cruise destination and attract high-spending tourists.” The initiative aligns with Thailand’s strategy for the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, aiming to offer luxurious travel experiences.

 

 

 

The maiden docking of Star Voyager was celebrated in grand style at Laem Chabang, where TAT orchestrated a warm welcome featuring traditional Thai performances and cultural displays. It set a vibrant tone for passengers as they embark on their nautical journey.

 

Meanwhile, Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are proud to partner with TAT in growing cruise tourism in Thailand. This will not only drive economic benefits but also reinforce Thailand’s standing on the global cruise map.” Such enthusiasm reflects a promising future for Thailand’s cruise tourism industry.

 

As a bonus, Pattaya stands to gain significantly from the increase in upscale travellers. The city, a quick hop from Laem Chabang Port, is set to see a surge in its luxury tourism sector, benefitting hotels, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Local enterprises from tour guides to transport services will likely thrive from the visitor influx.

 

Last year, the kingdom saw 162 cruise arrivals, generating close to 1.89 billion baht in revenue. With key ports, including Patong Bay and Koh Samui, carving a path on the cruise circuit, Thailand is fast emerging as the hub for Southeast Asia’s cruise adventure.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-25

 

 

 

We cruised with Holland America on the Westerdam, we docked at the shipping port Laem Chabang. It is close to Pattaya City; however, if many of the other excursions go north to areas around Bangkok. We did two going north and the bus rides were VERY LONG. A good portion of the routes from that area are not highway. The portion that is highway was bumper to bumper. The ride to and from the sites consumed a good portion of the day. The reason we went north instead of south was that there seemed to be more tourist related things associated to Thailand than a beach with bars would offer. I'm not disparaging that area, I'm just stating my observations as a cruiser being in port for a short time.

Stating this, I am applying for a LTR Visa to move to Thailand because we saw there was opportunity for another chapter in life!

[Mike_Hunt]

Patthra-anong Na Chiangmai, TAT's Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific stated, “This collaboration with StarDream Cruises supports our mission to position Thailand as a world-class cruise destination and attract high-spending tourists.” The initiative aligns with Thailand’s strategy for the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, aiming to offer luxurious travel experiences.

 

 

 

Pattaya is not my idea of a high-end tourist destination. 

[Magictoad]

8 hours ago, hotchilli said:

From 5 star service on the vessel to a shock on shore...

Have you been here recently?

[Magictoad]

1 hour ago, Mike_Hunt said:

Patthra-anong Na Chiangmai, TAT's Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific stated, “This collaboration with StarDream Cruises supports our mission to position Thailand as a world-class cruise destination and attract high-spending tourists.” The initiative aligns with Thailand’s strategy for the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, aiming to offer luxurious travel experiences.

 

 

 

Pattaya is not my idea of a high-end tourist destination. 

You havent been here for some time then or, if so, obviously chose to go your usual sleazy haunts. But there have been some changes in the last few years.

[Mike_Hunt]

2 hours ago, Magictoad said:

You havent been here for some time then or, if so, obviously chose to go your usual sleazy haunts. But there have been some changes in the last few years.

This was an uninformed post on your part.