In a notable development for the Southeast Asian tourism industry, StarDream Cruises has officially designated Thailand as its home port, marking a significant step in the country's status as a luxury cruise hub. This announcement comes at a time when the cruise sector is becoming increasingly vital to the region's economic landscape, driven by both local enthusiasm and inbound tourist demand.

Michael Goh, the president of StarDream Cruises, has expressed unwavering confidence in Thailand's potential as a premium cruise destination, emphasizing its appeal among international travelers as well as its substantial local population. Thailand has consistently been ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in Asia, attracting visitors from around the globe.

The cruise line operates a fleet of three ships, including the recently refurbished Star Voyager, which underwent an extensive $50 million (approximately 1.6 billion baht) refurbishment. This ship, which is capable of accommodating around 2,000 passengers, docked at Laem Chabang on Tuesday, welcoming travelers from countries such as China, Singapore, and Malaysia.

As part of its operational schedule, a cruise set sail from Laem Chabang on April 22, with another planned for May 7, both heading towards the stunning Koh Samui and then continuing to Singapore before returning to Laem Chabang on April 27 and May 12, respectively. This itinerary not only highlights the strategic positioning of Thailand in the cruise circuit but also underscores the growing demand for high-quality travel experiences in the region.

Despite the presence of various other cruise lines, Goh noted that StarDream Cruises has made a conscious decision to establish Thailand as its home porta choice that reflects the company's long-term vision for the region. The company aims for approximately 40-50% of its passengers to be Thai nationals, with the remaining guests coming from key markets across Asia, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

In addition to enjoying the cruise experience, Goh emphasized that foreign passengers would have the opportunity to explore Thailand's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes upon their arrival.

StarDream Cruises' other two vesselsStar Navigator and Genting Dreamserve different routes, with the former primarily operating in Taiwan and Japan, while the latter, which can accommodate up to 4,500 passengers, mainly caters to travelers from Singapore and Malaysia.

Expressing optimism about the future of the cruise industry, Goh stated that cruising provides a unique opportunity for families and friends to enjoy a variety of activities together in a single setting. He also noted that the cruise trips are positioned to attract the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment, with the largest ship capable of hosting up to 2,500 business travelers.

Despite the looming global economic uncertainties, particularly in light of recent tariffs imposed by the United States, Goh remains hopeful about the cruise sector's resilience. He pointed out that the business primarily caters to middle- and upper-income demographics, who are less affected by economic fluctuations.

Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, deputy governor for international marketing in Asia and the South Pacific at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, echoed Goh's sentiments by highlighting the cruise segment's role in creating additional travel channels for Thailand, especially as air travel faces congestion. She noted that cruise passengers typically spend more, thus making a substantial contribution to the local economy.

According to data from the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center, Thailand welcomed over 162 cruise trips last year, accommodating more than 379,036 passengers and 163,331 crew members, which collectively generated around 1.89 billion baht in revenue. Among these travelers, Singapore was identified as the largest market with 82,467 cruise ship passengers, representing 21.8% of the total, followed closely by the UK with 14.6% and Malaysia with 11.7%. This data illustrates the growing significance of cruise tourism as a vital component of Thailand's broader tourism strategy.