Pacific Explorer has completed her final voyage for P&O Cruises Australia, marking the end of an eight-year sailing career with the brand.
Departing Fremantle in early February, the ship concluded its journey on 18 February 2025, after an 11-night cruise. The voyage included stops at ports in Indonesia and Malaysia before arriving at its final destination in Singapore.
Built in 1997 as part of Princess Cruises’ Sun Class, the 2,000-guest ship was sold to Resorts World Cruises as part of P&O Australia’s merger into Carnival Cruise Line.
The sale, announced by Carnival Corporation in late 2024, is part of a broader strategic move to increase capacity for Carnival Corporation’s high-performing brands.
Now renamed Star Voyager, the vessel is set to embark on its new chapter offering cruises in Southeast Asia for Resorts World Cruises.
Joining Resorts World One and Genting Dream, it is scheduled to begin itineraries across Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The ship’s maiden season under its new operator will kick off on March 26, 2025. Before entering service, the Star Voyager will undergo a $50 million refurbishment in a Singapore drydock to prepare for its new role.
In addition to Pacific Explorer, P&O Australia continues to operate Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure, both of which will remain in service until March. These vessels are set to undergo minor refits before being permanently integrated into Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet.
Once updated, they will operate from Sydney and Brisbane, respectively. This integration forms part of P&O Australia’s transition, first announced in June 2024, to streamline operations and enhance Carnival’s capacity in key markets.
Carnival’s presence in Australia is further supported by the Carnival Splendor, which operates year-round from Sydney, and the Carnival Luminosa, offering seasonal cruises from Brisbane.
Photo by Owen Foley/shipspotting.com
