Our three-night journey to Kaohsiung & Penghu on the Star Voyager cruise.
Get ready to set sail, Hong Kong! The eagerly awaited Star Voyager has finally docked, marking the exciting return of StarCruises to our city’s iconic Ocean Terminal. Promising a vibrant and luxurious cruise season right from the heart of Hong Kong, the revitalised ship is a great alternative weekend escape if you’d like to skip the hassle of flying. Read on for your “sea-cation” inspo!
The Vibe: Luxury meets adventure
Stepping aboard the Star Voyager, I feel instantly transported to a world where comfort meets endless thrills. The ship, fresh from a US$50 million refurbishment, feels grand with lavish interiors and lush fixtures. An affordable luxury cruising experience,the intimate voyage caters to close to 2,000 passengers. I especially loved the Dazzling Departure Party on the first night, which started my adventure on a high note!
Stylish and comfortable rooms & suites
For my three-night journey to Kaohsiung and Penghu, I stayed in a Balcony Cabin, which is a highlight of my cruise experience. The private outdoor space offers some peace and quiet away from the buzzy activities on the boat, and is perfect for enjoying sea views with privacy. Plus, as a balcony guest, I enjoyed fantastic perks like a welcome drink, 10% off discount for retail and spa, as well as the basic internet access – little touches that made a big difference! Other cabin categories are also available to cater to different preferences.
Dining: A global feast at sea
The Star Voyager impresses with 15 restaurants and bars, catering to every palate. From the elegant NorthStar Dining Room that offers diverse Chinese cuisine to The Lido with its extensive Southeast Asian buffet (think Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, and Indian delights!), I struggled with decision paralysis for every meal. The Western welcome dinner at Sophia was a fantastic start, and I absolutely loved the delicious Chinese dinner at the Silk Road Dining Room on our Penghu day. Expect to go up a pant size if you decide to join this voyage!
Activities & facilities: Non-stop fun!
From exhilarating water parks and challenging rock climbing to a thrilling zipline, there are endless activities to keep your adrenaline high at all times. My itinerary was packed full with highlights including the Island Vibes Caribbean Pool Party at the Main Pool, exploring the Adventure Park, and a fun and interactive Little Master Chef-themed workshop.
When I needed to take a break from physically exerting pursuits, I enjoyed dazzling live shows, global music performances, foam parties, and signature events like Red Carpet Night (where we got to dress up!). For families, the energetic Little Dreamers Club sounds like a fantastic time for the little ones.
Itineraries: Kaohsiung & Penghu adventure!
One of the biggest draws for me is the thoughtfully organised itineraries, all conveniently departing from Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal. My three-night journey (19 June 29 – 2 July 2025) took me to Kaohsiung and the idyllic Penghu Islands, offering a perfect blend of sea fun and shore excursions.
Day 1
Day 1 started with settling into my comfortable Balcony Cabin, followed by an exclusive F&B Culinary Showcase at Red Tail Cafe in the evening. Dinner, as mentioned, was a delightful Western welcome at Sophia, which set a high bar for the meals to come.
Late evening came alive with the World Class Variety Performance that features a captivating Belly Dance Experience at Palm Court, followed by a lively Salsa Dance Night in the Main Lobby. The highlight was definitely the “Hong Show” at Zodiac Theatre – a dazzling performance that ushered us into a night of boogying with the Major Impact Band at the Dazzling Departure Party!
Day 2
Day 2 starts with a delicious breakfast, which is available daily both at the NorthStar Dining Room and The Lido buffet, before diving into more fun activities on board. I loved exploring the Adventure Park and soaking up the sun at the Island Vibes Caribbean Pool Party.
After a leisurely lunch on board, I disembarked for my “Free & Easy” shore excursion in Kaohsiung. It was great to explore the city at my own pace, soaking in the local culture and sights. The day concluded with a relaxing dinner back on the ship, followed by the captivating “Who’s Talking by Zee Deneck” evening show at the Zodiac Theatre.
Day 3
Another satisfying breakfast kick-started Day 3, before I headed out for another shore excursion to the beautiful Penghu Islands. The make sure I can fully soak in the island’s charm and natural beauty, I booked a van for eight hours with some friends on Klook. We visited the famous Wai’an Fishing-boat Lights, also known as Penghu’s Little Greece, and explored the scenic Road to Heaven.
Back on board, we hit the zipline before relaxing poolside while others caught up on their afternoon naps. The evening brought a touch of glamour with “The Red Carpet Night” – we had a blast dressing up for the occasion! Dinner was a delightful Chinese feast at the Silk Road Dining Room, followed by the vibrant “Color My World” evening show. The night rounded off with the “Electric Paradise Theme Sing to Win” competition at Palm Court and a sophisticated “Twilight Soiree” at Velvet Lounge.
Final thoughts
If you compare the price of travelling with Star Voyager to an average Hong Kong hotel staycation, this cruise is quite a steal, especially with all meals included. Also, exploring new destinations while enjoying the ocean breeze is a full holiday experience that recharges the body and mind in a way no staycation can fulfill. Plus, for anyone who’s not a fan of flying, this is the perfect alternative for international travel. I’m thoroughly impressed by the accessible design of the ship, with lifts and other facilities that get you to every corner onboard with ease. All in all, I do recommend this experience, especially to those who are planning for a family trip that doesn’t break the bank!
Cruise Lengths: Two, three, and five-night cruises
Itineraries: Destinations include Kaohsiung, Penghu Islands, Keelung, Ishigaki, Naha, Miyakojima, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Sanya, Boracay, and Coron
Price: 10% discount on cruises departing between 31 August and 14 November 2025
Departure Point: Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Booking: Contact local travel partners or the Star Dream Cruises website.
Did we miss your favourite part of the Star Voyager? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at johanna.yan@thehoneycombers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special visa for the cruise, and can I get Wi-Fi onboard?
For visa requirements, you'll need a valid passport and any necessary entry permits for your destinations (like Taiwan). Good news – Wi-Fi is available onboard! Just keep in mind it typically requires an extra payment, for example, around $240 for one device for basic full-voyage access.
How much time do we actually get to explore in places like Kaohsiung or Penghu? Is it enough to really see things?
Absolutely! For the 3-night Kaohsiung & Penghu cruise, you get ample time off the ship. In Kaohsiung, you'll have about 8.5 hours (13:00 to 21:30), and in Penghu, you get a solid 6 hours (08:00 to 14:00) for "Free & Easy" shore excursions. Plenty of time to explore at your own pace and soak in the local culture!
Are there any hidden costs I should know about, especially for dining or activities?
While your cruise includes meals at the main dining rooms (like NorthStar Dining Room and The Lido buffet), some specialty restaurants and certain drinks will likely have an additional charge. It's always a good idea to check the specific cruise package details or onboard policies for clarity on what's fully inclusive versus extra costs.
