Stardream Cruises is launching a new high seas mouse experience from Hong Kong for Indian travelers

Manvendra Singh Vaghela

Stardream Cruises is making an ambitious pitch to the leisure traveler with Indian Mice and the newly revamped Star Voyager The cruise ship is now docked in Hong Kong. Following deployments in Singapore and Indonesia, the ship began high seas cruise operations from Hong Kong in June and will continue through mid-November.

Speaking on board at EttravelWorld, Manavendra Singh Vaghela, AVP – Sales, Stardream Cruises revealed the brand’s strategic positioning in the Indian cruise market post-covid.

“It’s a completely refurbished ship that was previously in Australia, then Australia, then Indonesia and Singapore. Now we’re back in Hong Kong with a fresh product and a strong value proposition for Indian travellers,” he said.

This Star Voyager It currently offers two, three and five night itineraries from Hong Kong. According to Vaghela, the company is pushing a promotional pricing strategy designed to attract both fit and mouse segments from India.

“We have made an irresistible offer per person for a 2-night cruise with all meals included. 10,000 for two nights, less than the price of a hotel in Hong Kong,” emphasized Vaghela.

The rate is valid until November 14, 2025 and is part of a wider campaign to make Hong Kong a compelling option for Indian corporates and group travelers from Hong Kong.

Expected to drive Group Travel with Diwali and the upcoming wedding season, Stardream India is focused on tailoring its fleet of aircraft for MICE and social events.

“The group is very flexible with their requirements – be it meetings, gala dinners, cocktail parties or even anniversary celebrations.

Unlike more rigid European cruise lines, stardream cruises pride themselves on being adaptable. Vagela said Star Cruises is a “household name” in Asia and India and understands customers better than its European counterparts.

NCC is starting its largest Asian deployment from March 2026 to September 2024. Cruises depart from 15 ports in over 60 destinations with an average of 10 hours in port. The three new ships will offer new calls in Australia and Japan, including seven new Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific cruises.

“If a group wants dinner at 9pm at 10pm, we accommodate that. We understand Indian preferences and adjust accordingly. That’s one of our key differentiators,” Vaghela said.

Indian weddings are yet to take place on the board Star Voyager Again, the cruise line is actively targeting this segment. “Having a wedding on a cruise saves a lot of transport, food, even decor. Everything is under one roof. We have already allowed ‘phera’ rituals,” he said.

The ship’s all-inclusive model offers a hassle-free and cost-effective solution for on-site event planners with dining, entertainment and venues.

Vaghela is set to regain popularity among Hong Kong’s Indian crowd, especially with the added attraction of cruising.

“Hong Kong, Ocearn, Ocean Park, shopping in Shenzhen, nightlife in Macau and now on a world-class cruise.

Previously, when Hong Kong tourism was subdued, groups of mice were directed to destinations such as Vietnam, Almaty or Georgia. But the cruise sector has revived, with Stardream Hong Kong confident of re-emerging as a headline destination.

The ship is currently crewed by more than 26 nationalities, including a significant Indian presence in food and beverage and hospitality roles. Vaghela confirmed that staffing levels will increase as Indian group bookings increase.

“We already have Indian staff, especially in food and drinks. If the Indian traffic grows, we will increase our staff accordingly.

Vaghela also shared an interesting insight from Indian tour operators. “Whether it’s Singapore or Hong Kong, the cruise is always kept at the end of our itinerary?

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