Japan Alongside Vietnam, Singapore and Other Countries Fuels a Powerful Asia Travel Boom as Star Voyager Returns to Hong Kong with Autumn Cruises, Okinawa Escapes and a Grand Singapore Voyage

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Japan, alongside Vietnam, Singapore, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, is helping fuel a powerful Asia travel boom as StarCruises returns Star Voyager to Hong Kong for its Autumn 2026 cruise season. Operating from 30 September to 15 November 2026, the ship will offer a wide range of two-night, three-night and five-night voyages, including Okinawa island escapes, regional cruises across East and Southeast Asia, convenient weekend sailings and a special one-way Grand Voyage to Singapore via Vietnam. With departures timed to coincide with China’s Golden Week, attractive promotional offers and direct sailings from Ocean Terminal, the deployment strengthens Hong Kong’s role as a leading regional cruise hub while expanding travel choices across multiple Asian destinations.

Hong Kong is preparing for a major boost in regional cruise tourism as StarCruises brings Star Voyager back for its Autumn 2026 homeport season. Running from 30 September to 15 November 2026, the deployment introduces a wide selection of two-night, three-night and five-night cruises across China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam and Singapore. The seasonal programme has been scheduled to coincide with some of the busiest travel periods in the region, including China’s Golden Week, creating more opportunities for both local residents and international visitors to enjoy convenient cruise holidays departing directly from the heart of Hong Kong.

Operating from Ocean Terminal, the centrally located homeport allows passengers to begin their journeys without the need for additional domestic travel. Throughout the season, Star Voyager will offer a combination of short weekend escapes, destination-focused regional cruises, extended island voyages and a special one-way relocation sailing to Singapore, providing travellers with a broad range of holiday options.

Hong Kong Strengthens Its Position as a Regional Cruise Hub

The return of Star Voyager reinforces Hong Kong’s growing importance as one of StarCruises’ regional homeports. By operating directly from Ocean Terminal, passengers can conveniently board the ship from one of the city’s most accessible waterfront terminals.

The deployment has also been strategically timed to match increased travel demand during major holiday periods, particularly China’s Golden Week, when regional tourism traditionally experiences a significant rise.

The variety of itineraries has been designed to appeal to different travel preferences. Whether passengers are looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer island-hopping holiday, the autumn programme provides multiple sailing options across East and Southeast Asia.

Wide Range of Cruise Itineraries Throughout Autumn 2026

During the deployment, Star Voyager will operate an extensive schedule featuring two-night, three-night, and five-night cruises.

The itinerary programme combines city destinations, tropical islands, coastal resorts and leisure-focused voyages, giving travellers greater flexibility when selecting their preferred holiday duration.

Passengers can choose from short regional escapes, destination-intensive cruises or onboard relaxation experiences depending on their interests.

Countries and Destinations Included in the Autumn Cruise Programme

The Autumn 2026 deployment connects Hong Kong with several destinations across East and Southeast Asia, creating a diverse regional cruise network.

• Hong Kong – Homeport for all autumn departures from Ocean Terminal.
• China – Sailings to Xiamen and Sanya.
• Taiwan – Cruises visiting Kaohsiung and the Penghu Islands.
• Japan – Five-night Okinawa voyages featuring Miyakojima, Ishigaki, and Naha.
• Vietnam – Calls at Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City during the relocation voyage.
• Singapore – Final destination of the special one-way repositioning cruise.

Together, these destinations provide travellers with opportunities to experience historic cities, island landscapes, coastal resorts and cultural attractions across multiple countries during a single cruise season.

Regular Cruises to Mainland China

The autumn schedule includes multiple two-night cruises to Xiamen, one of mainland China’s major coastal cities.

These departures are scheduled for:

• 30 September 2026
• 14 October 2026
• 28 October 2026
• 11 November 2026

Each voyage departs Hong Kong on a Wednesday, providing convenient midweek cruise options.

Passengers can also choose three-night cruises to Sanya, with departures scheduled on:

• 25 October 2026
• 8 November 2026

These itineraries offer additional options for travellers seeking tropical coastal holidays within China.

Taiwan and Japan Feature Prominently

The cruise programme also expands travel opportunities to Taiwan.

A three-night itinerary departing on 11 October will visit both Kaohsiung and the scenic Penghu Islands, allowing passengers to experience two distinct Taiwanese destinations during a single voyage.

Japan remains another major highlight of the season.

Three separate five-night Okinawa cruises are scheduled.

Departures on 4 October and 1 November will visit:

• Miyakojima
• Naha

Meanwhile, the 18 October departure will feature:

• Ishigaki
• Naha

These longer cruises provide travellers with additional time to explore some of Japan’s most popular subtropical islands.

Weekend High Seas Cruises Offer Short Leisure Escapes

In addition to destination-based itineraries, Star Voyager will continue operating its popular High Seas Cruises.

These two-night voyages depart every Friday at 8:00 p.m. and return to Hong Kong on Sunday afternoon.

Unlike traditional cruises, these sailings do not include any port visits.

Instead, passengers remain onboard throughout the journey, making full use of the ship’s:

• Restaurants
• Entertainment venues
• Leisure facilities
• Onboard recreational experiences

The weekend schedule allows travellers to enjoy a cruise holiday without taking extended leave from work while avoiding additional flights to another embarkation port.

Early Booking Promotions Add Extra Value

To encourage advance bookings, StarCruises has introduced special promotional offers for selected sailings.

Travellers who confirm eligible bookings by 31 August 2026 can receive:

• Discounts of up to 30%
• A complimentary cruise fare for a third guest on qualifying bookings

These offers provide added value for families, couples and groups planning autumn holidays.

Special One-Way Voyage to Singapore

After completing the Hong Kong autumn deployment, Star Voyager will begin a five-night relocation cruise departing on 15 November 2026.

Unlike the round-trip itineraries offered during the season, this voyage concludes in Singapore.

Along the way, passengers will visit two destinations in Vietnam:

• Nha Trang, a well-known coastal tourism destination.
• Ho Chi Minh City, one of Vietnam’s leading commercial and visitor centres.

Following arrival in Singapore, passengers will arrange their onward travel independently, making this itinerary an attractive option for travellers wishing to combine a cruise with a longer Southeast Asian holiday.

Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and other Asian destinations are set to benefit as Star Voyager returns to Hong Kong with autumn cruises, Okinawa escapes and a special Singapore voyage. The expanded programme will boost regional travel, cruise tourism and cross-border connectivity across Asia.

Hong Kong’s Autumn Cruise Season Comes to a Close

The regular Hong Kong Autumn 2026 programme concludes when the final High Seas Cruise returns on 13 November.

Two days later, Star Voyager departs on its relocation voyage to Singapore, bringing the seasonal deployment to an end after more than six weeks of regional operations.

With departures spanning China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam and Singapore, the return of Star Voyager expands Hong Kong’s cruise offerings while providing travellers with a broad choice of short breaks, regional holidays and multi-country voyages during one of Asia’s busiest travel seasons.