{{Short description|Cruise ship built in 1999}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}} {{Infobox ship | display_title = ital |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = Resorts World One, Sizihwan 2023-06-05 (cropped).jpg | image_caption = As ''Resorts World One'' entering Sizihwan at Kaohsiung, Taiwan on 5 June 2023 }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/career | hide_header = | name = *1999–2019: ''SuperStar Virgo'' *2019–2023: ''Explorer Dream'' *2023–2025: ''Resorts World One'' *March 2025: ''Star Navigator'' | owner = *1999–2019: Star Cruises *2019–2021: Dream Cruises *2022–present: V.Ships Leisure{{cn|date=March 2023}} | operator = *1999–2019: Star Cruises *2019–2022: Dream Cruises *2023–2025: Resorts World Cruises *May 2025: StarCruises | registry = *1999–2014: Panama City, {{flag|Panama}} *2014–present: Nassau, {{flag|Bahamas|civil}} | route = | ordered = 22 November 1995<ref name=DNV>{{DNV|id=19448 |title=SuperStar Virgo|accessdate=6 November 2019}}</ref> | builder = Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany | original_cost = $350 million<ref name=Ward>{{cite book |title=Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships |last=Ward |first=Douglas |year=2006 |publisher=Berlitz |location=Singapore |isbn=981-246-739-4 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/berlitz2006compl00doug/page/607 607–608] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/berlitz2006compl00doug/page/607 }}</ref> | yard_number = 647<ref name=FoF>{{cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/superstar_virgo_1999.htm |title=M/S ''SuperStar Virgo'' (1999) |accessdate=18 April 2008 |last=Asklander |first=Micke |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language= Swedish }}</ref> | way_number = | laid_down = 18 November 1996<ref name=DNV /> | launched = 23 December 1998<ref name=DNV /> | completed = 1 August 1999<ref name=DNV /> | christened = | acquired = 2 August 1999<ref name=FoF /> | maiden_voyage = | in_service = 10 October 1999<ref name=FoF /> | out_of_service = | identification = *Call sign: C6AV6 *{{IMO Number|9141077}} *{{MMSI|311000165}} | fate = | status = In service | notes = }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = <ref name=DNV /> | class = ''Leo''-class cruise ship | tonnage = *{{GT|75,338}} *{{DWT|8,530}} | displacement = | length = {{convert|268.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|32.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|49.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | draught = {{convert|8.40|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | depth = {{convert|11.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | decks = 13<ref name=Star>{{cite web |url=http://www.starcruises.com/newweb/our_fleets/superstar_virgo.aspx |title=Our Fleet - ''SuperStar Virgo''|accessdate=18 April 2008 |format= |publisher=Star Cruises }}</ref> (10 passenger accessible)<ref name=Ward /> | deck_clearance = | ramps = | ice_class = | power = *4 × MAN-B&W 14V48/60 diesel engines * {{cvt|58800|kW}} (combined)<ref name=FoF /> | propulsion = *2 propellers<ref name=Ward /> *3 thrusters (2 bow, 1 stern)<ref name=Star /> | speed = {{convert|25.5|kn}} (maximum)<ref name=Star /> | capacity = *1,856 passengers (lower berths)<ref name=Ward /> *2,800 passengers (all berths)<ref name=Ward /> | crew = 1,300<ref name=Ward /> | notes = }} }} '''''Star Navigator''''' is a ''Leo''-class cruise ship operating for StarCruises. The vessel was built in 1999 by the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany as '''''SuperStar Virgo''''' for Star Cruises. The ship also previously operated with Dream Cruises as '''''Explorer Dream''''' and as '''''Resorts World One''''' for Resorts World Cruises.
==Concept and construction== ''SuperStar Virgo'' was ordered by Star Cruises on 22 November 1995 as Hull 647 from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany as the second ship of the ''Leo'' class, and the second new build for Star Cruises.<ref name=DNV /><ref name=Simplon>{{cite web |url=http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/StarCruisePC2s.html |title=Star Cruises - Page 2 |accessdate=18 April 2008 |last=Boyle |first=Ian |work=Simplon Postcards |language= }}</ref> She was designed specifically for the Asian cruise market.<ref name=Ward /> The keel of the ''SuperStar Virgo'' was laid on 18 November 1996, and she was floated out of dry dock on 23 December 1998.<ref name=DNV /> On 28 June 1999, the ship left the shipyard heading towards the North Sea on the River Ems.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050101002501/http://www.meyerwerft.de/main.asp?id=1219 Überführung "Virgo"], 3 August 1999, retrieved 12 May 2024 (German).</ref> She was delivered to Star Cruises on 2 August 1999,<ref name=FoF /> four weeks earlier then contracted.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20041103174027/http://www.meyerwerft.de/news_press_detail.asp?what=news&pid=20 Neues Luxusschiff aus dem Emsland 76.800-BRZ-Kreuzliner "Super Star Virgo"], 3 August 1999, retrieved 12 May 2024 (German).</ref>
==Service history== ===''SuperStar Virgo''=== Following the transit from Papenburg to Singapore the ''SuperStar Virgo'' entered service on cruises from Singapore on 10 October 1999.<ref name=FoF /> On 24 April 2003 the ''SuperStar Virgo'' was relocated from Singapore to operate cruises out of Perth, Western Australia due to the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Southeast Asia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maritimematters.com/shipnews2003a.html |title=Star Cruises Redeploy ''SuperStar Leo'' and ''SuperStar Virgo'' |access-date=18 April 2008 |date=13 April 2003 |work=Maritime Matters |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030225159/http://www.maritimematters.com/shipnews2003a.html |archive-date=30 October 2007 }}</ref> Initially the redeployment was planned to last for a one-month evaluation period, but ''SuperStar Virgo'' continued to be based at Perth until July 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maritimematters.com/shipnews2003a.html |title=''SuperStar Virgo'' |access-date=18 April 2008 |date=10 May 2003 |work=Maritime Matters |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030225159/http://www.maritimematters.com/shipnews2003a.html |archive-date=30 October 2007 }}</ref>
On 2 April 2008 ''SuperStar Virgo'' relocated from Singapore to Hong Kong as her port of departure until 26 October 2008,<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.starcruises.com/news/2008/20080114.pdf |title=Star Cruises' Regional Deployment of ''SuperStar Virgo'' To Hong Kong In April |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519035352/http://www.starcruises.com/news/2008/20080114.pdf |archive-date=19 May 2011 |access-date=18 April 2008 |date=14 January 2008 |publisher=Star Cruises }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.starcruises.com/newweb/News/2008/080402_E_SSV.pdf |title=''SuperStar Virgo'', The Flagship of Star Cruises Asian Fleet, Arrived in Hong Kong Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519035556/http://www.starcruises.com/newweb/News/2008/080402_E_SSV.pdf |archive-date=19 May 2011 |access-date=18 April 2008 |date=2 April 2008 |publisher=Star Cruises}}</ref> the redeployment coinciding with the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. She returned to Singapore in October 2008.<ref name="starcruises">{{cite web |url=https://www.singaporestarcruise.com/star-cruise/superstar-virgo |title=Welcome aboard The Super Star Virgo! |publisher=Star Cruises |access-date=25 March 2025}}</ref> In January 2009, Star Cruises installed a {{convert|100|m|adj=on}} waterslide on ''SuperStar Virgo'' during her dry dock period in Singapore, and in January 2012, received new hull art and livery.<ref name="starcruises"/>
Between April and October 2014 she was based at Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=http://www.starcruises.com/media/907686/20140407%20SSV%20HK%20ceremony%20EN_Revised%20by%20HKTB.pdf |title=SuperStar Virgo embarks on first Hong Kong deployment in six years |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117060647/http://www.starcruises.com/media/907686/20140407%20SSV%20HK%20ceremony%20EN_Revised%20by%20HKTB.pdf |archive-date=17 January 2016 |date=7 April 2014 |access-date=25 March 2025 |publisher=Star Cruises}}</ref> From 13 November to 31 December 2015, ''SuperStar Virgo'' undertook a 48-day cruise to the Southern Hemisphere with over 20 ports of call.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/get-ready-sensational-48-day-southern-hemisphere-adventure-aboard-superstar-virgo/|title=Get ready for a sensational 48-day Southern Hemisphere adventure aboard Superstar Virgo |date=22 May 2015 |website=Travel and Tour World |access-date=25 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420234913/http://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/get-ready-sensational-48-day-southern-hemisphere-adventure-aboard-superstar-virgo/|archive-date=20 April 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> From 3 January to 11 November 2016, ''SuperStar Virgo'' was homeported at Nansha, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Star Cruises' SuperStar Virgo Completes First Inaugural Cruises from Guangzhou Nansha Port |publisher=Genting Hong Kong |date=13 January 2016 |access-date=25 March 2025 |url=http://www.starcruises.com/media/1675418/20160113-ssv-completes-inaugural-cruises-en.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623232050/http://www.starcruises.com/media/1675418/20160113-ssv-completes-inaugural-cruises-en.html |archive-date=23 June 2016}}</ref> From November to December 2016, she continued to be based at Hong Kong. From January to March 2017, she was based at Shenzhen and cruised to Vietnamese ports and Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Star Cruises Continues to Amass Accolades from International Events Across Asia |url=http://promos.starcruises.com/index.php/star-cruises-continues-to-amass-accolades-from-international-events-across-asia/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115080536/http://promos.starcruises.com/index.php/star-cruises-continues-to-amass-accolades-from-international-events-across-asia/ |archive-date=15 November 2016 |access-date=25 March 2025 |date=25 October 2016 |publisher=Star Cruises}}</ref>
===''Explorer Dream''=== ''SuperStar Virgo'' was transferred to Dream Cruises and following a US$65 million refit at Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore, was renamed ''Explorer Dream'' in late 2018. She operated from Australia during the 2019–20 cruise season.<ref name="Dream Cruises Transfers remodels SuperStar Virgo to Explorer Dream">{{cite web |title=Dream Cruises to Homeport in Australia in 2019 |url=https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=8861 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224074042/https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=8861 |archive-date=24 December 2018 |date=12 September 2018 |website=Cruise Critic}}</ref> In April, the vessel was re-homeported at Shanghai, where the vessel was re-christened with Grace Chen as the ship's godmother.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cruisemapper.com/news/5442-explorer-dream-officially-named-shanghai |title=Explorer Dream Officially Named in Shanghai |work=CruiseMapper |date=13 April 2019 |access-date=25 March 2025}}</ref> In October 2019, ''Explorer Dream'' sailed to Australia for the first time, stationing at Sydney from October to December 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cruiseandferry.net/articles/dream-cruises-makes-first-call-in-australia |title=Dream Cruises makes first call in Australia |work=Cruise & Ferry |last=Smith |first=Alex |date=30 October 2019 |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref> The ship was supposed to return to the northern Asian market for mid-2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic all sailings were cancelled, with a planned return to service in October 2020 in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2020/02/28/coronavirus-latest-cruise-cancellations-itinerary-changes-cancellations/4890327002/ |title=Cruises and coronavirus: The latest itinerary changes and travel restrictions for each line |work=USA Today |date=28 February 2020 |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref> However, by the end of March, the planned sailings from Australia were also cancelled.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://travelweekly.com.au/dream-cruises-cancels-2020-21-australia-new-zealand-deployment-explorer-dream/ |title=Dream Cruises cancels 2020/21 Australia and New Zealand deployment of Explorer Dream |work=Travel Weekly |date=27 March 2020 |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref> After being the first cruise ship to receive the Certification in Infection Prevention for the Marine industry (CIP-M) from the maritime classification society DNV GL, ''Explorer Dream'' became the first cruise ship reactivated during the pandemic in June. In July the vessel arrived at Keelung, Taiwan, providing island hopping cruises among the Taiwanese islands Penghu, Matsu, Kinmen, and Hualien.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cruisemapper.com/news/7601-dream-cruises-resumes-operations-explorer-dream-july-26 |title=Dream Cruises resumes operations with Explorer Dream on July 26 |work=CruiseMapper |date=29 June 2020 |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref>
===''Resorts World One''=== Following the collapse of Genting Hong Kong, the owner of the Dream Cruises brand, in January 2022, ''Explorer Dream'' was laid up off the coast of Port Klang, Malaysia, in March.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cruisehive.com/genting-files-for-bankruptcy-whats-next-for-its-cruise-brands/64218 |title=Genting Files for Bankruptcy, What’s Next for its Cruise Brands? |work=CruiseHive |first=Robert |last=McGillivray |date=19 January 2022 |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2022/08/former-star-and-dream-cruises-ships-continue-to-sit-in-limbo/ |title=Former Star and Dream Cruises Ships Continue to Sit in Limbo |work=Cruise Industry News |date=15 August 2022 |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref> It was announced on 13 January 2023 that the vessel had been sold to an unknown buyer and that the ship was chartered to the new cruise company Resorts World Cruises as the second ship in their fleet.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/ship-operations/resorts-world-cruises-gets-a-second-ship-for-hong-kong-restart |title=Resorts World Cruises gets a second ship, for Hong Kong restart |last=Kalosh |first=Anne |date=13 January 2023 |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref> The vessel was renamed ''Resorts World One'' and entered service on 17 February, briefly taken over cruises for fleetmate {{ship||Genting Dream}} which headed to dry dock. On 1 March 2023, the ship repositioned to Hong Kong where it sailed 2, 3 and 5-night cruises.<ref>{{cite web |title=Resorts World Cruises to Restart Cruises in Hong Kong with Former Explorer Dream |url=https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/01/resorts-world-cruises-to-restart-cruises-in-hong-kong-with-former-explorer-dream/ |work=Cruise Industry News |date=13 January 2023 |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Resorts World Cruises to restart cruises in Hong Kong with Resorts World One cruise ship |url=https://traveltradejournal.com/resorts-world-cruises-to-restart-cruises-in-hong-kong-with-resorts-world-one-cruise-ship/ |work=Travel Trade Journal |date=13 January 2023 |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref>
===''Star Navigator''=== In February 2025 Resorts World Cruises announced it split its brand back into a new Star Cruises now (now stylized as "StarCruises") and Dream Cruises. The ship was assigned to StarCruises and renamed ''Star Navigator''. The vessel's first sailing departed Singapore on 4 March before moving to Taiwan for a period of eight months, sailing to Japan and South Korea.<ref>{{cite press release |title=A New Era Begins with the Grand Return of StarCruises and Dream Cruises. |url=https://media.rwcruises.com/FIN_20250226_PR_RWC_Transition_to_SC_&_DC_-_Eng.pdf?_gl=1*pwyeyg*_gcl_au*ODM4MjQyNDEwLjE3NDA1NDMxMDE.*_ga*MTgwMTAxMjYwMC4xNzQwNTQzMTAx*_ga_P81Z1NLTRT*MTc0MDU0MzEwMC4xLjEuMTc0MDU0MzEyNS4zNS4wLjEyODM2NzAwNTA. |publisher=Resorts World Cruises |date=26 February 2025 |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2025/02/star-navigator-to-homeport-in-keelung-with-sailings-to-japan-and-south-korea/ |title=Star Navigator to Homeport in Keelung with Sailings to Japan and South Korea |work=Cruise Industry News |date=26 February 2025 |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref>
==Gallery== <gallery> File:Virgo ParthenonPool.jpg|Parthenon Pool onboard ''SuperStar Virgo'' File:VirgoPiazza.JPG|''SuperStar Virgo''{{'}}s Grand Piazza File:Explorer Dream cruise ship In Bay of Islands, New Zealand.jpg|''Explorer Dream'' anchored in Bay of Islands, New Zealand File:Captains Bridge on the Resorts World One.jpg|Captain's bridge onboard ''Resorts World One'' </gallery>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{commons category-inline|IMO 9141077}} * [http://www.starcruises.com/en/home/ships/superstar-virgo/introduction.aspx Star Cruises official website for ''SuperStar Virgo'']
{{Star Cruises}}
Category:Ships of Star Cruises Category:Ships built in Papenburg Category:1998 ships Category:Ships of the Dream Cruises