StarDream Cruises is celebrating the return of its two flagship brands, StarCruises and Dream Cruises, marking a significant moment for the company, which pioneered cruising in Asia over 30 years ago. While the cruise line's three ships are currently deployed in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, the company is actively targeting the Middle East's fly-cruise business and plans to return to Dubai in the future. “Recently, a MICE group of 70 to 75 passengers from Dubai sailed on a cruise out of Singapore on the Genting Dream,” Naresh Rawal, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing at StarDream Cruises. “StarDream Cruises is already seeing traction from the Middle East’s fly-cruise market.” The rebranding is a strategic move to serve distinct market segments: StarCruises (Star Navigator and Star Voyager) is positioned as a family-friendly, affordable option with a conducive environment for fun, families and friends. The Dream Cruises brand (Genting Dream) caters to a more luxurious segment, offering up-market facilities and a premium experience. StarDream Cruises President Michael Goh tells TTN in an interview: “Our itineraries are colourful: diverse and appealing and go beyond the beaten track. “Voyages from Singapore visit popular destinations like Malaysia and Thailand. Our ships sail to Japan, Korea and China among others. We have sailings that include a stop in the less-travelled North Bali in Indonesia, an area often missed by cruises. We offer seasonal sailings like the Sakura cruise but we don’t stop there. we offer experiences on land under the Sakura blossoms. “All three ships offer a variety of itineraries, from two- to five-night voyages, providing flexibility for travellers from the Middle East to explore Asia in depth,” he says. Onboard activities are always a highlight on StarDream Cruises, with the latest addition of pickleball on their entertainment roster. The cruise line also offers halal-friendly options, which is a unique offering in the cruise industry. To further increase its visibility in the Middle East, the cruise line plans to visit Dubai this winter season to educate travel partners on its Singapore and Hong Kong deployments, which are of prime interest to the region. Star Dream Cruises is focused on a number of key trends, including shorter itineraries, fly-cruising, MICE business and multi-generational cruising. The company believes these trends, combined with its commitment to localised experiences and a strong focus on wellness and active lifestyles, will continue to drive its growth in the years to come. “What makes Star Cruises and Dream Cruises different is we localise our operation and yet adopt a very international atmosphere,” says Goh.