Have you ever ever questioned what it feels prefer to go on a cruise?
No different journey type can match the consolation and pampering one may take pleasure in aboard a cruise ship. Whereas most cruises are certainly costly and opulent, some are positively extra inexpensive, making them the right entry level for many who want to attempt it for the primary time. Fortunately, StarCruises options sailings which can be tremendous accessible to budget-conscious vacationers. One of many cruise experiences they provide is Star Navigator in Taiwan.
We have now sailed aboard Star Navigator 5 instances already. The primary two had been again when it was nonetheless Famous person Virgo. The following two had been after it was renamed Resorts World One. And we simply concluded our most up-to-date crusing, this time as Star Navigator. In a approach, we’ve skilled the ship by means of a lot of its transitions. On this article, I’m sharing with you each information that I’ve gathered from our previous sailings that can assist you e-book your cruise, plan your journey, and maximize your time on board!
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How one can e-book a cruise?
You may e-book instantly by means of the official web site. This selection provides you direct entry to buyer help in case you might have any questions or want help. Plus, you would possibly even get fortunate with unique offers, promos, or reductions!
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The ship’s former house port was Hong Kong. In March 2025, Star Navigator started crusing from Singapore earlier than repositioning to its present house port — Taiwan. Which means that every crusing begins and ends right here, notably in Keelung Metropolis close to Taipei. That is excellent as a result of not solely is Taiwan accessible, it’s additionally a improbable vacation spot full of family-friendly points of interest. You would even have a grand time earlier than or after the cruise. It’s additionally fairly simple to seek out budget-friendly flights to Taipei, Taiwan.
From Taiwan, the ship will sail to a different vacation spot (normally). Relying on what route you select, you would additionally discover a totally totally different vacation spot abroad like Japan and/or South Korea.
On our first cruise, our itinerary was Hong Kong-Vietnam. And on our second journey, we sailed from Hong Kong to Sanya in Hainan Island, China. In the meantime, on our most up-to-date cruise, our unique itinerary was Taiwan to Busan in South Korea and Nagasaki and Naha in Japan. However due to the climate, our Busan cease was rerouted to Sasebo (one other metropolis in Nagasaki Prefecture) as an alternative.
Accessible Cruise Schedule
Under are Star Navigator’s itineraries for sailings departing from Taiwan (through Keelung Port) from February to December 2026. For the up to date timetable, go to the official web site.
Holy Week & Sakura Season Sail
From March 29 to April 3 this yr — that’s Holy Week within the Philippines and peak Sakura season in Japan and South Korea, Star Navigator will sail from Keelung to Jeju Island, Sasebo (Nagasaki), and Naha (Okinawa). Seize this cruise deal for as little as US$419 per pax!
- Crusing Date: March 29 – April 3
- Residence Port/Origin: Keelung Port (Taiwan)
- Ports of Name/Stops: Jeju Island (South Korea), Sasebo (Nagasaki, Japan), and Naha (Okinawa, Japan)
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What’s included within the reserving?
If you e-book a Star Navigator cruise, you already pay for the next:
- lodging
- port fees (charged per individual)
- entry to facilities like pool, gymnasium, lounges
- nightly leisure together with reveals on the Zodiac Theatre
- ALL meals on the three (3) inclusive eating places onboard
Sure, ALL MEALS — breakfast, lunch, dinner — offered that you simply dine at any of the three complimentary eating places, that are The Lido (buffet), The Pavilion (Chinese language), and Dream Eating (Western and Chinese language menus). Technically, it’s limitless, even on the non-buffet locations. I’ll clarify it in additional element within the Eating part beneath.
What’s NOT included within the reserving?
- Airfare to Taiwan
- Necessary gratuities at NT$ 600 (Inside/Oceanview), NT$ 800 (Balcony), and NT$ 1000 (Palace Suites) per night time per individual (2 y/o and above)
- For Japan sailings ONLY: Worldwide vacationer tax, NT$ 220 (JPY 1000) per individual (2 y/o and above)
- For Busan, South Korea sailings ONLY: Visa processing
- Meals at specialty eating places
And naturally, different purchases onboard like therapeutic massage and procuring.
What’s the finest room to e-book?
There are 4 foremost varieties of lodging aboard Star Navigator:
- Inside Stateroom: smallest, no window
- Oceanview Stateroom: with a window permitting a view of the ocean
- Balcony Stateroom: with a balcony
- The Palace Suites: probably the most luxurious choices
We’ve skilled all these rooms besides the suites: Inside, Balcony, and Oceanview.
The Balcony Stateroom provides one of the best worth for cash. It’s not too large or too small. The balcony provides more room to maneuver round. The Oceanview Room is nice, too.
However you probably have simply sufficient finances for an Inside Room, go for it. Don’t drop the concept of cruising altogether simply because you possibly can’t afford one of the best rooms. In my expertise, we spent most of our time outdoors the room — happening shore excursions, pigging out on the eating places, and exploring different facilities.
No matter stateroom you select, despite the fact that you would e-book any of those for as much as 4 (4) company, I extremely advocate that you simply restrict the variety of company to solely three (3) per room. I really feel like 4 is “too cozy”. The fourth individual’s mattress is positioned awkwardly, blocking the best way to the door and the restroom, which may limit your motion. Belief me, I’ve tried the 4-pax room sharing earlier than.
Notice: Every room is provided with slip-on sandals, tub robes, and toiletries. Should you’re not married to specific shampoo, cleaning soap or toothpaste manufacturers, you might use what’s offered.
What to arrange earlier than the cruise?
On-line Test-in
When you obtain your ‘Reserving Reservation’, don’t overlook to go to the internet check-in web page to finish the obligatory on-line check-in. You’ll additionally discover the hyperlink conveniently included in your ‘Cruise Ticket’. Only a heads-up: on-line check-in closes 48 hours earlier than your cruise departs. Should you failed to do that, you possibly can nonetheless examine in manually on the terminal on the day of crusing.
Journey Paperwork
Listed below are the paperwork you might want to safe:
- Legitimate Passport. This have to be legitimate for at the least six (6) months.
- Photocopy of your passport’s bio web page. This will likely be your copy. Upon boarding, a employees member will gather your passport and safe them all through the length of the cruise. Don’t fear — will probably be returned a day earlier than disembarkation.
- Cruise ticket (printed or digital copy). You’ll have to point out this when dropping off your baggage and checking in on the cruise terminal.
- Visa (if relevant). Philippine passport holders don’t want a visa for the reason that house port is Taiwan. In case your chosen itinerary consists of stops in Japan, you continue to gained’t have to safe a visa, BUT a vacationer arrival charge (JPY 1000) applies to these becoming a member of a shore tour. For South Korea locations, Jeju Island doesn’t require a visa should you’re a cruise ship passenger. Nonetheless, in case your crusing features a cease (port of name) in Busan, you’ll want a vacationer visa.
Onboard Forex, Time & Energy Socket
- Forex. Since Star Navigator sails out of Taiwan, all onboard transactions are in New Taiwan {Dollars} (NTD). Bank cards and digital/e-wallets are extensively accepted for hassle-free purchases, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to convey money simply in case.
- Time. The ship follows Taiwan time, which is similar because the time within the Philippines. Nonetheless, notice that Japan and South Korea are an hour forward. We all know it’s a bit difficult. Right here’s our suggestion: flip off the ‘Set Robotically’ choice in your units and manually set it to Taiwan time.
- Energy Socket. The ship is provided with common 220V retailers that may accommodate most varieties of plugs. USB ports are additionally accessible.
Pack Your Baggage
Every passenger can convey onboard a most of two (2) items of bags, as much as 25 kg every. Every bag should match contained in the cabin comfortably.
- Garments & Outfits. Deliver garments that may cowl all of your days and nights onboard. Personally, after I go on a cruise, I usually pack two units of outfit per day: one informal set for exploring throughout the day, and one other good informal set for night time time actions. Additionally, convey correct swimwear should you plan to swim on board.
Every room has units of robes and indoor slippers. I put on these robes after I sleep, so I don’t convey extra garments to sleep in.
For footwear, convey a pair of closed-toe footwear or comfy sneakers should you’re planning to check out actions like zip line, rope obstacles, and wall climbing. - Toiletries. Whereas every room is offered toiletries, I like utilizing my very own skincare, tub, and dental merchandise.
Prohibited Gadgets
For security and safety, these things are usually not allowed on board the Star Navigator:
- Flammable supplies and explosives
- Pressurized containers
- Sharp objects
- Unlawful medicine and substances
- Alcoholic drinks
- E-cigarettes/vapes
- Weapons, firearms, and ammunition (together with replicas, stun units, and blunt weapons)
- Electrical gadgets and heating units (like garments iron, espresso maker, and cooking home equipment)
- Extension cords
- Uncooked meals (corresponding to dairy, meats, eggs, pastries, fruits, and so on.)
- Different objects that might pose a danger to fellow passengers (like hoverboards and laser pointers)
Journey Insurance coverage
That is non-compulsory, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey will be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For this cruise, you possibly can avail of PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive charge.
That stated, it’s all the time good apply to e-book a flight scheduled at the least a day forward of the crusing date. For instance, in case your cruise begins on a Monday, fly to Taipei on Sunday or earlier, simply to be protected. However should you select to go that route, you’ll additionally have to e-book a lodge in Taiwan. Talking of resorts…
The place to Keep in Taiwan?
Should you choose to fly to Taiwan at the least a day earlier than your precise crusing, you can also make issues extra handy by staying at a lodge near the Keelung Cruise Terminal, which is conveniently situated within the metropolis middle. Keelung Tain Station (TRA) connects the port metropolis to Taipei Essential Station. You’ll additionally discover MiaKou Evening Market close to the cruise terminal. Listed below are among the close by lodge choices.
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What to anticipate throughout boarding?
Double examine your cruise’s departure time and remaining boarding time. Keep away from any rush or delays by arriving on the terminal at the least two hours earlier than gate closes. This fashion, you might have sufficient time to undergo the whole embarkation course of.
Right here’s a step-by-step information to boarding Star Navigator from Taiwan:
- Head to Keelung Cruise Terminal. That is the place Star Navigator departs. There are two passenger terminals — Keelung West Passenger Terminal and Keelung East Passenger Terminal, so examine which of those two is your embarkation level.
If you’re coming from Taipei, take the prepare (TRA) from Taipei Essential Station to Keelung Station. The fare is NT$ 62 for native trains and NT$ 97 for restricted categorical trains. The journey time is 40 – 70 minutes. You can too take a taxi or Uber (NT$ 750 – NT$ 1300).
💡 Deal with: Keelung West Passenger Terminal, #16, Gangxi Road, Renai District, Keelung | Keelung East Passenger Terminal, #1, Chung-Cheng Highway, Keelung 20202, Taiwan R.O.C
- Test in your baggage. Upon arrival at your designated passenger terminal, discover the luggage check-in queue. Current your passport and cruise ticket. They are going to gather your baggage and tag them accordingly. You’ll even be given a declare stub along with your final identify. The employees will take the baggage straight to your room.
- Test in and get your sea go card. Test-in counters are organized into separate zones, relying on cabin varieties. Seek for your assigned check-in counter. Current your cruise reserving affirmation and passport. You’ll be handed the next:
–room card, indicating your deck quantity and stateroom quantity. DO NOT LOSE THIS CARD. It serves as your room key and your bank card. If you might want to entry among the services or buy something on board, you’ll be utilizing this card.
–meeting slip, indicating your meeting station quantity.
–touchdown and customs card, provided that relevant to your route.
Ought to there be adjustments to the itinerary, you can be knowledgeable right here.
- Clear Immigration and safety examine. When you’re checked in, comply with the indicators to the Immigration counters. You’ll have to current your passport. After which, have your hand-carry gadgets scanned on the safety checkpoint.
- Give up your passport. Upon boarding, current your sea go card (room card). The employees can even gather your passport, which will likely be returned to you on the finish of the cruise.
- Discover your meeting station. Your assigned station quantity is indicated on the slip handed to you upon examine in. Simply comply with the instructions of the employees alongside the best way.
- Welcome aboard Star Navigator! That’s it. Take pleasure in your room and discover the remainder of the ship!
What to do after boarding?
These are usually what company do proper after boarding the ship:
- Eat or discover. Wait on your room to be prepared. It could take a few hours, so have lunch at one of many three complimentary eating places within the meantime.
- Settle in your cabin. After a couple of hours, proceed to your stateroom. It’s best to see your suitcase/baggage proper outdoors your door.
- Watch/Attend the security drill. Comply with directions to look at or attend the security briefing. Use this time to get aware of the ship’s structure and know the emergency exit places.
Is there WiFi on board?
Sure! WiFi is on the market on board. Keep related at sea by selecting from two web packages:
- Customary. Preferrred for looking, checking e-mails, messaging apps, and scrolling by means of social media
- Premium. Contains all the pieces in Customary, plus help for video streaming and sooner speeds.
Charges rely upon the variety of units, the variety of days, and your chosen plan.
What are the issues to do whereas cruising?
Onboard Points of interest and Actions
- Zodiac Theatre. The most effective belongings of Star Navigator is its nightly reveals, principally quite a lot of swish dances and daring exhibitions. They’re extremely entertaining. Some performances showcase the abilities of the ship’s crew. It has 800 seats so you might merely stroll in with out a reservation. However we nonetheless advocate arriving early to get one of the best center seats.
Location: Deck 7, Aft
- Parthenon Pool. The centerpiece of the principle pool deck. Its Greek theme is a remnant of its Famous person Virgo days, however the whole space is painted white virtually throughout, giving it a cleaner, classier look. It’s open to everybody.
Location: Deck 12, Midship
- Caesar’s Slide. This can be a loooong, swirling slide with some clear elements, making it extra thrilling. It’s situated subsequent to the Parthenon pool.
Location: Deck 12, Midship
- The Boutiques. Lanes of duty-free outlets, promoting principally vogue equipment and jewellery.
Location: Decks 7 & 8, Midship
- ESC Expertise Lab. The ship’s arcade. Take pleasure in your favourite video games and digital actuality thrills.
Location: Deck 12, Ahead
- The Zone. That is the place to be should you’d reasonably play board video games and console video games as an alternative.
Location: Deck 12, Ahead
- Gaming Areas. Should you’re within the different sort of “gaming”, if you recognize what I imply.
Location: Decks 7, 8 & 10 Ahead
- Gymnasium. We packed gymnasium garments however we failed to make use of them as a result of we might already common 15,000 steps per day simply by becoming a member of the shore excursions. Haha!
Location: Deck 12, Ahead
- Captain’s Statement Lounge. This can be a mini-museum beneath Palm Court docket, the place you would study extra in regards to the ship and see the captain and his officers at work on the Captain’s bridge.
Location: Deck 11, Ahead
- Grand Piazza. That is the ship’s foremost foyer. Generally, it hosts bingo video games; different instances, a karaoke music night time venue. It additionally transforms into an open cinema on some days. That is additionally the standard venue for the ship’s grand sale the place as much as 80% reductions are up for grabs.
Location: Deck 7, Midship
Inclusive Eating places
Star Navigator has three (3) inclusive eating places. You would dine at any of those complimentary eating places with out extra cost. All these serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Each Dream Eating and the Pavilion provide full-course meals (appetizer, soup, foremost course, dessert) with restricted number of drinks, normally espresso and tea. Different drinks will likely be charged to your room.
Specialty Eating places
Apart from inclusive restos, there are additionally specialty eating choices. At these eating places, any order will likely be charged to your room.
We had been in a position to attempt the next.
- Umi Uma. Serving Japanese dishes (donburi and sushi). We ordered donburi delights. Every order consists of two foremost dishes and sides. I had chirashi don and tori katsudon.
Location: Deck 8, Midship
Donburi set at Umi Uma - Blue Lagoon. Restaurant serving Asian dishes. We didn’t get to pattern a lot of the menu as a result of we might go right here for the drinks. We received to attempt the salted egg fish pores and skin, which we couldn’t get sufficient of! You’ll discover it simply beside the principle foyer.
Location: Deck 7, Midship
- Matcha Ice. This provides Matcha-flavored drinks and desserts. That is situated simply beside Blue Lagoon. I had the matcha caramel latte (HKD 35). The matcha taste was a bit extra delicate than I anticipated. I additionally received to attempt the matcha brownie.
Location: Deck 7, Midship
Different meals institutions which can be accessible however we didn’t get to attempt embody:
- Mozarella Ristorante and Pizza
Italian pizza bar
Deck 7, Midship - Silk Highway
Chinese language meals, superb eating
Deck 7, Midship - Palm Court docket
Lounge with view and entry to the Captain’s Bridge commentary room
Served drinks and some snacks
Deck 12, Ahead - Sundeck Bar & Seafood Grill
Principally drinks, with stay music at night time
Deck 13, Ahead, above the Parthenon Pool
Some sailings additionally do a BBQ Evening, the place the parthenon pool space on Deck 12 turns into an enormous barbecue occasion. It’s buffet-style with no additional cost, too.
Shore Tour (Shorex)
That is the half the place you may get off the ship and discover the ports of name (metropolis the place it’s docked).
From February to December 2026, Star Navigator by StarCruises provides two- to seven-night sailings departing from Taiwan, with ports of name (stops) in Japan and South Korea.
Sailings with Ports of Name
- 2N NAHA CRUISE
-Keelung
–Naha (Japan)
-Keelung - 2N ISHIGAKI CRUISE
-Keelung
–Ishigaki (Japan)
-Keelung - 3N NAHA CRUISE
-Keelung
-Excessive Seas
–Naha (Japan)
-Keelung - 3N NAHA – ISHIGAKI CRUISE
-Keelung
–Naha (Japan)
–Ishigaki (Japan)
-Keelung - 4N NAHA – ISHIGAKI – MIYAKOJIMA CRUISE
-Keelung
–Naha (Japan)
–Ishigaki (Japan)
–Miyakojima (Japan)
-Keelung - 5N KAGOSHIMA – KUMAMOTO – NAHA CRUISE
-Keelung
-Excessive Seas
–Kagoshima (Japan)
–Kumamoto (Japan)
–Naha (Japan)
-Keelung - 5N FUKUOKA – NAGASAKI – NAHA CRUISE
-Keelung
-Excessive Seas
–Fukuoka (Japan)
–Nagasaki (Japan)
–Naha (Japan)
-Keelung - 5N KOBE – KOCHI CRUISE
-Keelung
-Excessive Seas
–Kobe (Japan)
–Kochi (Japan)
-Excessive Seas
-Keelung - 5N JEJU – KAGOSHIMA – NAHA CRUISE
-Keelung
-Excessive Seas
–Jeju (South Korea)
–Kagoshima (Japan)
–Naha (Japan)
-Keelung - 5N BUSAN – NAGASAKI – NAHA CRUISE
-Keelung
-Excessive Seas
–Busan (South Korea)
–Nagasaki (Japan)
–Naha (Japan)
-Keelung - 7N KOCHI – YOKOHAMA – SHIMIZU – OSAKA CRUISE
-Keelung
-Excessive Seas
–Kochi (Japan)
–Yokohama (Japan)
–Shimizu (Japan)
–Osaka (Japan)
-Excessive Seas
-Keelung
Shorex vs DIY Tour
At each cease, Star Navigator provides varied pre-arranged excursions known as Shorex (shore excursions). However you’re not required to e-book with them. You would additionally pull a DIY (do it your self). It’s utterly as much as you.
- Should you e-book a shorex, you can be becoming a member of the remainder of the cruise passengers who booked that tour. The beauty of it’s that you’ve all the pieces taken care of for you. You’ll have a tour information and some members of the crew will be part of the group. They are going to be sure you’re again on the port in time for crusing. Meals are additionally typically included.
- Should you pull a DIY, you might have full management of your time and it’s going to be cheaper. Nonetheless, be sure you’re again by the prescribed time as a result of the ship will NOT watch for you.
Reminders
- Whether or not you’re exploring independently or becoming a member of a shore tour, pay attention to the cut-off time. It’s additionally displayed on the screens everywhere in the ship. It adjustments per cease. READ IT, UNDERSTAND IT, REMEMBER IT. Keep in mind that the time zone may additionally change, so hold the ship’s time in thoughts. You must be again on board earlier than that cut-off time.
- You gained’t have your passport with you while you get off the ship, so be sure you have the next with you: stateroom card, a photocopy of your passport, and a touchdown card (if relevant). You’ll additionally want your stateroom card when boarding the ship once more, so don’t overlook it.
- Rigorously examine the itinerary of the excursions. Some excursions contain lengthy walks or intense bodily exercise. Remember to assessment the actions and contemplate your consolation and health degree earlier than reserving.
What to do earlier than the cruise ends?
More often than not (however not on a regular basis), disembarkation is finished within the morning you arrive in Taiwan. However for a smoother disembarkation expertise, there are some stuff you’re suggested to do the day earlier than.
- Declare your passport. The day earlier than you arrive in Taiwan, you possibly can declare your passport on the elevator foyer of your deck or close to the Reception space. Its finest to examine your disembarkation discover for the precise passport pick-up location and time.
- Accomplish the Taiwan Arrival Card. Make sure that to submit your Arrival Card on your re-entry to Taiwan. Should you didn’t buy the onboard WiFi bundle, you possibly can connect with the web as soon as the ship arrives on the port.
- Pack your baggage. Your check-in baggage will likely be collected in your final night time, as much as 22:00 (10 PM). Depart it outdoors your door and the employees will choose it up. I normally pack all my issues besides the garments I’d be carrying the following day and a few toiletries.
- Settle your invoice. You’ll must pay the obligatory gratuities or suggestions and different purchases you made on board earlier than you disembark. Should you really feel such as you gained’t be shopping for the rest, you would already settle your account the night time earlier than to keep away from the lengthy queues within the morning. As of writing, listed below are the acceoted cost strategies: Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay.
How one can disembark?
On the final day, you would nonetheless have breakfast whereas ready to get off the ship. And when it’s time to disembark, right here’s how:
- Go to Deck 7 and comply with the directions of the employees to the gangway. Upon exiting, a employees member will scan your stateroom card or your passport.
- Endure immigration examine for arrival clearance. You’ll be re-entering Taiwan, so that you’ll be dealing with one other Immigration Officer.
- As soon as cleared, make your solution to the bags declare space and choose up your baggage. The luggage are sorted by deck. Most baggage look alike, so double examine you probably have the fitting one.
If you’re heading again to Taipei straight away, you possibly can take the prepare from Keelung Station close to the port to Taipei Essential Station. Once more, the fare is NT$ 62 for native trains and NT$ 97 for restricted categorical trains. The journey time is 40 – 70 minutes. However if you’re in a rush or need a extra comfy journey, you can even take a taxi or Uber (NT$ 750 – NT$ 1300).
Extra About StarCruises
With over 30 years of legacy, the redefined StarCruises focuses on offering inexpensive but premium lifestyle-driven cruising experiences to new generations. It options two cruise ships — Star Voyager (previously Star Scorpio) and Star Navigator (beforehand Resorts World One).
This submit is dropped at you by StarCruises.
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Updates Log
2026 3 19 – First uploaded
Edited and extra writing by: Asta Alvarez
