Resorts World Cruises buys cruise ship from Carnival Corp
Singapore-based Resorts World Cruises (RWC) is making significant strides in the cruise industry. The company has announced the acquisition of a cruise ship from Carnival Corporation’s P&O Cruises Australia, which is set to close its operations. This strategic move will expand RWC’s fleet to three ships, marking a notable development in the competitive cruise market.
Acquisition Details and Future Plans
On Friday, Resorts World Cruises revealed that it has purchased the Pacific Explorer, a 77,400-gross ton vessel built in 1997. This ship will be rebranded as the Star Scorpio and is scheduled to enter service in March 2025. The Pacific Explorer can accommodate 1,950 passengers and will undergo a significant $50 million refurbishment in Singapore before its debut.
The purchase price for the Pacific Explorer has not been disclosed. The ship is expected to complete its final cruise under the P&O Australia brand on February 18, 2025, departing from Singapore after an 11-day journey from Fremantle. The decision to sell the ship follows Carnival’s announcement in June that it would disband the P&O Australia brand. Carnival will continue its Australian cruise operations under its flagship Carnival Cruise Line, retaining two larger ships from the outgoing brand.
This acquisition aligns with RWC’s strategy to enhance its offerings in the Southeast Asian cruise market. The company has already established a presence in this region since its launch in June 2022 by Malaysian tycoon Lim Kok Thay. With the addition of the Star Scorpio, RWC aims to attract more travelers looking for unique cruise experiences.
RWC’s Background and Fleet Expansion
Resorts World Cruises was founded by Lim Kok Thay, who previously held a majority stake in Genting Hong Kong, which ceased operations earlier in 2022. Lim serves as the executive chairman of RWC and has brought many former executives from Genting Hong Kong into the new company. RWC’s initial fleet consisted of two ships that previously operated under Genting Hong Kong’s Dream Cruises brand.
The first ship, Genting Dream, is a 150,700-gross ton vessel built in 2016 and is leased from China’s Bank of Communications Financial Leasing. The second ship, Resorts World One, is a 75,300-gross ton vessel built in 1999 and is chartered from Paradise Cove Holdings, registered in the British Virgin Islands.
RWC primarily focuses on the Southeast Asian market but has recently expanded its operations to the Middle East on a seasonal basis. The Star Scorpio will initially be based in Singapore, further solidifying RWC’s presence in the region. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to providing diverse and exciting cruise options for travelers.
The Pacific Explorer, now Star Scorpio, is one of four sister ships originally ordered by Princess Cruises in the mid-1990s. These vessels have undergone various ownership changes over the years, with Carnival Corporation acquiring Princess Cruises and subsequently selling off the older ships. The Star Scorpio’s entry into RWC’s fleet marks a new chapter for both the ship and the company, as they aim to capture the growing demand for cruise vacations in Asia and beyond.
