Thousands of passengers were left stranded in Hong Kong after StarDream Cruises cancelled Star Voyager’s Valentine’s getaway sailing on 13th February 2026 due to unexpected technical difficulties.
The 2,395-guest ship had been scheduled to operate a two-night round trip from Hong Kong to Xiamen, China, returning on 15th February.
However, the Asia-based cruise line pulled the sailing at the last minute, with guests already gathered at the Kai Tak and Tsim Sha Tsui cruise terminals awaiting embarkation.
“We sincerely regret to inform you that due to a technical issue, today’s Star Voyager is not able to set sail,” StarDream Cruises wrote in a letter to booked passengers.
“We understand today’s cancellation will affect your travel plans and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused,” the company added.
The cruise line did not publicly disclose the specific technical fault that forced the cancellation.
Guest Frustration Grew After Hours Of Waiting
While cancellations are never welcome news, frustration intensified because of the timing of the announcement. By the time passengers were informed, many had already been waiting for hours inside the terminal.
It’s reported that the announcement was made at around 9 pm on embarkation day, long after guests had expected to be on board and settling into their cabins. A formal letter confirming the cancellation was then issued at 11:45 pm.
Passengers described chaotic scenes at the terminal, with large crowds left standing for extended periods and little immediate clarity on what was happening.
“I was only given a bottle of water,” one man told the South China Morning Post. “Of course, there were issues with how this was handled. I was standing until my legs were sore.”
“I booked the Palace Suite, which allows us to board the ship first. However, we were forced to squeeze together at the waiting area like refugees,” another passenger complained.
Crew members eventually distributed bottled water, and dinner vouchers valued at HK$200, approximately $25 USD, were handed out later in the evening in an effort to ease tensions.
Compensation Options Offered To Affected Guests
In the days following the cancellation, StarDream Cruises confirmed compensation options for impacted travellers.
Guests were given the choice to transfer their booking to any other two- or three-night sailing aboard Star Voyager departing on or before 30th August 2026. Rebookings were to be honoured free of charge, even if the new sailing carried a higher fare. In addition, affected cabins were to receive a HK$200 onboard credit as a goodwill gesture.
This was on top of compensation previously outlined, including HK$200 per guest and HK$500 to cover transportation costs linked to the disrupted departure.
Alternatively, passengers could opt for a full refund while still retaining the HK$200 per guest payment and HK$500 transportation allowance.
For those willing to sail with the 2025-launched brand again, StarDream Cruises also offered a 50 per cent discount on any new two- or three-night Star Voyager sailing departing on or before 30th August 2026.
Uncertainty Around Subsequent Sailings
At the time of writing, there had been no confirmed impact on Star Voyager’s subsequent departures.
According to cruise tracking data, the 77,441-gross ton vessel is next scheduled to depart on 20th February for a 2-night cruise, suggesting that the 3-night cruise departing 15th February and the 2-night cruise departing 18th February were also cancelled.
If that is the case, hopefully issues are resolved quickly and the ship can get back to sailing ASAP.
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