StarCruises has announced that it will welcome the New Year 2026 with the Star Navigator, unveiling three five-night sailings from Kaohsiung to Okinawa, Japan.

The itinerary features stops at Naha, Ishigaki and Miyakojima, offering travelers an immersive Okinawa experience.

“We are thrilled to offer these voyages as part of our 2026 program, providing travelers even more opportunities to explore different premier island destinations in Asia from Kaohsiung,” said Michael Goh, president of StarDream Cruises.

“After this deployment, the Star Navigator will continue its exciting cruising program from Keelung, opening the next chapter in StarCruises’ 2026 itineraries,” added Goh.

The company said in a press release that the Star Navigator’s Kaohsiung homeport deployment, which began in November 2025, will continue through January 2026.

Highlights of the January schedule from Kaohsiung include two five-night Miyakojima-Ishigaki-Naha cruises and one five-night Miyakojima-Naha cruise.

The Kaohsiung season wraps up with a five-night Coron-Puerto Princesa Cruise and a two-night Laoag cruise in the Philippines.

Guests embarking on the five-night journeys from Kaohsiung to Okinawa can look forward to discovering the islands of Ishigaki, Naha and Miyakojima, the company said.

On Ishigaki, highlights include beaches, snorkeling, scenic landscapes, coral reefs and countryside. Miyakojima offers water sports, cycling along coastal trails and hidden island gems.

In Naha, highlights include local culture and history, traditional markets, the Shuri Castle and authentic Okinawan delicacies.

This period also marks the peak of the winter whale-watching season, giving travelers the chance to see humpback whales up close.

The press release said that onboard, the Star Navigator features gourmet dining, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.

The Kaohsiung season concludes with a Philippine sailing, including a five-night Coron Puerto Princesa cruise and a two-night Laoag cruise.

Guests can explore Coron’s lagoons and coral reefs, discover Puerto Princesa’s beaches and Subterranean River and enjoy Laoag’s scenic sights.

AloJapan.com