Starship Mario

"Nice spaceship, yeah? More like a faceship! Har har!"

- Lubba

Starship Mario is a Mario-head-shaped planet and space craft in Super Mario Galaxy 2 used to travel across the universe. Although notably smaller than the previous games' hub areas, it serves as the hub of the game and has, more or less, replaced the Comet Observatory from the first game. Other than its smaller size, another difference from the Observatory is that it also has changing backgrounds, the appearance of which depend on the world that it is currently in. A flock of seagulls can be seen on and around Starship Mario in the first two worlds.

While on the ship, Mario is able to explore and interact with various non-playable characters, including Lubba and the Co-Star Luma. Some other characters in the game appear after certain Stars are collected or a specific goal is met.

Much like Delfino Plaza from Super Mario Sunshine, Mario can ride Yoshi here. The egg which contains him is located on the 'nose' of the ship, after rescuing Yoshi in Yoshi Star Galaxy. There is also a room under the area with the pressure switch which can only be accessed by jumping into a large chimney which leads into the room, or by going through a secret door in the bill of the ship's 'cap'. The room contains a large ball of light similar to the beacon in the Comet Observatory, a telescope and some books. There are also several platforms at the edge of the room which can become display cases. Various power-ups, such as the Fire Flower and Rock Mushroom, begin to appear on display after they are used to obtain certain Power Stars. However, the display cases cannot be penetrated and thus the power-ups inside cannot be used. The Cloud Flower, one of the appearing power-ups, is the only power-up that can be used on the ship. The Toad Brigade's ship also stays close to the ship. Transfer between the two ships is possible via a Warp Pad.

After Mario collects his first Power Star, he finds himself on a rocky planetoid. It is captained by Lubba, who commands a crew of Lumas. After seeing the Power Star, and Baby Luma, he hands the ship over to Mario, reshaping it to look like Mario's head.

The ship's main purpose, though, is to allow Mario to travel between and select galaxies to visit. To leave the ship and go to the world map, one must step up to a ship's wheel near the top, in front of which is a small weight-activated button. When pressed, the button sends the player to the world map, from where he/she can select galaxies.

Engine Room
The ship's engine room can be entered by entering a small door in "Mario's" cap. Inside is a single Luma, whose purpose is to convert the energy from each Power Star into fuel for the spaceship. A small ball resembling the Beacon can also be found on the ceiling. In addition, as Mario completes certain missions with power-ups, they appear in the engine room under glass, however they cannot be used by the player. All of Mario's power-ups are seen, except the Rainbow Star for unknown reasons.

Passengers
As Mario explores the universe, he meets various creatures and friends. After certain missions are completed, they appear on the ship. All stand on tree stumps on the ship except Toad and the Toad Brigade, who stand on the Starshroom.

Below is a full list of the characters that make an appearance on the Starship Mario. All non-playable species appear except Piantas.