Star Cruises has placed an order for a second mega cruise ship, to be designed specifically for the Asian market.
The Hong Kong-based company has commissioned German shipbuilder Meyer Werft to construct another new 150,000-tonne vessel, just four months after it placed its first order.
The EUR697.2 million (US$954m) new-build ship is expected to be delivered to Star in late 2017. It will measure approximately 330 metres in length and will be able to accommodate 3,305 passengers in 1,682 cabins. Upon delivery the new vessel, along with its sister ship ordered in October 2013, will expand Star’s fleet to nine vessels.
“This second new build will further consolidate Star Cruises’ leading position in Asia and strengthen its market penetration in the region,” the company said in a statement.
“The construction of these two ships is in line with Star Cruises’ long-term strategy in modernising and expanding its fleet.
“Like the sister ship to be delivered in fall 2016, the new ship will be designed to cater to the unique preferences of Asian cruisers and enable Star Cruises to take advantage of the growing demand for cruise travel in Asia-Pacific. It will be a mega cruise ship that Asia truly deserves,” it added.
Star Cruises, which is owned by Genting Hong Kong, currently operates five ships, but the newly-ordered mega ships will become the company’s first extra-large vessels. At 150,000 tonnes, the new liners will be among the biggest in the world, similar in size to Cunard’s 148,500-tonne Queen Mary 2 and the brand new 145,700-tonne Norwegian Getaway.
Appealing to the Asian market, the company’s onboard facilities include large duty free shopping areas, casinos and specialist F&B outlets.
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