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**Ally** · 08-28-2006, 08:53 AM

The Fleet

Star Cruises, the third largest cruise operator in the world is a global cruise brand with a combined fleet of 22 ships in service including two to be delivered with about 35,000 lower berths, cruising to destinations and islands in Asia-Pacific, North and South America, Hawaii, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mediterranean, Bermuda and the Antarctica under the Star Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, Orient Lines and Cruise Ferries brands.

Vessels operating under the Star Cruises' brand in Asia-Pacific are SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Gemini, SuperStar Libra, Star Pisces, MegaStar Aries and MegaStar Taurus. The NCL group has a fleet of sixteen ships in service and due to be delivered under three brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America and Orient Lines.

The NCL fleet includes the Norwegian Dream, Norwegian Majesty, Norwegian Wind, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Crown, Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Jewel. Two newbuilds, the Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem, are due to be delivered by 2007.

NCL America currently operates the Pride of Aloha, Pride of America and the Pride of Hawai’i. Orient Lines is an award-winning single ship line with the Marco Polo offering niche destination-focused cruises.

Both NCL and Orient Lines market primarily in North America but also extensively in the UK, Europe, South America and Asia whilst NCL America offers inter island cruises in Hawaii.

The Cruise Ferries brand, which was launched in 2001 presently, comprises the m.v. Wasa Queen.

The Star Series

Star Pisces has over 700 passenger cabins, reaching 12-deck high. Accessible by internal lifts, the 40,000-grt ship can accommodate over 2,000 passengers. Star Pisces was launched in May 1994.

The MegaStar Series

The MegaStar ships are ideal for private charters, such as hosting a wedding dinner, a company conference cum vacation or as one's personal yacht for a few days. Passenger comfort is a top priority and when it comes to service, the friendly and smiling crew really knows how to pamper our guests in style. Guests will find opulence in every detail on board.

The MegaStar Taurus and MegaStar Aries were previously known as Aurora I and Aurora II respectively and constructed in 1991 at Flender Werft , Germany . After being purchased by Star Cruises, the 3,264-grt ships were further renovated with the latest safety features and launched in December 1994 and January 1995 respectively.

The two MegaStar ships measure 85m in length and have a capacity for 72 passengers and 80 crew. Billed by the "Berlitz Complete Cruise Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships" as two of the finest cruise ships (under 5,000-grt), they are designed to appeal to the niche market with their rich luxurious decor. Each cabin in the MegaStar ships are surprisingly large and offering superb sea views through its large windows. The ships have an added advantage of optional destinations as their size permits them to anchor very near off-shore islands around the region.

The SuperStar Series

The SuperStar-series ships comprise SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Gemini and SuperStar Libra.

SuperStar Virgo was delivered in August 1999. At 76,800-grt with a lower berth capacity for 1,960 passengers, she has extensive facilities and features making her a favourite for cruisers who prefer activity-filled cruise vacations.

SuperStar Gemini was built in 1992 at the Spanish shipyard Union Naval de Lanvante in Valencia for more than US$100 million. Launched in July 1995, the 19,089-grt ship has a capacity for 788 passengers and 470 crew.

SuperStar Libra is a 42,000-grt ship, which joined the fleet from NCL in August 2005. She has a lower berth capacity of 1,480 and a crew complement of 660.

A World-Class Brand

Since it’s inception in 1993, Star Cruises has achieved global recognition, being the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific and one of the three largest in the world.

Star Cruises has played the leading role in shaping the cruise industry in Asia-Pacific by offering new and luxurious megaships and exciting itineraries. The company also made important investments in marketing, operations, information technology, reservations systems, safety and infrastructure.

Star Cruises made it to the Top 50 Asian Brands in 1999 and is the second leading brand that has the “Greatest Upward Movement Potential”. It achieved the top brand name in the leisure category for “Top 50 Asian Brands League”. (Source: Top Asian Brands, Asian Brand News, March 1999)

New and enhanced products and services provided by Star Cruises have set new standards of cruising in Asia-Pacific. Ships like SuperStar Virgo now represent the best and most exciting vacation experience option to both the Asian holiday maker and experienced cruiser from America , Europe and Australia.

Star Cruises is also committed to developing the growing meetings and incentive segment of the cruise MICE market in Asia-Pacific. SuperStar Virgo is able to cater to meeting and incentive groups of various sizes with their world-class food and beverage, entertainment and recreation facilities.

Fly cruise programmes will be intensified to capture the medium to long haul markets, and provide wider marketing opportunities. Currently, Star Cruises is developing its fly cruise hubs located in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Star Cruises' award-winning product is noted for its excellent service standards and the highest crew-to-passenger ratio (1:2) of any major cruise line, reflecting the high standards of the hospitality industry in Asia-Pacific.

Star Cruises is represented in more than 20 locations worldwide with offices in Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America.