Genting Hong Kong chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay at the ceremony

Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, has officially launched the start of the production of its next generation of mega cruise ships with its first steel cutting ceremony at Meyer Werft, one of the world’s largest and most modern shipyards headquartered in Papenburg, Germany.

This marks the beginning of the first of two new mega cruise ships that will be delivered in fall 2016 and fall 2017 respectively, to be homeported in Asia.

Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman and chief executive officer of Genting Hong Kong, was present at the ceremony to officiate and witness this historical event of the first steel cutting of the mega cruise ship, Genting World.

“It is a proud moment for all of us at Genting Hong Kong, especially for me, as today’s steel cutting ceremony marks a new chapter for Genting Hong Kong, reaffirming our Star Cruises brand as the leader in Asian cruise travel.

“The delivery of these two newly commissioned mega cruise ships will enable us to continue to strengthen and further enhance our competitiveness across our key source markets” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.

Upon completion, the new mega cruise ships will weigh more than 151,000 gross registered tonnes with more than 1,600 cabins, accommodating approximately 4,500 passengers and 2,000 crew members.

The 21-deck luxury cruise ships will be the new flagships under the Star Cruises brand, offering a wide array of itineraries, leisure and entertainment options for all cruise travellers.

With these new offerings, coupled with Star Cruises’ renowned world-class Asian hospitality, travellers can expect the ultimate freestyle cruising experience with best-in-class facilities and services.

The new ship design will allow our guests greater choice with a wide-range of onboard activities, amenities and stateroom options with the latest features, including villas, on the open seas.

In addition, the mega cruise ships will offer over 30 Food and Beverage outlets such as gourmet restaurants, bars and cafes specialising in international and Asian cuisines.

One of the highlights includes a special street night market with hawker stalls, serving famous Asian delicacies from various countries. In addition, there is a state-of-the-art modern theatre, world-class recreation, health and fitness and MICE facilities.

For the families, there is an array of aqua slides and a kids’ waterpark. The newly built ship will also dedicate around 1,000 square meters of floor area for the ultimate retail experience at sea with a variety of international luxury brands.

With the expected arrival of the newly commissioned mega cruise ships in 2016 and 2017, Star Cruises is set to bring the standard of luxury cruising to the next level in Asia.