Star performance

Star Cruises Ltd. has ordered the construction of two cruise ships for a total investment of HK$6.16 billion to boost revenue and operating efficiency. The first ship will be ready for delivery in the third quarter of 2005, and the second will be ready in the second quarter of 2006, the company said in a legal notice. Both ships will join Star Cruises’ North American business which already operates nine ships under the NCL brand. Star Cruises has another nine ships operating in the Asia-Pacific region, one in Europe and another leased to an independent third party.

“The vessels will improve the operating efficiency and revenue potential of the group,” Star Cruises said. The company is currently arranging loan financing to cover 80% of the cost of the two new ships. It will finance the remaining 20% from internal resources.