STAR CRUISES PURCHASES THE WASA QUEEN TO KICKSTART SHORT HAUL PASSENGER-FERRY CRUISE MARKET

Star Cruises, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Wasa Queen from Silja Lines recently. The Wasa Queen which was built in 1975 in France and refurbished in 1986 signals Star Cruises' foray into the passenger-ferry cruise market in China.

Retaining the name Wasa Queen, she will be operated under the Cruise Ferries brand to develop a new product line in the Chinese market.

Wasa Queen which arrived at Star Cruises' Terminal in Port Klang, Malaysia on 24 August 2001 is presently dry-docked in Singapore for refurbishment en route to her repositioning in Hong Kong where she will service the Xiamen-Hong Kong sector. Prior to her deployment in Hong Kong, the Wasa Queen will operate daily international cruises out of Singapore over a 14-day period from 21 September 2001.

"The acquisition of Wasa Queen is in line with Star Cruises' expansion strategy in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as China's entry into the World Trade Organisation ("WTO") in the near future. Wasa Queen is expected to commence cruises early January next year," said Dato' KT Lim, Chairman, President & Chief Executive of Star Cruises.

"We saw the need to create a separate brand and identity for this product as Cruise Ferries will offer passengers a different concept and cruise experience altogether. The cruise prices will be more affordable to cater to a wider mass market in China and this will provide an entry point experience for first time cruisers who would then view it as a stepping stone into the Star brand. Though the product is branded differently, passengers can be assured of the same service quality and other hallmarks that have set Star Cruises apart," added Dato' KT Lim.

MORE ON THE WASA QUEEN


Wasa Queen at 16,546-grt has nine decks and measures 155.7m in length and 22m in width with a cruising speed of 17 knots. With a capacity for 1,100 passengers, she has 250 cabins and is fitted with 372 passenger seats. Her facilities include entertainment and amusement centres, two food and beverage outlets, a retail shop as well as a karaoke-cum show lounge and disco.