When Star Cruises closed its $450 million refinancing deal with HSBC, CEO Dato’ Lim explained, “With this facility, the Star Cruises Group is in a stronger position to more aggressively and efficiently extend our lead in Asia Pacific and tap into new markets in North Asia.” Lim was quoted in press reports as stating, “We definitely need to build or order new ships with our plan to expand into the China market” and that he was “seriously considering” issuing new shares to finance such development.