As reported by Cruise Industry News last week, Star Cruises and Genting Hong Kong have entered into an agreement with Meyer Werft shipyard for the construction of one new cruise ship for Star.

Genting announced the news via a stock exchange filing on Monday, October 7. The contract is valued at 707 million euro.

The filing stated: “It is our present intention that the Vessel will be designed to cater for the unique demands of Asian clientele, in particular, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The Board believes that the Vessel, upon delivery and operation, will further strengthen the Group’s cruise brand, enable the Group to compete more effectively in the cruise industry, and enable the Group to take advantage of growing demand for cruise business in the Asia Pacific market and the port infrastructure developments in Hong Kong and Asia which enable large cruise ships to dock, as well as improving the operating efficiency and revenue potential of the Group.”

The vessel will have capacity for 3,364 passengers at double occupancy.

Star is currently the market leader in the Asia-Pacific region, with five ships, and is facing tougher competition than ever before from the likes of Costa, Royal Caribbean, Princess and more.