For delivery in 2019-20
Genting Hong Kong is investing in 10 new luxury cruise ships, says Chairman Lim Kok Thay. Delivery of the vessels is expected in 2019 and 2020. The deluxe cruisers, including eight for Crystal Cruises and two for Star Cruises, is targeted at the growing Chinese market.
”We are focused on delivering a world-class vacation experience for Chinese cruise passengers,” said the chairman at a signing ceremony. Last month Genting Hong Kong bought three German shipyards for $250.8 million to help expand its cruise fleet, reported the Asia Gaming Brief.
“The rapid growth of the world cruise industry, especially in China, has led to global cruise ship orders reaching an all-time high,” said Genting HK in a March announcement. “As a consequence, the group faces the potential risk of being unable to obtain sufficient cruise ship building slots at acceptable prices to implement its planned 10-year cruise ship fleet strategy for its three cruise brands, Crystal Cruises, Dream Cruises and Star Cruises.”
Rüdiger Pallentin, managing director of the Lloyd Werft Group, noted that the shipbuilder “has built all but one of its new cruise ships in Germany for the Star, Dream and NCL brands due to the company’s desire for quality-built cruise ships.” Pallentin noted that a number of big ship components are produced in China, “and thus Germany becomes more of an assembling place.”
