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Old April 26th, 2008, 02:28 AM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Charles[_1_]
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Default STAR CRUISES SELLS NORWEGIAN DREAM AND NORWEGIAN MAJESTY


Came across this press release and thought it would be of interest.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 APRIL 2008


STAR CRUISES SELLS NORWEGIAN DREAM AND NORWEGIAN MAJESTY
TO STRENGTHEN CAPITAL STRUCTURE


Star Cruises today announced another step to further strengthen the
Groupıs capital structure. The Group has completed the sale of two
ships, Norwegian Dream and Norwegian Majesty to the Cyprus Louis Group
for US$218 million and US$162 million respectively. The two ships will
be chartered back from the new owner to complete their announced
scheduled itineraries in November 2008 for Norwegian Dream and December
2009 for Norwegian Majesty.

³The sale of the 2 ships will improve on the Star Cruises Groupıs
capital structure following on the completion of Apolloıs investment in
Norwegian Cruise Line (³NCL²) in January 2008. It is expected that
there will be net savings in interest expenses and the additional cash
flow will provide opportunities arising in Asia for Star Cruises like
our hotel and casino project in the Philippines announced on 2 April
2008.² said Mr. David Chua, President of Star Cruises.

³This transaction will also speed up the optimization plan for the
upgrade of our existing fleet in Asia and the international fleet in
America and Europe so as to realize our mission and promise for
delivering the best quality cruising experience to our cruisers by
continuously upgrading our hardware and software. In fact, we have two
new ships currently under construction and will deliver 10,800 more
lower berths by completion in 2010. Star Cruises will continue our
investment in NCL and explore opportunities for our international
fleet,² added Mr. Chua.

--
Charles