SINGAPORE -- Star Cruises here said it entered into an agreement
to buy the five-star Europa from Hapag-Lloyd for $75 million.
Officials said the all-suite ship initially will be chartered to
Hapag-Lloyd and will undergo a multimillion-dollar renovation
before joining the Star fleet in 1999 as the MegaStar Asia. "The
ship will be positioned as the most luxurious cruise ship in the
world," Star officials said, adding that it will compete with the
Royal Viking Sun and vessels of the Crystal and Seabourn lines.
The ship is expected to offer Asia itineraries.
The 38,000-ton vessel carries 600 passengers and was rated by
the 1997 Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships as
"The Best Cruise Ship in the World."
With the addition of the Europa, Star Cruises will have a
10-ship fleet, including two under construction.