Cruise tourism is one of the important components of world tourism and is recognised as one of the fastest growing segments in the industry today.

The Asia-Pacific region for instance did not really have a cruise industry until nine years ago when Star Cruises began developing its cruise potential. Today, cruising is growing in popularity as an alternative vacation option ideal for all ale groups,

Star Cruises was incorporated in 1993 to develop the potential of Asia-Pacific as a cruise destination.

Today, the Star Cruises Group which includes the Star Cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line and Orient Lines brands is the fourth largest cruise group in the world with a combined fleet of 20 cruise ships offering cruises to destinations and islands in Asia-Pacific. North and South America, Europe, Bermuda, Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska and Antarctica.

Star Cruises will be approaching its tenth anniversary soon and the first decade has been marked by exponential growth and development of cruise tourism in the Asia-Pacific region which was previous almost non-existent.

The megaships of today are able to cater to a wide segment of the market due to the availability of a variety of facilities for entertainment, recreation and business.

Cruising is no longer associated with only the grey-haired market. Today, we see families, young adults, teenagers and honeymooners taking up to the concept of cruising and even companies conducting meetings and incentives seminars and meetings onboard.

Cruise tourism is still regarded as the fastest growing segment of the tourism mix and we expect this trend to continue as long as demand is met by supply.

We expect growth to come from all areas as cruising is "an all-inclusive" holiday package.