2000–2012: Norwegian Cruise Line, transfers
In 2000, Star Cruises acquired Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL),[3] including its subsidiaries Orient Lines and Norwegian Capricorn Line, thus becoming the largest global cruise line in the world. NCL operations were soon merged into those of Star Cruises. Before the purchase of NCL, Star Cruises had had several other new builds either planned or already under construction, but with the merger of the two companies, most of the new ships joined the NCL fleet instead.
In 2001, Star Cruises founded a new sister company, Cruise Ferries, which began operating its sole ship, MS Wasa Queen, on short cruises from Hong Kong to Xiamen, followed by overnight gambling cruises from Hong Kong and gambling cruises from Port Klang in Kuala Lumpur. (Wasa Queen was sold in 2007.)
In 2004, SuperStar Leo was transferred to NCL.[4] The ship then became Norwegian Spirit.[5] It was rushed into service under the NCL America brand because Pride of America was not ready on time due to sinking at Lloyd Werft shipyard.[6] (Since 2006, the trend was for new ships to be built for NCL, after which old ships in the NCL fleet were transferred to the Star Cruises fleet in Asia.)
In 2007, Star sold 50% of NCL to the Apollo Management group. In 2013, following a corporate reorganization and an initial public offering, NCL was made a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. On 3 December 2018, Star and Apollo sold off their remaining stakes in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, marking the end of a relationship that had lasted more than a decade.[7]
In early 2008, both NCL America and Orient Lines brands were discontinued, with the latter's sole ship, MS Marco Polo, sold to Greek interests. Also in that year, the first ship from NCL was transferred to the Star Cruises fleet as SuperStar Libra.
Starting from 2011, Star Cruises' ships received new hull art. One year later, it was announced on 27 April 2012 that MS Norwegian Dream would join the Star fleet, renamed as SuperStar Gemini, with service starting in 2012.[8]
