Pioneer Batch Of Hospitality Students Graduate Under Genting-Star International Cruise Management Programme, Shanghai

Star Cruises The Leading Cruise Line in Asia-Pacific is pleased to announce a first in its venture in the field of international hospitality training with the graduation of the first batch of students under the inaugural Genting-Star International Cruise Management Programme at the Nanhu Vocational school in Shanghai. The programme was launched in March last year following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Star Cruises and the Nanhu Vocational School in September 2004.

The 28 students equally divided into Hospitality Operations and Hospitality Kitchen Operations successfully completed the one-year programme which included competency skills training in Food and Beverage, Housekeeping and Front Office operations as well as the preparation of Chinese and Western cuisine.

In addition, the students also underwent an “on-the-job” training stint with the Villa Du Lac Restaurant and 88 Xintiandi Boutique Hotel which provided valuable insights into the food and beverage and hotel operations as well as an opportunity to apply the skills learnt in an actual work environment. A new establishment, Max and Moritz German restaurant will also be added to the “on-the-job” training list of establishments in April with a two-month practical training stint scheduled for the summer vacation including weekends.

The programme has been designed along the internationally-recognised guidelines of the Australasian Hotel College and Australian Quality Training Framework which provides a sound foundation for aspiring candidates wanting to pursue a career in the Cruise and Hospitality industry.

The pioneering efforts of Star Cruises in the development of cruising in Asia including China have diversified into areas of travel and hospitality training. Star Cruises was the first company to obtain a license to operate a 100%-owned international travel agency in Shanghai.

The cruise line which won “Best Cruise Operator in Asia-Pacific” for the eighth time last year began making inroads in China since 1999 with the setting up of the first sales and marketing office in Guangzhou. The Company has since added Beijing and Shanghai to its sales network in line with an expanded scope of marketing activities in the country.

“China continues to be an important area of focus for Star Cruises and we are committed to further developing not only the cruise market but also complementing efforts by the government to develop the tourism and hospitality industry by way of specialised career training and development programmes", said Mr. William Ng, Executive Director, Star Cruises. The first batch of graduates have been offered employment with Star Cruises while the second batch is due to graduate in September 2006.

About Star Cruises

Star Cruises, the third largest cruise line in the world is a global cruise brand with a combined fleet of 22 ships in service and due to be delivered, with about 35,000 lower berths, cruising to destinations and islands in Asia-Pacific, North and South America, Hawaii, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mediterranean, Bermuda and the Antarctica under the Star Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, Orient Lines and Cruise Ferries brands.

Star Cruises is represented in more than 20 locations worldwide with offices in Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America.