Radisson Diamond in 2004
History
Name
  • Saipan Star (2017)
  • China Star (2012–2017)
  • Omar Star (2005-2012)
  • Radisson Diamond (1992–2005)
Owner
  • China Cruises
  • Conning Shipping (manager)[1]
Port of registry
BuilderFinnyards (Rauma, Finland)
Launched20 June 1991[3]
Maiden voyage5 July 1992[3]
Identification
StatusIn service[1]
General characteristics
TypeSWATH cruise ship
Tonnage20,295 GT[1]
Length131.2 metres (430 ft)
Beam31.96 metres (104.9 ft)
Draught7.6 metres (25 ft)
Decks12[4]
Installed powerWärtsilä engines
Speed14.15 knots (26.21 km/h; 16.28 mph)[3] or 12.5 knots (23.2 km/h; 14.4 mph)[5]
Capacity354 passengers in 177 cabins[6] or 172 cabins[7]
Crew150[5] / 200[8]

MV China Star (中华之星) is the world's largest ship with a SWATH design,[8] and the only twin-hull cruise ship ever built.[7] It was sold and has operated in Hong Kong as the gambling ship Asia Star for Asia Cruises beginning in 2005, and the ship was later renamed China Star and was operated by several operators. The ship is currently laid up in Shenzhen, China.[6] This 350-passenger all balcony luxury cruise ship was the largest SWATH ship in the world when it was built, displacing more than 20,000 tons.[9] Originally known as the Radisson Diamond, the ship was built for Diamond Cruise, a conglomerate of several Finnish banks and the UKL-based Carlson Companies (the parent company of Radisson Cruises and Hotels). The ship was built by Finnyards in Rauma, Finland.[10]

In June 2011,[6] the ship was purchased for $45M by China Cruises Company Limited, the deal being led by Chinese millionaire entrepreneur Huang Weijian,[7] CEO of CCCL.[11] Another $20M was spent refurbishing her.[11] Operation started on March 9, 2012, as the first ship of the new CCCL luxury cruise line.[4] On September 21st 2022 the Saipan Star was blown aground by severe winds near Shangdong.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "China Star (9008407)". Equasis. French Ministry for Transport. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  2. ↑ Radisson Diamond
  3. 1 2 3 Asklander, Micke. "M / S RADISSON DIAMOND". Fakta om Fartyg (in Swedish).
  4. 1 2 "Wenzhou investors launch China Star cruise ship in Hong Kong". 2012-03-09. Archived from the original on 2013-02-05. Retrieved 2012-08-06.
  5. 1 2 "China Star". shipparade.com. 2012-02-04. Retrieved 2012-08-06.
  6. 1 2 3 "CHINA STAR Joins Growing Chinese Cruise Market". Maritime Matters. March 5, 2012. Retrieved 2012-08-06.
  7. 1 2 3 "New Chinese Cruise Line to Start-Up with ex-Radisson Diamond - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News". Cruise Industry News. 2012-03-02. Retrieved 2012-03-08.
  8. 1 2 "Radisson Diamond (sold)". cruisereviews.com.
  9. ↑ Slater and Basch (21 June 1992). "New Ship Emulates a Luxury Hotel : The extra-wide Radisson Diamond is spacious enough for a conference center". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  10. ↑ "Radisson Diamond". Castles of the Seas. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  11. 1 2 Raemin Zhang (7 March 2012). "First China-owned luxury cruise ship sets sail". Archived from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
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