MV China Star

History

Built 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.

The ship sailed for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises from 1992 to 2005, before being sold to become a gambling ship in 2005.

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. This 350-passenger all balcony luxury cruise ship was the largest SWATH ship in the world when it was built, measuring more than 20,000 gross tons.

In June 2011, the ship was purchased for $45M by China Cruises Company Limited, the deal being led by Chinese millionaire entrepreneur Huang Weijian, CEO of CCCL. Another $20M was spent refurbishing her. Operation started on March 9, 2012, as the first ship of the new CCCL luxury cruise line.

On September 21, 2022, the Saipan Star was blown aground by severe winds near Shandong. The ship remains abandoned and wrecked on sandbar as of last reported in 2023. File:Kreuzfahrtschiff RADISSON DIAMOND (Kiel 39.846).jpg|Radisson Diamond in May 1992 File:MS Radisson Diamond (4197445779).jpg|Radisson Diamond in Philipsburg St.Maarten File:MS Radisson Diamond - 4197447425.jpg|Exterior view of the three deck glass windowed forward observation lounge File:China Star. HK (50991221632).jpg|Radisson Diamond renamed as the China Star in Hong Kong

References

References

1. [http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=351141 Radisson Diamond]
2. Asklander, Micke. "M / S RADISSON DIAMOND". Fakta om Fartyg.
3. {{csr
4. (2012-03-09). "Wenzhou investors launch China Star cruise ship in Hong Kong".
5. (2012-02-04). "China Star". shipparade.com.
6. (March 5, 2012). "CHINA STAR Joins Growing Chinese Cruise Market". Maritime Matters.
7. "Radisson Diamond (sold)". cruisereviews.com.
8. (2012-03-02). "New Chinese Cruise Line to Start-Up with ex-Radisson Diamond - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News". Cruise Industry News.
9. "Radisson Diamond".
10. "Radisson Diamond {{!}} Built by MEYER TURKU".
11. (21 June 1992). "New Ship Emulates a Luxury Hotel : The extra-wide Radisson Diamond is spacious enough for a conference center.".
12. Raemin Zhang. (7 March 2012). "First China-owned luxury cruise ship sets sail".