Star chairman Tam Sri Lim was on hand at the main Papenburg yard this week to begin steel cutting on the ship, which is due for delivery in autumn 2016.

It has been specially designed for the Asian market. At the ceremony Meyer Werft managing partner Bernard Meyer praised the “long-lasting relationship” between the yard and Star.

Meyer Werft has eight cruiseships on order that will fill its docks through to 2019.