Precautionary Effort Prompts Star Cruises to Cancel Two Cruises

Star Cruises said that two of its crew of have been placed under observation at hospitals in Singapore and Malaysia prompted by symptoms such as fever and coughing. The first of the two crew was admitted to the Langkawi Hospital on Monday. Based on the latest available reports, the crew has responded positively to medication and the crew is expected to be discharged from the hospital in a day or two pending confirmation of further medical results. The other crew was admitted to the Tan Tock Seng hospital in Singapore on April 9 for observation and treatment for high fever. As an immediate voluntary precautionary measure, Star Cruises had quarantined 13 crew who are believed to have been in contact with the above crew onboard the cruise ship. Star Cruises has taken every proactive and precautionary measure within its capacity since the onset of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in certain countries in this region including wearing surgical masks by all crew at all times and the suspension of crew shore leave in SARS-affected countries with effect from March 29. Any passenger or crew who displays symptoms related to SARS will be denied boarding the ship in compliance with directives issued by health authorities in Singapore and Malaysia. Any crew who displays such symptoms will be sent to a land-based hospital for further observation. In view of this development, coupled with the unabated nature of SARS which have not helped consumer confidence in the domestic and international markets, as well as to further protect our passengers and crew, Star Cruises has canceled the next two cruises scheduled for SuperStar Virgo departing from Singapore. Star Cruises will also review its ships' present itinerary as the SARS situation unfolds. Star Cruises will offer a full refund on the cruise fare and hotel accommodation, wherever applicable to all passengers who have already booked a cruise on these two dates. Star Cruises is working with the Ministries of Health, maritime and port health authorities of both Singapore and Malaysia in cooperation of the SARS situation.