"Norwegian Star" was originally intended to operate with Star Cruises under the name "SuperStar Libra". The plans for "SuperStar Libra" were unveiled on 7 June 1999, with the vessel costing US$400 million. She was to be the first of two "Libra"-class vessels constructed by the German shipyard Meyer Werft. The first of 60 prefabricated "blocks" of "SuperStar Libra" was laid on 23 June 2000. When the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) was bought by Star Cruises, "SuperStar Libra" and the second "Libra"-class cruise ship, "SuperStar Scorpio", were transferred to NCL in March 2001.