China's first domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City, has successfully completed 84 voyages in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the nation's burgeoning cruise industry. According to Shanghai Customs, the ship has logged 600,000 inbound and outbound visits within its inaugural year of commercial operation.
Embarking on its maiden voyage on January 1, the Adora Magic City quickly gained popularity among tourists, capturing an impressive 40% of China's international cruise market in 2024. Just recently, over 3,000 passengers boarded the ship at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal for a six-day New Year trip, showcasing its strong appeal among travelers.
Measuring 323.6 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 135,500 tonnes, the cruise ship is equipped to accommodate up to 5,246 passengers across 2,125 guest rooms, supported by a crew of approximately 1,300. The construction of Adora Magic City involved over 1,000 domestic and foreign manufacturers, highlighting the industry's extensive and internationalized supply chain, often referred to as \"the golden industry that floats.\"
Looking ahead, a second Chinese-built large cruise ship is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026, with international journeys set to commence from Guangzhou City in south China in 2027. This expansion is a testament to the steady recovery of China's cruise economy, driven by visa-free policies for international tourists and a resurgence in the global cruise market.
Market analysts emphasize that the cruise economy plays a pivotal role in expanding domestic demand, unlocking consumption potential, and fostering new economic drivers. To further bolster the industry, China has implemented targeted policies, including a May policy allowing visa-free entry for foreign tourist groups arriving on cruise ships at any of the country's cruise ports along the coastline. Additionally, in June, new regulations were introduced to facilitate the replenishment of supplies for international cruises at Chinese ports, ensuring seamless operations for the growing cruise sector.
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First Chinese-built large cruise ship completes 84 trips in 2024
cgtn.com
