First Made-in-China Cruise Ship to Set Sail From Shanghai

China is poised to make history on January 1st with the inaugural voyage of its first domestically built cruise ship, the Adora Magic City. Departing from Shanghai, the six-day journey will include stops in South Korea’s Jeju Island and the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Fukuoka. Operated by CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping Ltd., a joint venture between China State Shipbuilding Corp. and Carnival Corp. from the US, this cruise liner marks a significant milestone for Chinese shipbuilders.

Boasting 22 restaurants and bars, including unique offerings such as a mahjong lounge, beer brewery, and hotpot outlet, the cruise experience is tailored to Chinese preferences. The onboard theaters feature musicals with a distinctly Chinese flair, exemplified by productions like "Marco Polo: an Untold Love Story." Detailed information about the cruise itinerary, amenities, and booking options can be found on the company website.

This venture not only showcases China's shipbuilding prowess, aligning it with the capability to construct complex projects like aircraft carriers and large liquefied natural gas carriers but also serves as a strategic move to rekindle Chinese interest in international travel. Despite efforts to revive overseas tourism, the appetite for international travel remains restrained. Morgan Stanley predicts a full recovery in China's international air travel only by 2025.

In contrast, domestic travel within China has experienced a resurgence, with locals exploring popular destinations like the Great Wall and Guilin's Karst mountains. The Adora Magic City, designed and built in China, emerges as a solution to bridge the gap, especially appealing to families with elderly and young members.

Bookings for the maiden voyage opened in September, reflecting the enthusiasm of Chinese travelers for a cruise experience that combines diverse destinations with familiar comforts. A sales representative from Chang Tu Travel, a local agency handling bookings, emphasized that many clients chose to support this China-made liner as a point of pride.

Tickets for the initial sailings are in high demand, with January and most of February already sold out. The premium cabins, priced at around 8,500 yuan ($1,200) for a trip in early February during the Lunar New Year holidays, highlight the popularity of this unique travel option. Despite its initial focus on Northeast Asia, Adora Magic City has plans to expand its routes to Southeast Asia and explore the possibilities of a longer-haul 'Maritime Belt & Road' route, showcasing China's ambition in the global cruise industry.