Shipbuilding, maintenance & repair
MSC Bellissima arrived in Shanghai in March 2024.
A major driver for China’s tourism increase has been the introduction of an open visa for cruise passengers by the NIA. Valid for 15 days, it allows groups of cruise tourists to enter China – as long as the trip was organised by a domestic travel agency – via 13 cities along the coastline – including Shanghai, Shenzhen and Zhoushan, some of the biggest ports in China. This government-led support for the cruise industry has reduced friction for travellers and cemented the cruise industry’s foothold as integral to the country’s tourism growth strategy.
The return of MSC Cruises When MSC Bellissima arrived in Shanghai in March 2024, NIA data showed that foreign visitors to China had already grown threefold compared to Q1 in 2023. The return to China after a four-year hiatus, demonstrated confidence in the region’s growth with the ship homeporting in Shanghai, Keelung and Shenzhen over the summer.
China advances cruise shipbuilding with second domestically built vessel
China has taken another major step in its shipbuilding expansion with the completion of the first construction phase for its second domestically built large cruise ship. Adora Flora City, built by CSSC Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding for Adora Cruises, is a refined and expanded version of its predecessor, Adora Magic City. At 141,800 gross tonnes and 341m in length, the vessel will accommodate up to 5,232 passengers and feature upgraded suites, entertainment venues and a grand atrium twice the size of the original design. Officials note that the ship’s construction pace now rivals leading European shipyards, underscoring China’s growing expertise in cruise ship manufacturing. Originally developed in partnership with Italy’s Fincantieri, the vessel’s design has been further refined to enhance luxury offerings. One of its standout features will be the Sea Street Garden, an open social space inspired by Guangzhou, reinforcing China’s
ambition to compete with global cruise shipbuilding leaders. Source: TDM
“MSC Bellissima’s maiden call in Shanghai reaffirms our commitment to a market that continues to play an important strategic role for us,” says Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “We are fulfilling our commitment to bring to the region a modern Asian flagship and we are dedicated to further invest in China and benefit the local economy.” As younger travellers and multi-generational families take to cruising, MSC Cruises’ fleet can provide experiences for all age groups from its kids clubs to tech-forward games rooms and diverse dining options. Building on initial growth during H1 2024, MSC Splendida will operate out of Shenzhen and Xiamen over winter from December 2024 to April 2025, with MSC Bellissima returning to Shanghai from January 2025.
Century Cruises ups river cruise capacity At Century Cruises, a river cruise line headquartered in Chongqing, there has been an uptick in bookings and interest, from both domestic and international travellers. Jack Xiong, the director of sales and marketing, says that business is growing in line with Cruise Singapore Tourism Board’s observations, driving the decision to launch a new river cruise ship for the Yangtze River. Launched in September 2024, Century Voyage follows the previous launches of Century Oasis in 2023, Century Victory in 2022 and Century Glory in 2019. “This latest addition significantly enhances our capacity, enabling us to meet the growing demand for luxurious and eco-friendly river cruises along the Yangtze River,” says Xiong. “It mirrors the overall increase in tourism across Asia, as travellers increasingly seek immersive cultural experiences and all-inclusive quality cruise itineraries.”
8 World Cruise Industry Review /
www.worldcruiseindustryreview.com
Princess_Anmitsu/
Shutterstock.com
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