China’s First Domestically Built Cruise Ship Begins Operations Outside Shanghai

China’s first large domestically built cruise ship, Adora Magic City, docked at Qingdao International Cruise Home Port on April 6, officially launching its coastal cruise operations from a port outside Shanghai for the first time.

Although the vessel began commercial operations on January 1, 2024, this is its first stop at a Chinese port beyond its homeport in Shanghai.

The cruise liner then set sail from Qingdao on April 6 for a five-day, four-night international journey with over 4,000 guests on board.

The ship’s itinerary includes visits to Jeju in South Korea and Fukuoka in Japan. A similar voyage is also scheduled to depart on April 10, 2025.

The cruise ship measures 323.6 meters in length, has a gross tonnage of 136,200 metric tons, and offers 2,125 cabins and suites designed for luxury and comfort.

Video Credits: CCTV Video News Agency/YouTube

It is named after Shanghai’s popular nickname, “Magic City.”

Since entering service in early 2024, Adora Magic City has completed over a hundred sailings. The cruise line operating the ship, Adora Cruises, currently runs two major ships, Magic City and Mediterranean.

Together, they have served more than 560,000 passengers from both China and abroad.

Adora Cruises is also building its second large cruise ship in China. The vessel, named Adora Flora City, has finished the assembly of its main hull and is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.

It will be based in Guangzhou, which is often called the “Flower City” and is expected to start international cruise operations from there once launched.

References: chinadaily, cctv

Source: Maritime Shipping News