China’s first homegrown cruise ship, Adora Magic City, completes 84 sightseeing
On January 1, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in China’s maritime history. The Adora Magic City, the first large cruise ship built domestically, welcomed over 3,000 passengers at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. This event marked the beginning of its maiden commercial voyage, taking travelers to popular destinations in Northeast Asia, including Japan and South Korea. The launch of this cruise ship signals a robust recovery in China’s cruise industry, which had faced challenges in recent years.
Successful First Year of Operation
In its first year of operation, the Adora Magic City has made a remarkable impact. According to data from Shanghai Customs, the ship completed 84 voyages and transported around 600,000 tourists. This impressive figure highlights the growing interest in cruise travel within China. The vessel quickly gained popularity among sightseers, accounting for 40 percent of the international cruise market in the country during 2024.
The cruise ship’s last voyage of the year departed on a six-day New Year sightseeing trip, showcasing its appeal to both local and international travelers. The cruise industry in China has seen a significant resurgence, with 206 voyages operated by 23 different cruise ships in the first half of 2024 alone. These ships collectively carried about 500,000 passengers, indicating a strong recovery trend.
Royal Caribbean International also contributed to this revival. Their ship, the Spectrum of the Seas, was redeployed to the Wusongkou International Cruise Port in April. Over eight months, it completed 48 voyages, attracting more than 13,000 international tourists who chose Shanghai as their embarkation point. This influx of travelers underscores the growing popularity of cruise vacations in the region.
Disney Treasure: 4 reasons it’s my new favorite ship in Disney’s fleet
Significance of the Adora Magic City
The Adora Magic City is not just a cruise ship; it represents a significant achievement in China’s shipbuilding industry. Measuring 323.6 meters in length and boasting a gross tonnage of 135,500 tons, the ship can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers in 2,125 guest rooms. This capacity makes it one of the largest cruise ships in operation, catering to a wide range of travelers.
China’s cruise ship industry is poised for further growth. The second domestically built large cruise ship is expected to be delivered in 2026, with plans to begin international journeys from Guangzhou in 2027. This new vessel will be even larger, weighing 141,900 tons, and is anticipated to enhance China’s position in the global cruise market.
The construction of the Adora Magic City involved extensive collaboration, with over 1,000 domestic and foreign manufacturers contributing to its development. This highlights the cruise industry’s complex supply chain and the potential for international partnerships. According to the People’s Daily, China’s cruise ship industry is projected to generate an output value of 500 billion yuan (approximately $71.3 billion) by 2035, indicating a bright future for this sector.
