China Launches Second Domestically Built Cruise Ship
China has reached a significant milestone in its domestic cruise industry with the float-out of the Adora Flower City, its second large cruise ship. Built for Adora Cruises, this vessel is set to enter service later this year. The company has also announced plans to order two additional ships, with an option for a third, further expanding its fleet.
Details of the Adora Flower City
The Adora Flower City is an enhanced version of the first domestically built cruise ship, the Adora Magic City. This new ship, designed in collaboration with Carnival Corporation and Fincantieri, boasts a gross tonnage of 141,900 and measures 341 meters (1,119 feet) in length. In comparison, the Adora Magic City has a gross tonnage of 136,200 and is 324 meters (1,063 feet) long. The additional 17 meters (56 feet) not only provide a more elegant appearance but also allow for an increase in passenger capacity.
The Adora Flower City will feature 2,130 passenger cabins, accommodating a maximum of 5,232 guests. This is a slight increase from the 2,125 cabins and 5,246 maximum capacity of its predecessor. The ship’s design includes a doubled central atrium and redesigned public spaces, enhancing the overall passenger experience. It will also offer 26 restaurants and bars, a theater, a gym and spa, an expanded shopping mall, and dedicated areas for children. Adora Cruises emphasizes that the ship incorporates advanced technology and interactive features in the cabins, enriching the onboard experience while celebrating Chinese culture.
Future Plans and Construction Progress
Adora Cruises has signed a memorandum of understanding with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) for the design and construction of two additional cruise ships, with an option for a third. CSSC’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, which built the first two vessels, aims to deliver the new ships by 2030, featuring a design tailored to the Chinese market.
The Adora Flower City is currently 95 percent complete, having been floated out last Saturday, March 14. It underwent incline testing and the loading of lifeboats before moving to the outfitting berth. CSSC highlights the complexity of the ship’s construction, which includes over 4,700 kilometers of cabling and more than 25 million components. The construction period for this vessel was shortened by eight months compared to the Adora Magic City, with efficiency improvements of over 20 percent.
Scheduled to begin sea trials in May, the Adora Flower City is expected to be delivered by late 2026. It will be homeported at the Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Home Port, located near Hong Kong. This expansion will support Adora Cruises’ plans for overseas operations and accelerate the growth of the Chinese cruise market in international waters.
