China’s cruise industry just hit a major milestone. For the first time, domestic operators carried over one million passengers in a single season. This achievement highlights how fast China’s cruise sector is growing, backed by strong government support. The cruise market is expanding routes, upgrading ports, and building new ships at home. SeaEmploy.com and other industry partners are closely watching this transformation.
China’s growth comes as domestic demand for travel rises. More Chinese holidaymakers choose cruise vacations, and government policies now encourage tourism and service consumption. This article explores the latest developments, key companies, fleet info, itineraries, shipbuilding projects, and government support shaping the future of China’s cruise industry.
China’s Cruise Industry: From Milestone to Momentum
China’s cruise industry celebrated reaching a one million passenger milestone recently. That mark underscores the rapid growth in the domestic market and rising interest in cruising as a travel style. The passenger surge reflects more cruise calls at Chinese ports and a broader range of itinerary options.
The government at all levels has launched initiatives to support the sector. Policies aim to improve port infrastructure, streamline customs procedures for international vessels, and encourage home-grown cruise services. These moves are part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and services consumption across China.
Ports like Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal and Nansha Cruise Homeport in Guangzhou are getting upgrades. These ports now handle many inbound and outbound calls, positioning China as an important cruise hub in Asia.
Cruise line executives highlight that domestic capacity has grown as operators add sailings and diversify routes in the Greater Bay Area, East China Sea, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
Chinese Cruise Companies and Growing Fleets
China’s cruise scene is now shaped by both local and joint-venture operators. These lines operate a mix of domestically built ships and imported vessels, serving a variety of itineraries.
Adora Cruises
Adora Cruises is the standout Chinese cruise operator today. Formerly known as CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping, the line is a joint venture between Carnival Corporation & plc, China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), and the China Investment Corporation.
- Adora Magic City – China’s first domestically built large cruise ship, launched in 2024. This vessel is 136,201 gross tons, 323.6 meters long, and carries around 5,246 passengers. It has operated routes from China to places like South Korea and Japan, and domestic itineraries in 2025.
- Adora Mediterranea – An acquired ship formerly Costa Mediterranea, now part of the Adora fleet. It is about 292.5 meters long, has a passenger capacity of over 2,100 passengers, and serves routes from Tianjin and Guangzhou.
Adora Cruises now operates multiple ships across key Chinese homeports, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, under strategic plans to grow its footprint.
China Merchants Viking Cruises
Another active player in China’s cruise market is China Merchants Viking Cruises, a joint venture with Viking Ocean Cruises.
- Zhao Shang Yi Dun (formerly Viking Sun) is a mid-size cruise vessel with a capacity of about 930 passengers. It is an example of how international brands are partnering with Chinese operators to offer tailored voyages in the Asia-Pacific region.
These companies are expanding itineraries that include coastal cruises, international short sailings to neighboring countries, and themed voyages for Chinese travelers. Routes now connect China with South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Shipbuilding Growth: New Builds and Chinese Shipyards
China’s rise in shipbuilding is not limited to commercial vessels. The country is increasingly building large cruise ships at home, a milestone that once seemed distant. China is already the world’s largest shipbuilder by volume and orders, largely thanks to state support and industrial scale.
The key shipyard behind China’s cruise construction push is Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) — a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
- Adora Magic City was built at SWS as China’s first large domestically built cruise liner.
- Adora Flora City is the second major cruise ship constructed in China. It measures about 141,900 gross tons, is about 341 meters long, and increases passenger capacity to around 5,232 passengers. This ship is scheduled for delivery in 2026 and expected to start international operations from Guangzhou in 2027.
These projects represent China’s ambition to build cruise ships without relying entirely on overseas yards. As China’s shipbuilding supply chain matures, more large cruise liners could be built locally. This shift aligns with national goals to strengthen maritime manufacturing and tourism infrastructure. One of the recent movements is recent revise of Maritime Code.
Government Support and Industry Outlook
Government backing plays a critical role in China’s cruise expansion. Policies promote port upgrades, encourage cruise homeport construction, and aim to make visa procedures friendlier for international visitors. In addition, the Cruise Plus strategy links cruising with local tourism, retail, and services to boost regional economies.
Industry forecasts suggest China’s cruise passenger volume could reach 14 million trips by 2035, and the cruise economy could exceed 500 billion yuan.
With stronger policies and growing local demand, China’s cruise industry could become one of the world’s largest markets, rivaling long-established cruise hubs in Europe and North America.
Looking Ahead: More Ships and Stronger Routes
China’s cruise industry has achieved a major milestone, and momentum is building fast. From successful domestic builds to expanding fleets and upgraded ports, the sector is on an upward trajectory. Passenger numbers continue to grow, itineraries are diversifying, and new ships are coming online.
Whether you are a traveler or industry enthusiast, now is a great time to follow China’s cruise evolution. Stay informed, explore new itineraries, and watch as this sector charts a bold path into the future.
