China is becoming a significant player in the international cruise industry. Since its inaugural voyage earlier this year, Adora Magic City, the first large-scale cruise ship built domestically in China, has completed 34 trips and has hosted nearly 150,000 tourists to date.
Meanwhile, the second such Chinese cruise ship has entered its final assembly stage at a shipyard in Shanghai on April 20, signaling China’s development of the capacity for mass production of cruise ships.
The cruise industry, with its vast industrial chain and high degree of internationalization, is often referred to as the “floating gold industry.” Over a thousand domestic and foreign manufacturers were involved in the construction process of the Adora Magic City.
Adora Magic City measures 323.6 meters in length, with a gross tonnage of 135,500 tons and can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers in its 2,125 guest cabins. The number of components on this vessel is equivalent to five times that of a large C919 aircraft and thirteen times that of a Fuxing high-speed train.
Furthermore, China has become the fifth country in the world with the capacity to design and build large-scale cruise ships. The commercial success of Adora Magic City also demonstrates that China has the capability to operate large cruise ships fully and independently, stated Liu Hui, the general manager of CSSC Cruise Technology Development.
Compared to Adora Magic City, the new ship boasts even larger dimensions, with a total tonnage of over 140,000 tons, a length of 341 meters, a width of 37.2 meters, and features 2,144 cabins. Additionally, the new ship will be equipped with two sets of desulfurization systems and five sets of selective catalytic reduction equipment, making the entire vessel much more environmentally friendly.
Moreover, compared to Adora Magic City, the surface area of public spaces and those designated for outdoor activities and recreation has been increased by 735 and 1,913 square meters, respectively, reaching 25,599 and 14,272 square meters, enhancing the comfort and experience of passengers on board the new ship.
Although the new ship is larger, the construction speed has been accelerated thanks to a series of scientific research achievements and expertise in management methods. It is expected that this cruise ship will be delivered by the end of 2026.
In addition to building the new large-scale cruise ship, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company has also intensified its research and development efforts for ultra-large, medium, and small cruise ships.
An impressive fleet of Chinese cruise ships is emerging on the horizon.
