CHINA’S first domestically-built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City, embarked on its inaugural voyage from the Qingdao International Cruise Port on April 6. Carrying more than 4,000 passengers, the ship was headed towards the popular cruise destinations of Jeju, South Korea, and Fukuoka, Japan. This marked the first time the ship has operated from a Chinese port city outside of Shanghai, signaling the launch of coastal cruises in cities across China. The cruise ship, which also departed from Qingdao on April 10, is launching a five-day, four-night international cruise route. It aims to provide a luxurious experience for passengers while showcasing the growing capabilities of China’s cruise industry. Additionally, Adora Mediterranean, another ship in the Adora Cruises fleet, will also depart from the Qingdao International Cruise Port on May 14, initiating three separate five-day, four-night international cruise routes to Japan and South Korea. The ship is scheduled to return to Qingdao in September for additional international cruises. So far, the two large cruise ships operated by Adora Cruises have collectively welcomed over 560,000 domestic and international guests. Meanwhile, the second domestically-produced large cruise ship, the Adora Flower City, is set to complete construction by the end of 2026 and will commence international routes from Guangzhou in 2027. In a statement during the inaugural event, Wang Haimin, chairman of China Tourism Group, emphasized that the launch of the Adora Magic City represents a significant step in promoting the “first departure economy” and boosting consumption. He highlighted the opportunity for domestic and international tourists to experience China’s rich culture and beautiful coastal scenery. Li Min, chairman of Adora Cruises, noted that Qingdao is becoming an important cruise home port in northern China due to its exceptional geographical location, abundant tourism resources, strong port infrastructure, and robust policy support. He expressed enthusiasm for using Qingdao as the starting point for China’s coastal cruises, allowing consumers in the region to enjoy the allure of this national flagship. The Adora Magic City officially launched its commercial voyages on Jan. 1, 2024. As China’s first large homegrown cruise ship, it represents a significant achievement in the country’s growing cruise industry. The ship is 323.6 meters long, 37.2 meters wide, and stands 72.2 meters tall, with a total of 20 decks and accommodations for up to 5,246 passengers.(Tang Li) | 