China’s first domestically produced cruise ship undocks in Shanghai

Asia-Pacific, News June 10, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) completed the undocking of the country’s first domestically produced large cruise ship in Shanghai on June 6, 2023. Officially named Adora Magic City, the ship is expected to be delivered by the end of this year.

A ceremony was held in Shanghai as the ship completed its transition from the shallow waters of the construction site to the docking port. According to the builders of China’s premier cruise ship Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company, a subsidiary of CSSC, the cruise ship would make its first trial voyage in July and another one in August.

Since the launch of the country’s first cruise port in 2006, China had been striving to boost the local shipbuilding industry, particularly focusing on domestically built cruise ships.

After years of planning, the project originally started in 2018. CSSC partnered with the world’s largest cruise ship operator Carnival Corporation to develop a fully homegrown cruise ship in China.

Carnival Corporation and CSSC are planning to operate the Adora Magic City along with Mediterranea and Atlantica, two cruise ships acquire from Costa Cruises. Initially, the ship plans to operate cruises to Southeast and Northeast Asian destinations before launching mid-to-long haul routes such as along with the Maritime Silk Route.

With a total length of 323.6 meters and a height of 70 meters, Adora Magic City can accommodate more than 6,500 passengers in its 2,125 guest rooms ranging from standard rooms to presidential suites. The ship also features a luxury hotel, multiple cinemas, restaurants, and a water park on board.

*^{An artistic rendering of the interior of Adora Magic City ship. (Image Credit: TiGong/Citynewsservice)}*

The cruise ship includes the world’s largest shopping center at sea which will be in cooperation with China Duty Free Group. The shopping center will include world-famous brands, art collections, and jewelry with a special section for Chinese brands.

It will also be the first cruise ship to be fully covered by a 5G network and include various types of entertainment including the first live comedy theater at sea, cultural shows, and concerts.

The executive vice-president and secretary-general of the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association Zheng Weihang said that the construction of a fully-home grown cruise ship is a breakthrough for China’s shipbuilding industry.

Zheng said that “the successful delivery of the vessel will make China one of the few countries, including Italy, France, Germany, and Finland, that can build a cruise ship on its own.”