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Explainer | China’s first home-built large cruise liner timeline 2006-23: shipbuilding breakthrough charters new waters

  • China’s first home-grown large cruise liner, the 135,500-tonne Adora Magic City, left its dock in Shanghai on June 6 ahead of a series of sea trials
  • After nearly four years of construction, it is expected to be delivered by the end of 2023 before entering operation next year, while a second liner is also being built

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China’s first home-grown large cruise ship set to begin sea trials

China’s first home-grown large cruise ship set to begin sea trials
Wendy Wuin Beijing

China’s first home-built large cruise liner undocked in Shanghai on June 6 after nearly four years of construction.

The 135,500-tonne Adora Magic City, built by a subsidiary of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation, will conduct sea trials in July and August before it is delivered by the end of 2023 ahead of entering operation next year.

July 2006: Costa cruises into China

Italian operator Costa Cruises becomes the first international company to operate regular cruises from China.

China’s market subsequently boomed and witnessed rapid growth in the 2010s to become the world’s second-largest cruise ship market after the United States.

Premier Wen Jiabao visits the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company during an inspection tour of Shanghai in 2004. Photo: Xinhua
Premier Wen Jiabao visits the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company during an inspection tour of Shanghai in 2004. Photo: Xinhua

October 2013: Cruise ship programme launched

State-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation launches a programme focused on developing home-built cruise ships and starts negotiations with overseas partners.

October 2014: Carnival time for China

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