Cruise operators on course for golden age

China's cruise market, the world's fastest growing, is undergoing a capacity adjustment, which is hoped will guide it back onto the right course and benefit both operators and consumers, said industry experts.

As the cruise travel market enters its peak season, vessels operating out of domestic ports are decreasing. According to the voyage plans published by major cruise brands, the number of such vessels in operation in China this year is 11, down 38 percent from 18 last year, China Transportation News Network reported.

"In past years, the Chinese cruise market saw a rapid increase with the annual growth rate reaching 40 percent. However, we have witnessed an obvious slowdown since last year, when the growth rate was less than 20 percent for the first time," said Cherry Wang, vice-president and general manager of Princess Cruises China.