China's cruise shipbuilding dates back to November 6, 2018, when, at the first China International Import Expo, CSSC signed a contract with Carnival Corp and Italy-based Fincantieri S.p.A. to construct two cruise ships. Construction of Adora Magic City began one year later, and its delivery placed China with Italy, France, Germany and Finland as countries capable of building large cruise ships, one of the crown jewels of the global shipbuilding industry, alongside aircraft carriers and large liquefied natural gas carriers.
"Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding has basically mastered the capability of continuously building large cruise ships through the construction of the two vessels. As we continue to focus on this sector, our goal is to further improve our design and construction efficiency," said Li Jianing, assistant to the general manager of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding.
"In addition to the cruise ship orders received earlier in March, we are also actively seeking opportunities in overseas markets," Li said.
An agreement to build two more cruise ships was reached in March between CSSC and CTG under a memorandum of understanding. The cooperation framework covers the construction of two ships, with an additional vessel as an option. The parties will work to ensure delivery of the first ship in the new batch before the end of 2030.
Adora Magic City has completed more than 250 voyages since its maiden cruise on January 1, 2024. The delivery of Adora Flora City demonstrates that Waigaoqiao has improved both construction efficiency and the overall construction period, paving the way for the shipbuilder to expand its capacity to build cruise ships on a larger scale.
