China's Cruise Line Hits 1 Million Passengers Milestone

Adora Cruises, a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, has officially served over 1 million passengers, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the growth of the cruise industry in China. This achievement highlights the upward trajectory of the nation's tourism sector and contributes positively to its travel economy.

The cruise line's announcement comes at a time when the domestic cruise market is showcasing rapid development, particularly exemplified by the news that the second large domestically built cruise ship, the Adora Flora City, is now 91 percent complete. All components have been fully connected, positioning the vessel for impending delivery before the year's end.

The Adora Flora City promises to enhance the cruise experience by offering guests a "more elegant, more tech-savvy, and more Chinese" exploration of maritime culture. This vessel will cater to the needs of both domestic and international tourists, further building on the company’s existing fleet of three large-scale vessels: Adora Magic City, Adora Mediterranean, and Gulangyu.

According to Song Ding, a research fellow at the China Development Institute, cruise tourism is an essential segment of the global travel industry. While China started late in this domain, the recent advancements indicate that the domestic cruise industry is on a growth trajectory. The integrated approach within the industry—covering manufacturing, operations, and port services—offers substantial opportunities for enhancing domestic tourism and consumption.

As the cruise sector gains momentum, it is anticipated that government support will play a crucial role in the industry's expansion. Plans are in place to transform the sector into the world's largest market, in terms of passenger throughput and the diversity of cruise offerings, according to Song.

Recent statistics reveal a sharp increase in cruise passenger throughput within China. In the first three quarters of 2025, passenger numbers soared by 28 percent from the previous year, amounting to 2.05 million, as reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The number of cruise vessels making port entries or exits also rose, reflecting a 17 percent increase year-on-year, totaling 344 vessels. This growth is seen as a positive indicator of burgeoning marine tourism in the region.

Further enhancement of operational consolidation among cruise operators has been noted, supporting the industry's modernization, as explained by an official from the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council during a recent press conference.

Looking toward the future, projections from the People's Daily in August 2023 suggest that China's cruise industry could generate an impressive economic output of 500 billion yuan, approximately 71.24 billion dollars, by the year 2035, underscoring the potential economic impact of this sector.