SHANGHAI: China celebrated a significant maritime achievement with the trial voyage of its first domestically made large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City. This voyage, commencing from the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on Sunday, paves the way for the ship’s official inaugural journey scheduled for January 1st, according to a China Daily report.
Prior to its official maiden voyage, the Adora Magic City is set to undertake another trial run with passengers on board. Yang Guobing, Chairman of China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC) Cruise Technology Development Co and its subsidiary, Adora Cruises, emphasised the significance of this maiden voyage as a critical preparatory step for the ship’s commercial operations.
Yang pointed out that until this achievement, a large cruise ship was the one remaining high-value vessel type that had not been constructed by Chinese shipbuilders. With the successful operation of the Adora Magic City, China now joins an exclusive global rank, becoming the only na
tion capable of building aircraft carriers, large liquefied natural gas carriers, and large cruise ships.
Wang Hong, President and Professor of Management at the China Europe International Business School, reflected on the broader implications of this milestone. He stated, “The maiden voyage of the China-built vessel represents not only a great breakthrough in China’s high-end manufacturing techniques, but also the Chinese people’s pursuit of and demand for a better life.” Wang also noted that by the end of 2019, China had emerged as the world’s second-largest cruise market.
The Adora Magic City is seen as a key development in the evolution of the Chinese consumption model, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. It boasts a crew of approximately 1,300 members from 30 different countries and regions, offering services expected to attract a diverse Chinese clientele.
The maiden voyage ceremony, conducted following the maritime convention, featured an exchange of plaques between Gu Huiquan, general manager of
the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, and Captain Niklas Peterstam of the Adora Magic City. Additionally, a flag presentation ceremony was conducted where Sun Wei, CSSC Group vice-president, presented the Adora flag to the ship’s team, led by Captain Peterstam.
The Adora Magic City, with a gross tonnage of 135,500, can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers in its 2,125 guest rooms. The ship is distinguished by its expansive living and entertainment area, spanning an impressive 40,000 square meters, earning it the moniker of a ‘modern city on the sea’.
For its inaugural season, as announced by Guo Jia, Business Development Director of Adora Cruises and Company Spokeswoman, the Adora Magic City will set sail from Shanghai, heading towards popular destinations in Northeast Asia.
Source: Emirates News Agency