China’s first domestically produced large cruise ship, Adora Magic City, marked its 100th voyage in Shanghai on Monday, symbolizing a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime innovation. Since commencing commercial operations in early 2024, the cruise ship has attracted over 350,000 domestic and international tourists.
Docking at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal at 6 a.m., passengers disembarked with memories of their extraordinary journey. “There are slides, swimming pools, and ‘gardens on the sea’ on the cruise ship,” a young boy shared enthusiastically about his favorite attractions on board.
“I hope that next time, I can bring my parents along to join me on another Adora voyage,” expressed a female passenger, reflecting the cruise’s appeal across generations.
Shanghai’s maritime and border inspection authorities have played a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of Adora Magic City. “Using tools such as the smart maritime platform, electronic patrols, and the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system, we provide advanced safety and weather information to the cruise ship passing through the waters under our administration, ensuring the cruise goes safely and smoothly,” said Sheng Jinghao, a maritime inspector at the Baoshan Maritime Safety Administration.
Similarly, efforts to streamline customs processes have enhanced passenger experience. “We’ve implemented a series of measures to continuously streamline the customs clearance process. We use the cruise control system to speed up inspection, greatly reducing passenger waiting times,” stated Qiao Yingsong, a customs officer at the Pujiang Border Inspection Station.
The Adora Magic City represents China’s growing expertise in the cruise industry, built with contributions from over 1,000 global manufacturers. The ship stands as a testament to innovation and international cooperation, paving the way for the nation’s expanding presence in global maritime tourism.
