China's 'Cruise+' Economy Gains Momentum as Market Heats Up in 2024

Since the beginning of 2025, China’s international cruise market has experienced a remarkable resurgence, driven by robust consumer interest and new government policies designed to stimulate growth. The recent introduction of visa-free entry and transit exemption policies has made it significantly easier for foreign tourists to embark on cruises starting or ending in China, allowing the “Cruise+” economy to emerge as a pivotal force in both tourism and service industry upgrades. This new economic engine is not only enhancing domestic and international tourism consumption, but also spurring regional development across coastal provinces.

Official data illustrates the scale of this rebound: 16 international cruise ships completed 141 voyages within China during the first quarter of the year, carrying a total of 328,000 passengers. This represents a 67.8 percent increase compared to last year. The momentum was especially evident at major cruise ports; for the first time ever, the Tianjin International Cruise Home Port welcomed three cruise liners simultaneously, resulting in nearly 15,000 passengers passing through in a single day. Meanwhile, Shanghai's international cruise terminal set a post-pandemic record, accommodating almost 30,000 entries and exits in one day, underscoring the sector’s swift recovery.

International cruise companies are taking keen notice. Major global lines have begun expanding their presence, enticed by China’s enormous consumer market and rising appetite for premium travel experiences. Executives from several leading cruise operators have signaled renewed confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects, pointing out that Chinese travelers are increasingly seeking unique itineraries and luxurious amenities that match international standards.

The revival of international brands in the market is being further bolstered by the rise of domestically built cruise ships. After the successful launch of the Adora Magic City, the Adora Mediterranea embarked on its inaugural journey from Shenzhen earlier this month, injecting renewed dynamism into the cruise economies of both the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and neighboring maritime regions.

Anticipation is also mounting for the completion of the second large Chinese-built cruise liner, the Adora Flower City, now under construction. With a gross tonnage of 142,000 and stretching 341 meters in length, the vessel is slated for delivery by the end of 2026, with plans to begin operations out of Nansha, Guangzhou. Industry observers expect this addition to further cement China’s role as a major hub in the global cruise industry and to foster growth in related sectors such as logistics, hospitality, and cultural tourism.

The scope of cruise tourism in China continues to diversify as well. While traditional routes connecting Chinese ports with Japan, Southeast Asia, and destinations around the Mediterranean remain favorites among travelers, there is increasing interest in more specialized journeys—such as expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. Cruises are attracting not just leisure tourists but high-end clientele and outbound travelers as well, reflecting a shift in the perception of cruise holidays among Chinese consumers. As the market heats up, the cruise industry is poised to become an even more significant driver of China’s modern tourism landscape.