China Tourism Group Co., Ltd. and China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited signed a memorandum of understanding in Shanghai on 20 March 2026 for a new large cruise ship construction project, setting out a broader partnership covering design, construction and operational management. The two groups said the cooperation will support the development of China’s full cruise industry chain through a model built on series construction and scaled operations.
Under the agreement, China Tourism Group Co., Ltd. will contribute its tourism and operations capabilities, while China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited will provide shipbuilding and marine equipment manufacturing strength. The framework covers the full chain from market demand and ship design to construction, delivery and operating services.
As part of the division of work, China Tourism Group Co., Ltd. will lead market demand analysis and product definition. Drawing on its experience in tourist sourcing, route development, cruise operations, scenic spot management, hotel operations and duty-free business, the group will help shape cabin layouts, service facilities, entertainment and dining for the new ships. The aim is to support the transition of China’s large cruise ship sector from successful construction to successful operation.
China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited will lead cruise ship design development, key technology work, final assembly and construction. The group said the project is intended to meet international technical specifications and the latest environmental standards, while also strengthening the domestic cruise ship industry chain and increasing the localization rate of core equipment.
Within the cooperation structure, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Huaxia International Cruise Line will serve as the core construction and operating entities. Under a follow-on framework covering two firm vessels and one optional vessel, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. will use its cruise ship production facilities, supply chain management system and complex project management capability to support its final assembly base. It is targeting the delivery of the first newly built cruise ship by the end of 2030.
On the operating side, Huaxia International Cruise Line will use the experience of Adora Cruises to take part in defining the new vessel products and to reflect Chinese consumer preferences and cultural needs in cabins, onboard services, entertainment and catering. The company also said it is building local operating talent and upgrading service systems.
The source said Huaxia International Cruise Line will use a “cruise + culture” brand strategy to shape the onboard experience, promote coordination between vessel operations, upstream shipbuilding and downstream ports, and prepare new ships to enter service upon delivery with premium-level performance from the outset.
The companies also linked the agreement to the wider development of China’s cruise sector. They said deeper collaboration between tourism operations and shipbuilding will help connect manufacturing, operations and port support across the industry chain.
