China completes initial phase of construction for second domestically-built cruise ship

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Chinese officials announced the completion of the first phase of the construction of the country’s second domestically-built large cruise ship on Wednesday, 15th January. 

The milestone is being hailed as another demonstration of the expanding prowess and capacity of the domestic shipbuilding industry.

The new cruise ship is being built for Adora Cruises, a Chinese company controlled by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), with Carnival Corporation as a minority investor, and the second time the CSSC yard has turned out a large ocean-going cruise ship. 

CSSC Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company chair Wang Qi said of the vessel: “It took us less than nine months to complete the hull structure assembly, two months sooner than the first one.”

At 141,800 gross tons and 1,119 feet (341 meters) the new cruise ship which was named Adora Flora City in October 2024, will be 57 feet (17.4 meters) longer than the Adora Magic City, with a passenger capacity for up to 5,232 individuals.

On par with the west

According to authorities, the speed of construction for the cruise ship is on par with that of European shipbuilders, being achieved after initially mastering the key technologies. 

CSSC initially partnered with Italy’s Fincantieri to develop its cruise ship construction capabilities. 

The design for the cruise ships is based on a class developed by Fincantieri and Carnival that has been deployed for Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. CSSC invested heavily to create new fabrication facilities unique to cruise ships.

Refined for luxury on the high seas

The new cruise ship, which will operate with the colloquial name of Aida Huacheng, is a refined version of the original design. 

In addition to the enhanced length, the passenger cabin design was also optimised with a new variety of suites and the addition of 19 staterooms for a total of 2,144. 

The size of the atrium lobby is being doubled and the public spaces, entertainment, and leisure areas have been fully upgraded.

Among the unique spaces being highlighted aboard the next cruise ship is the Sea Street Garden. 

It will be an open multi-function social space reportedly inspired by its namesake city, Guangzhou in southern City near Hong Kong.

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