China's first large domestically-built cruise ship, the Adora Magic City,
embarked on its inaugural trial voyage from the port of Shanghai on 17
July, marking a significant milestone for both China’s cruising and
ship-building industries.
Constructed by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard (SWS), the Adora Magic
City underwent rigorous tests and emergency drills following its
successful undocking on 6 June. The current nine-day trials will provide
a solid foundation for the second trial voyage planned for August. The
ship's handover is scheduled to take place before the end of 2023.
China now joins the ranks of Italy, France, Germany, and Finland as
the fifth country actively engaged in the construction of large cruise
ships.
The Adora Magic City can accommodate over 6,500 passengers, featuring a range of amenities and entertainment options like a water park, a cinema and theatre.
The ship is expected to be completed and ready for delivery by the end of 2023.
Fincantieri served as SWS’s technical consultant for the construction
of the Adora Magic City. The project, initiated in 2019, saw the hull
floated for the first time in December 2021.
While the construction of the first cruise ship has proceeded at a
methodical pace, work has already commenced on a second large
domestically-built cruise ship, which will be a bigger version of the
Adora Magic City. Construction on this second vessel began in August
2022, with delivery scheduled for 2025.
Adora Cruises recently announced its plan to commence operations
later this year, utilising the former Costa Mediterraneana, which was
acquired as part of a 2018 agreement with Carnival Corporation to
establish the Chinese cruise company. The refurbished Costa
Mediterraneana will start sailing from Northern China in the fourth
quarter of 2023. Meanwhile, the Adora Magic City is set to enter service
at the beginning of 2024, departing from Shanghai.