China's international cruise market is set to open up in June 2023, marking the final major market in the cruise industry to resume operations. This resumption of cruises in China comes after 41 months of inactivity since January 30th, 2020, when Shanghai suspended cruising to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The General Office of the Ministry of Transport recently unveiled the "Plan for the Orderly Pilot Resumption of International Cruise Transport." According to this plan, Shanghai and Shenzhen will reopen for international cruises. The resumption will commence with a pilot project, followed by the gradual removal of further restrictions in successive phases.
The first cruise ships to resume services are the BLUE DREAM STAR, operated by Blue Dream Cruises, and the "China Merchants Yidun," a joint venture between China Merchants and Viking.
After arriving in Shanghai, the BLUE DREAM STAR underwent rigorous safety inspections to ensure compliance with health routines, state inspections, and safety drills. Subsequently, the ship embarked on a trial voyage without passengers, as required before offering cruises. This trial run began on May 16th, sailing to Jeju Island, South Korea, and will return to port on May 18th. The first officially offered cruises will begin on June 19th, departing from Shanghai and heading to Japanese ports.
Other ships will soon follow suit. The China Merchants Yidun is also scheduled to begin cruising in June. The CSSC Carnival, a joint venture between Carnival Corporation and China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), will commence services in July, sailing from Shanghai to Okinawa, Japan.
Royal Caribbean has announced that it will launch its services in China starting in April next year. The SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise ship will be homeported in Shanghai in the coming year.
