CSSC reveals Adora Cruises

THE joint venture between Carnival Corporation and China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC) has announced Adora Cruises as the name of its new brand created to serve the Chinese source market.

CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping has two newbuilds on order, with the first scheduled for delivery by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding late next year.

The 4,250 passenger vessel (pictured) will carry Chinese passengers on both domestic and international itineraries, including destinations focused on China’s Belt and Road Initiative which seeks to connect Asia with Africa and Europe.

CSSC Carnival Chief Executive Officer Roger Chen said Adora will integrate a “classical cruising experience and newly-emerging culture and tourism resources”.

“Adora Cruises will develop more products tailor-made for Chinese passengers combining global and domestic cruise market highlights,” he said.

Adora Cruises ships will homeport from Wusong in Shanghai, and “operate on long routes along the Maritime Silk Road, while serving as a carrier spreading Chinese culture and enhancing exchanges between China and other countries,” according to a report from Chinese new agency Xinhua.

A second, slightly larger ship is also under construction, as part of plans to develop the largest cruise fleet in Asia, offering cruises year-round from a range of Chinese homeports.

CSSC Carnival already has two ships in its fleet - the Costa Atlan ca and Costa Mediterranea.

Cruising from ports in China currently remains paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.