CRUISE has been given the green light in China by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) after three years of suspension. Starting from Shanghai over the weekend, China Merchants-Yidun is taking passengers on board a five-day round trip journey to Zhoushan, China Daily reports. Restoration will first take place through trials...
CRUISE has been given the green light in China by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) after three years of suspension.
Starting from Shanghai over the weekend, China Merchants-Yidun is taking passengers on board a five-day round trip journey to Zhoushan, China Daily reports.
Restoration will first take place through trials at ports in Shanghai and Shenzhen, with more ports across the country likely to follow based on their performance.
The pilot cruises will travel to neighbouring countries and regions.
“This is a significant step forward by MOT to resume the operation of international cruises, following the State Council’s announcement to open the Chinese border for international cruises in Jan,” Royal Caribbean Chair Asia Liu Zinan said.
“Royal Caribbean China welcomes the approval for the return of international cruises, which is long-awaited by consumers and the whole industry.”
However, the recovery of the Chinese cruise industry may face some challenges, Liu added.
“The experience of the cruise market in Europe and the United States shows that restarting requires more time than expected in terms of deployment, operational recovery and marketing preparation.
“We have been awaiting the return of our ships to China for more than three years and we will actively participate in MOT’s resumption of cruises with a view to return to service to neighbouring countries.”
Pictured: Spectrum of the Seas makes its debut in China in 2019.
