Huaxia International Cruise Now Expands Fleet, Strengthening China’s Position in the Global Cruise Market

Published on December 8, 2025

Huaxia International Cruise will operate the largest cruise fleet in Asia, marking an important milestone in the region’s growing maritime industry. According to the South China Morning Post, this cruise holding company was formed in December 2023. It brings together the operations of at least six companies under the management of China Tourism Group. This move is part of China’s broader effort to simplify and improve the efficiency of its state-owned businesses in tourism and maritime areas. The goal is to help China compete better in the global cruise market and to support its rapidly growing domestic cruise industry. Huaxia International Cruise will manage several well-known cruise brands, including Adora Cruises, Astro Ocean, and Nanhai. These brands are expected to keep operating independently while sharing resources and enjoying smoother operations under the Huaxia organization.

China’s Efforts to Expand Its Cruise Fleet

At the heart of this expansion are two major cruise ships from Adora Cruises, including the recently launched Adora Magic City and the upcoming Adora Flora City, which is expected to be delivered in late 2026. Both ships, sister vessels, are the first large cruise ships built in China at the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) shipyard in Shanghai. The Adora Magic City, a 140,000-ton vessel, began its service in early 2024, marking a major milestone for China’s domestic cruise capabilities.

The growth of Huaxia International Cruise is a part of China’s broader tourism strategy, which has focused on expanding the country’s maritime tourism infrastructure. As the government continues to invest in the domestic cruise sector, the fleet’s expansion will contribute to the growing demand for luxury cruise tourism both within China and internationally.

Strategic Partnerships to Strengthen China’s Cruise Industry

The consolidation of Huaxia International Cruise brings together several key players in China’s maritime sector, including China Cosco Shipping, China Merchants Group, and China State Shipbuilding Corporation, with China Tourism Group serving as the main operator. With China Tourism Group holding a 65 percent stake in Adora Cruises, it is now the largest shareholder in the joint venture that manages the fleet.

This move is part of a broader strategy by the Chinese government to bring together state-owned enterprises to reduce inefficiencies, consolidate operations, and better position China in the competitive global cruise market. The recent signing ceremony, which involved 17 state-owned enterprises, was hosted by China’s State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. It focused on deals that integrate companies from various sectors, including advanced materials, artificial intelligence, and logistics, which will benefit the broader national economy, including the cruise sector.

Growth and Development of China’s Cruise Market

As the demand for cruises continues to grow, China is becoming an increasingly important player in the global cruise market. In addition to its expanding fleet, Huaxia International Cruise will introduce a wide range of services tailored to the needs of domestic and international tourists. From luxury cruise experiences to themed cruises that celebrate China’s rich cultural heritage, the company is set to provide a diverse set of offerings that appeal to a wide range of travelers.

The tourism infrastructure in China is also being enhanced to support the growing cruise industry. Port facilities in cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong are being upgraded to accommodate larger ships, and new ports are being developed along the Chinese coast to support this expansion. As a result, more international cruise lines are expected to partner with Chinese companies, creating new routes and experiences for global travelers.

Tourism and Economic Impact

The expansion of Huaxia International Cruise will have a positive impact on both China’s tourism industry and its broader economy. The growth of cruise tourism is expected to bring in significant revenue, both from Chinese tourists seeking local cruises and from international travelers visiting China’s major cruise ports.

This development aligns with China’s national tourism goals, which include positioning the country as a leading destination for cruise tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. By developing a robust and competitive cruise industry, China seeks to attract both domestic travelers and international tourists, further boosting its status as one of the world’s largest tourism markets.

Future Plans and Expansion

Looking ahead, Huaxia International Cruise plans to expand its fleet and add more vessels to meet the increasing demand for cruise travel in China. With its focus on luxury experiences and cultural exploration, the cruise brand is set to keep growing in the global cruise market. As China continues to adopt new technologies and sustainability practices in its fleet, Huaxia’s rising influence will help shape the future of global maritime tourism.