Huaxia International Cruise to Operate Asia’s Largest Cruise Fleet, Consolidating State-Owned Enterprises Under China Tourism Group for Greater Efficiency and Growth

Published on December 9, 2025

Huaxia International Cruise will be the operator of the biggest cruise fleet in Asia, after a consolidation by state-owned companies. The move aims at streamlining China’s tourism and cruise businesses for efficiency and growth. China Tourism Group was appointed to operate the consolidated cruise fleet, CCTV reported, in a bid to raise China’s status in the global cruise industry.

The consolidation includes Huaxia International Cruise, which comprises major stakeholders like China Cosco Shipping, China Merchants Group, and China State Shipbuilding Corporation. China Tourism Group, the largest shareholder in the joint venture with a 65 percent stake in Adora Cruises, will be able to consolidate cruise operations under a unified state-owned entity.

The Cruise Fleet and Independent Operations

The new structure will bring together several renowned cruise brands, including Adora, Astro Ocean, and Nanhai, which will continue to operate independently under the Huaxia International Cruise umbrella. This consolidation is expected to streamline operations and increase efficiency, allowing the brands to benefit from shared resources and capabilities while maintaining their distinct identities.

These four companies currently operate five cruise ships, including the Adora Magic City and Adora Flora City, which are the first large cruise ships built in China. These 140,000-ton sister ships were constructed at a China State Shipbuilding Company (CSSC) shipyard in Shanghai, marking a major milestone for China’s shipbuilding industry. While the Magic City entered service in early 2024, the Flora City is expected to be delivered to Adora Cruises by late 2026.

Tourism Impact: Strengthening China’s Position in the Global Cruise Market

The consolidation of Huaxia International Cruise into a single state-owned entity has significant tourism implications for both China and the broader Asian cruise market. By streamlining operations under the China Tourism Group, the venture is poised to enhance China’s competitiveness in the global cruise industry, driving growth and innovation in the sector.

The move aligns with China’s growing emphasis on tourism as an important sector for economic development. Cruise tourism is seen as a crucial part of this strategy, as it not only contributes to tourism revenue but also supports related industries such as hospitality, entertainment, and shipbuilding. The expanded cruise fleet will likely draw more international travelers to China’s shores, benefiting the country’s tourism infrastructure and local economies.

Future Impact: Expanding China’s Cruise Industry

With a larger fleet under a unified umbrella, Huaxia International Cruise has the potential to become a dominant player in Asia’s cruise market. The consolidation will allow for better coordination between the operating brands, enabling them to tap into new markets and expand their reach to more international destinations.

The addition of new vessels, such as the upcoming Adora Flora City, will help to increase China’s cruise capacity, supporting long-term growth in the industry. These large, modern ships are designed to offer luxury and comfort while showcasing China’s ability to compete on the world stage in the luxury cruise sector.

Boosting Regional and International Tourism

The expansion of Huaxia International Cruise is expected to have a significant impact on regional and international tourism. As China’s cruise fleet grows, more international travelers will likely choose Chinese-operated cruises for affordable luxury and seamless travel between Asia, Europe, and the Americas. With the increasing trend of cruise tourism globally, the fleet’s growth could attract tourists from across the world looking for unique cruise experiences that combine modern amenities with a rich cultural backdrop.

Moreover, China’s cruise lines could become key players in regional tourism within Asia, driving travel demand between major Asian ports like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. The expansion of regional routes would further strengthen China’s tourism offerings and encourage cross-cultural exchanges between Asian nations and global visitors.

Sustainability and Innovation in China’s Cruise Sector

As part of the broader state-driven tourism strategy, Huaxia International Cruise is also expected to prioritize sustainable development in its fleet operations. China has increasingly focused on green technologies and eco-friendly practices, aligning the country’s growing cruise industry with global trends toward sustainability in travel and tourism.

The new cruise ships, including the Adora Magic City and Flora City, could incorporate sustainable features, such as energy-efficient engines, waste management systems, and renewable energy sources. These eco-conscious initiatives are likely to appeal to the growing number of eco-tourists seeking environmentally responsible travel options. By aligning with global environmental standards, Huaxia International Cruise will help enhance the global cruise industry’s sustainability and attract a new demographic of eco-conscious travelers.

A New Era for China’s Cruise and Tourism Industry

The consolidation includes Huaxia International Cruise, which comprises major stakeholders like China Cosco Shipping, China Merchants Group, and China State Shipbuilding Corporation. China Tourism Group, the largest shareholder in the joint venture with a 65 percent stake in Adora Cruises, will be able to consolidate cruise operations under a unified state-owned entity.

As part of the larger state-driven tourism strategy, Huaxia International Cruise is also likely to focus on sustainable development in its fleet operations. China has been increasingly focused on green technologies and eco-friendly practices, placing the growing cruise industry of the country onto a course similar to worldwide trends toward sustainability in travel and tourism.