Mystic Cruises Deepens Ties With China In Bold Newbuild Agreement For Future Expedition Travel

Published on December 11, 2025

In a historic decision that reinforces the cooperation between East and West in the maritime sector, Mystic Cruises, the luxury expedition operator based in Portugal has entrusted China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CMSIC) with the construction of a new cruise ship, with an option for three more vessels. The signing ceremony that took place last week in China saw the participation of Mystic’s president and top managers from China Merchants. The contract is viewed as a watershed moment not only for Mystic’s fleet expansion plans but also for the developing connection between China’s ship-building strength and luxury cruise market worldwide.

At the helm of the agreement: Mystic’s president, Mário Ferreira and Mei Zhonghua, vice general manager of China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry and general manager of CMSIC’s cruise-ship division, signed on behalf of their respective companies.

Ambitious newbuild: tri-fuel, greener cruising

According to the public announcement, the contracted ships will be tri-fuel, indicating a propulsion system designed to run on multiple fuel types, likely to include low-emission or alternative fuels. This aligns with Mystic’s long-standing commitment to sustainability: on its official website, the company emphasises eco-friendly vessels and hybrid propulsion systems for its existing fleet.

The push for such advanced fuel systems underlines a broader trend: cruise operators are increasingly embracing more environmentally responsible design, and shipbuilders in Asia, particularly China are becoming central to that shift. In the words of a CMSIC press summary, the agreement injects powerful new momentum into the high-quality development of the cruise industry.

From Portugal to Asia: A strategic shift

Until now, Mystic has built its ocean-going ships at the West Sea Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. Its fleet of small-ship expeditions carrying up to 200 guests has included vessels such as those built for the brand’s previous series.

However, as the company recently acknowledged, there is no available capacity in Portugal to continue building larger, more ambitious ships. That limitation, combined with growing demand for upscale expedition cruising, appears to have motivated the shift to Asia.

With this agreement, Mystic is effectively realigning its future and aligning it with Asia. The new deal marks the launch of what the company has referred to as its shipbuilding programme in Asia.

What it means for the cruise industry and travellers

Boosting China-global maritime ties

By entrusting China Merchants with the construction of luxury cruise ships, Mystic is signalling faith in Chinese shipbuilding capacity and technological competence. This not only benefits Mystic’s growth but also helps raise China’s profile as a builder of high-end expedition vessels, a market that has historically been dominated by European yards.

For China, this deal reinforces its ambitions to be more than a maker of bulk carriers or container ships, it positions itself squarely in the upscale cruise-ship business. The collaboration could open the door to further partnerships between Chinese yards and Western cruise operators.

A push for sustainable, next-generation cruising

Tri-fuel ships represent a tangible step in the direction of greener cruising. As awareness grows about the environmental footprint of maritime tourism, such ships could set new benchmarks for sustainability. For travellers, especially those drawn to the kind of remote, pristine destinations that Mystic offers (from the Arctic to Antarctica, or less-visited corners of Europe), this commitment may offer greater peace of mind that their voyages tread lightly on fragile ecosystems.

Expansion of small-ship, expedition-style cruising

Mystic has already carved a niche with smaller, more intimate ships that offer personalised service, access to off-the-beaten-track ports, and immersive experiences in remote or challenging environments.

With the new build programme, the company may expand or reimagine this model possibly with larger ships, improved amenities, or better fuel efficiency while preserving the sense of exclusivity and adventure.

This could translate into a stronger, broader market for expedition cruises: travellers seeking more than mass-market cruise lines, looking instead for sustainability, comfort, and authentic experiences and operators able to respond with modern, green vessels.

Looking ahead: more than ships: A new chapter

For Mystic Cruises, the China deal represents not just the construction of new vessels, but the opening of a new phase in its global strategy. The firm’s existing fleet, known for blending luxury, comfort, and environmental consciousness has already earned a reputation in expedition cruising.

By partnering with China Merchants, Mystic embraces a future where cruise travel continues to evolve: larger, greener, truly international, yet still intimate and adventurous.

For travellers, the shift could spell more options: perhaps new itineraries in less-explored regions, improved onboard amenities, and a cleaner, more responsible way to explore the world’s seas.

And in a wider meaning, the agreement emphasizes the global nature of the cruise industry not only connecting the continents through routes and travelers but also through ship construction, eco-friendliness, and hopes that are alike.

Image Credit: Mystic Cruises