Shanghai Sets Cruise Tourism Record, Boosting China’s Travel Industry

Published on March 17, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Shanghai has set a new record for foreign tourist arrivals via cruise ships, welcoming nearly 4,800 international visitors in a single day at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. This milestone, achieved on Sunday, March 17, 2025, marks the highest single-day influx of cruise passengers since the terminal’s opening in 2011 and highlights China’s growing influence in global cruise tourism.

According to the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and the Shanghai Municipal Government, cruise tourism is a key focus area for China’s inbound travel sector.

With international cruise lines expanding their presence in Shanghai, the city is positioning itself as China’s premier cruise hub, catering to travelers from Europe, North America, and Asia.

Record-Breaking Arrivals via AIDAstella & Spectrum of the Seas

Two major cruise ships contributed to Shanghai’s historic single-day arrival record:

• AIDAstella (AIDA Cruises) – Arriving for the first time in Shanghai, this 14-day cruise began in Bangkok and stopped at Vietnam, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Shanghai before continuing its journey. The ship carried 2,200 foreign tourists, mainly from Germany and Poland.
• Spectrum of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) – Operating from Wusongkou as its home port, this cruise brought 2,600 foreign tourists to Shanghai, further solidifying Royal Caribbean’s confidence in the Chinese market.

Exploring Shanghai & Beyond

During their stay, foreign tourists explored Shanghai’s iconic attractions, including:

• The Bund – A historic waterfront with stunning views of Pudong’s skyline.
• Yuyuan Garden – A classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
• Oriental Pearl Tower – One of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks, offering panoramic city views.

Many travelers also took day trips to Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, known for its ancient gardens and silk production. According to the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Suzhou has seen a rise in foreign visitors, particularly from European markets, as cruise tourism expands.

Shanghai’s Growing Cruise Market & Future Plans

The China Ministry of Transport has identified Shanghai as a key cruise hub, investing in infrastructure improvements to attract more international cruise lines. Angela Stephen, Senior Vice President of Royal Caribbean International, praised Shanghai’s world-class cruise terminal, emphasizing the company’s commitment to expanding operations in China’s cruise market.

Shanghai’s upcoming cruise schedule includes:

• Mein Schiff 6 (TUI Cruises) – Scheduled to dock in March and April 2025.
• Costa Serena (Costa Cruises) – Returning to the Chinese market in June 2025.

Shanghai’s Vision for Cruise Tourism

Shanghai is actively developing diverse travel packages to enhance the cruise passenger experience. The Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration is collaborating with international cruise operators to offer visa-free transit policies, cultural excursions, and shopping incentives to attract more high-spending travelers.

As China reopens its borders and cruise travel regains momentum, Shanghai is set to become Asia’s leading cruise tourism destination, strengthening China’s role in the global travel industry.