China’s inaugural domestically-built large cruise ship, set to launch on January 1, is a significant milestone for the country, especially as the global travel industry anticipates the return of Chinese tourists known for their substantial spending.
The Chinese Ministry of Transport removed all cruise travel restrictions to international destinations in September, sparking interest in whether the new ship, the Adora Magic City, will boost China’s cruise sector, which has seen a decline in demand for international travel.
Scheduled for its first journey in the coming month, the Adora Magic City will sail from Shanghai to Kyushu, a major island in Japan, and then to Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost region. This cruise is offered by Adora Cruises.
The vessel, Adora Magic City, is a remarkable construction by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the leading shipbuilding company globally.
Launched in June, the ship spans 323.6 meters, houses 2,125 cabins, and has a capacity of 5,246 passengers. It boasts various amenities, including restaurants, theaters, and a brewery to enhance the cruising experience.
The ship’s interior design takes inspiration from a mural in Dunhuang, Gansu, a World Heritage site, reflecting the historical significance of the Silk Road.
Last week, China initiated the launch of a new quartet of satellites into space, forming part of the Tianmu-1 weather satellite system.
These satellites, numbered 11 through 14, were launched at 9:00 a.m. Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China aboard a Kuaizhou-1A rocket.
The satellites successfully reached their designated orbit and are set to deliver commercial meteorological data services.
This follows previous launches in the Tianmu-1 series, with satellites 01 and 02 launched on January 9, satellites 03 to 06 on March 22, and satellites 07 to 10 on July 20.
The objective of the Tianmu-1 constellation is to gather comprehensive global atmospheric data, aiding in the monitoring of the ocean, atmosphere, and ionosphere at all times. This latest launch signifies the 23rd mission undertaken using Kuaizhou-1A carrier rockets.
