LUXURY sea voyages with cruise liners have long been a mainstream choice for holidaymakers in the Western world, but remain a relatively less explored experience for tourists in China.

    Eyeing a growing market in China, the Princess Cruises run by Carnival Corp. will launch their Majestic Princess in April next year.

    Nearly completed in the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, the liner will sail her maiden season on voyages in the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia, making Shanghai its new home port after arriving in the city in July. The liner will then sail regularly to hot Asian destinations, chiefly ports in South Korea and Japan.

    Leaving Rome in May and also stopping by Athens, Egypt, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Xiamen, the liner invites tourists on a 49-day cruise to explore the Maritime Silk Road on the trail of their ancestors.

    Guests will be able to visit the impressive Piraeus, the ancient port of Athens, enjoy a most beautiful sunset at Santorini, experience the affluent and showy city of Dubai, view the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and explore Angkor Wat hidden in the jungles of Cambodia.

    A showpiece for technical innovations, Majestic Princess features unique Chinese-inspired touches in its decor using metal, glass and wood.

    With balconies included with 80 percent of the cabins, guests can enjoy the fresh sea breeze without sacrificing their privacy. A bed designed by expert Michael Breus also ensures a restful night’s sleep.

    For gourmets, there is a wide selection of delicacies featured at their classic steakhouse, a new Cantonese restaurant helmed by Michelin-star chef Richard Chen and a French restaurant La Mer helmed by Michelin three-star chef Emmanuel Renaut that serves casual home-style dishes with a modern twist.

    For entertainment, guests can watch movies as well as two Las Vegas-style song and dance shows.

    For the first time, guests will also experience the thrill of the Seawalk — a glass-bottom walkway with views 40 meters straight down. Live performances featuring comedians and magicians will be staged every day at the central plaza of the cruise liner.

    (Debra Li)