A CRUISE ship going between Shenzhen and Xiamen in Fujian Province was officially launched at a ceremony held in Xiamen on Saturday, according to thepaper.cn.

The cruise ship named “Zhaoshang Yidun,” operated by Viking Cruises and China Merchants Shekou, is the country’s first high-end cruise ship flying the Chinese national flag.

It is also the first luxury cruise ship China independently operates, according to the report.

The cruise ship will offer customers a chance to feel the two cities’ charms by providing entertainments aboard, sea sightseeing and onshore experience.

The cruise ship’s launch also marked Xiamen Cruise Port’s first domestic coastal cruise ship route.

In addition, Xiamen Cruise Port’s new terminal, with an investment totaling 628 million yuan (US$93.8 million) and a construction area of 68,000 square meters, will be completed this year to offer better customer experience.  (Wang Jingli)