CHINA’S first domestically-built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City, departed from a port in Shanghai yesterday, starting its trial operation.

Carrying invited guests and nearly 1,300 crew members from around the world, the ship set off after noontime yesterday from the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal and is expected to return to the terminal today.

Another trial operation is scheduled afterward to prepare for the commercial maiden voyage to Northeast Asia on Jan. 1, 2024.

The voyage will last seven days en route to Jeju in South Korea and Nagasaki and Fukuoka in Japan. A route between China and Southeast Asia will be launched at a later date.

It will also launch a route following the Maritime Silk Road, providing diversified vacation options to passengers.

Measuring 323.6 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 135,500, Adora Magic City can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers.

It has 16 floors and a total of 40,000 square meters of public living and recreation space.

This one-of-a-kind cruise ship is tailor-made for the Chinese market, boasting a wide range of innovative features and amenities with authentic Chinese and international gourmet food, entertaining shows, and shopping experiences at sea with a fusion of East and West.

“It is a brand new ship and we have made a lot of preparations,” said Captain Niklas Peterstam. “We have more than 1,200 crew members and it is a big task.

“The equipment is tested to maximum. Everyone is waiting for the moment.”

Partnering with China Duty Free Group to offer the largest duty-free retail space at sea, the ship features a trendy and state-of-the-art shopping center, covering an area of approximately 2,000 square meters.

The ship also features an array of thrilling facilities for children and teens, including a water park with three slides across four decks, a 360-degree sea view rope garden, and a realistic and immersive VR game center.

(Xinhua, shine.cn)