THE Shekou Cruise Homeport welcomed the MSC Bellissima on Saturday. This luxury liner, the largest to grace the Shekou homeport since its opening, became the first international cruise ship to benefit from China’s newly enacted visa-free entry policies.

With approximately 4,000 passengers embarking on the MSC Bellissima for a voyage to Hong Kong on Saturday afternoon, a new sailing season in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) was officially inaugurated.

The MSC Bellissima, launched in 2019, accommodates up to 5,686 passengers and boasts impressive dimensions of 315 meters in length and 75.5 meters in height, with a gross tonnage of 172,000 tons. As the first foreign cruise ship departing from Shenzhen post-pandemic, it is scheduled to operate eight itineraries lasting from two to five nights, offering journeys to destinations like Hong Kong, Okinawa, the Yaeyama Islands, and Miyako Island.

Since the resumption of international cruise operations last year, more than 30 ships have arrived in and departed from the Shekou homeport, serving nearly 40,000 passengers. The Shekou Cruise Homeport, together with the homeports in Guangzhou’s Nansha and Hong Kong’s Kai Tak, have formed a vibrant “three-hour cruise economic circle,” attracting renowned international cruise brands to its shores.

China’s cruise industry is evolving rapidly into a major draw for inbound tourism, with cities such as Shenzhen leading this transformative wave. The recent introduction of visa-free policies for foreign tourist groups arriving via cruise ships has unlocked new opportunities for exploration, enabling travelers to immerse themselves in China’s coastal wonders hassle-free for up to 15 days. Additionally, the streamlined regulations allowing international cruise ships to resupply in Chinese ports have enhanced port services’ efficiency, improving the overall maritime experience for visitors.

As China’s cruise industry gains momentum, it not only signals a surge in foreign tourist arrivals but also points to a promising future for local and international cruise operators seeking to leverage the vast potential of China’s bustling shores.(Tang Li)