- Adora Cruises Expands with 341-Meter Flagship Vessel.
- New Cruise Ship Equipped with Emission-Cutting Tech.
- International Voyages to Begin from Guangzhou in 2027.
The float-out of Adora Flora City was successfully done on April 28, 2025. The ship was constructed by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), a China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) subsidiary, for Adora Cruises—a Chinese-American cruise line previously named CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping, reports Offshore Energy.
Background of Adora Cruises
Adora Cruises was established in October 2015 as a collaboration between Carnival Corporation & plc, China Investment Corporation, and CSSC. Although the company had initially anticipated the commencement of operations in 2020, the start was pushed back as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Specifications of the New Vessel
Adora Cruises reports that Adora Flora City is 341 meters in length, a full 17.4 meters longer than its predecessor, Adora Magic City, China’s very first locally produced cruise ship. Its gross tonnage is 141,900 tonnes.
Environmental Features and Emissions Control
The vessel has two desulfurization systems and five environmental protection solutions. These systems are likely to go a long way in stemming the emissions of harmful pollutants, in line with China’s wider initiative towards eco-friendly ship-building.
Delivery Schedule and Future Cruises
Adora Flora City will be delivered by the end of 2026 and is set to start international cruises from Guangzhou in 2027, with proposed itineraries in South and Southeast Asia.
Strategic Shipbuilding Partnership and Fleet Growth
The ship was officially reserved at SWS in November 2018 under a $1.5 billion deal for the building of two Vista-class cruise ships. The agreement had options for four further ships, as a joint venture between Adora Cruises, CSSC, and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.
Adora Cruises’ first unit, Adora Magic City, entered service in January 2024. If all options are exercised, the remaining ships are scheduled for annual deliveries through 2028. The company also operates the Adora Mediterranea (85,619 GT), originally built as Costa Mediterranea, and acquired in 2021.
China’s Emergence in Global Cruise Shipbuilding
China is rapidly catching up with other top cruise shipbuilding nations like Italy (Fincantieri), Germany (Meyer Werft), and France (Chantiers de l’Atlantique). Its interest in clean-fuel propulsion systems is a wider initiative to enhance its shipbuilding capacities.
Market data indicates that China’s cruise shipbuilding industry is likely to be valued at $731.1 million by 2032, further solidifying its position in the international industry.
Leadership in Global Shipbuilding Orders
As per Greek shipbroker Intermodal (March 2025), China heads the world shipbuilding market with 3,454 of 5,735 vessels on order, surpassing 62.42% of the world orderbook or 175.4 million gross tons. South Korea and Japan are in second and third positions, respectively.
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Source: Offshore Energy
