China has commenced the countdown for the maiden voyage of its first large, domestically-built cruise ship, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to enhance its shipbuilding capabilities and advanced manufacturing techniques. The new vessel Adora Magic City has garnered international attention for its complexity, boasting 25+ million parts and 2600+ miles of cabling.
Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., a division of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), is responsible for constructing the newbuild. In 2018, a joint venture between Carnival Corporation and CSSC was established, with Carnival becoming a minority investor. Reports indicate that the Shanghai Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau is also involved in the venture under the travel brand Adora Cruises. The ship's construction began in 2019, with a meticulous step-by-step approach.
On June 1st, the Adora Magic City was refloated in preparation for its departure from the drydock. The process, expected to take six to eight hours, involved the installation of special sensors to monitor the operation. Prior to this, in December 2021, the hull had been floated temporarily during construction. The shipyard engineers emphasized the complexity of the floating operation, considering the vulnerability of Chinese coastal areas to typhoons during this time of the year. High winds could have hindered both the floating operation and the subsequent departure of the vessel from the drydock.
Several tests have been conducted over the past few days before moving the cruise ship out of the dry dock. These tests include an incline test to determine the ship's center of gravity accurately and ensure safety and stability. Additionally, lifeboat mechanisms and watertight elements, such as side ports, have been tested.
The Adora Magic City, with volume of 135500 GT-tons, is a mid-sized cruise vessel based on the VISTA design developed for Carnival Corporation by Fincantieri, which is acting as a technical adviser to CSSC during the construction process. The ship measures 1,061 ft in length and features 2125 passenger staterooms and 701 crew cabins, accommodating a total of 5246 passengers.
Scheduled for delivery by the end of 2023, Adora Magic City will commence service, sailing from Shanghai to neighboring countries along the "Maritime Silk Road," including Japan and Southeast Asian ports.