The maiden voyage of the China-based cruise liner Adora Mediterranea (operated by the new Chinese travel brand Adora Cruises) commenced from Qingdao (China's Shandong Province) on Sunday, November 26, marking a significant addition to the Chinese cruise travel market.
Having entered service on September 30th (2023), the 12-deck ship is a noteworthy vessel with LOA length 292 m (958 ft) and volume/gross tonnage of 86,000 GT-tons. Currently, it holds the distinction of being the largest cruise vessel in operation in China.
Formerly operated by Costa Cruises, Adora Mediterranea is characterized by its incorporation of rich Mediterranean customs and cultural elements, creating a distinctive ambiance for passengers. With a substantial capacity to accommodate 2680 passengers across 1057 staterooms, the liner offers a 6-day/5-night roundtrip itinerary from homeport Qingdao.
In a notable development, Qingdao became the first city in northern China to resume international cruise services in September. The operation of the cruise line by the Mediterranea in Qingdao signifies a new chapter for Adora Cruises, as it seeks to expand its footprint and capture a more extensive market in northern China.