Costa Serena has returned to Shanghai, marking the launch of China’s inaugural multi‑homeport cruise route.
Nearly 700 international guests disembarked in Shanghai on Thursday morning, June 12th, with many sharing intentions to explore the city’s landmarks and savor local tea rituals.
This revival follows the pandemic‑induced withdrawal of Costa Cruises from Asia in 2022. The resumed service enables boarding in Shanghai, Japan’s Fukuoka, and South Korea’s Jeju. After disembarkation in Shanghai, the vessel set sail again with approximately 2,500 passengers, comprising both arriving and new travelers, continuing its winter deployment.
Industry observers regard the initiative as a further catalyst for China’s cruise resurgence. Peng Zhaoyun, assistant president at Shanghai’s Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, noted that the move introduces new product variation, attracting both inbound tourists and domestic cruisers—a strategy that could invigorate the market.
This multi‑homeport model extends the legacy that began in 2006, when Costa Allegra first set sail from Shanghai, ushering in the era of organised Chinese cruise travel.