Adora Flora City

The 2026-built/2027-inaugurated Adora Flora City cruise ship is the second of two China-built vessels ordered by CSSC CARNIVAL CRUISE and operated under the new travel brand Adora Cruises (established in 2022 and inaugurated in 2023). Adora Flora City is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion/delivery in December 2026.

The ship is named after Guangzhou's local nickname, "Flower City" (花城/Huacheng).

Magic Flora's sistership, Magic City, was launched in 2023 and inaugurated in 2024. CSSC CARNIVAL CRUISE's fleet also included two older ships (transferred to CSSC Carnival from Costa Cruises in January 2020)—Costa Atlantica (2000-built, sold in 2023) and Costa Mediterranea (2003-built).

According to the shipbuilding contract, besides the two initial units (each costing US$770M/EUR 700M, 2019 currency rates), there is an option for four more ships of the same class to be produced by SWS/Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd. Reportedly, the negotiated shipbuilding cost was about 1/5th cheaper than if the units were constructed in Europe.

The Adora Flora City vessel (IMO number 9871048) will be Panama-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Colon.

Compared to Magic City, Flora City is slightly larger (with 6400 GT-tons) and longer (by 17.4 m / 57 ft) and has 19 more passenger staterooms. As an upgraded version, Flora is also "greener" and more technologically advanced, being equipped with 2x desulfurization towers and a total of 5x environmental protection systems. Flora City's design layout has been optimized to allow for larger public spaces, outdoor leisure areas, and expanded and more advanced entertainment facilities.

History - Construction and Ownership

Adora Cruises Ltd (shipowner) is a joint venture company founded in October 2015 (as "CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping Ltd," renamed in June 2023) and a cruise ship management company that operates the fully owned subsidiary and new travel brand Adora Cruises. CSSC Carnival China was initially scheduled to start operations in 2020, but due to the COVID crisis, the brand's debut was postponed to 2023.

CSSC-Carnival's Adora Cruises is a joint venture between Carnival Corporation (founded in 1972) and China Merchants Group Ltd (founded in 1872, Hong Kong-headquartered Chinese state-owned corporation). Most of CSSC Carnival Cruise is owned by Chinese shareholders (60%), and the remainder by Carnival (40%). The Chinese shareholders include CIC (China Investment Corporation) and CSSC (China State Shipbuilding Corporation). Carnival Corporation plc is the world's largest cruise shipowner (and passenger shipping company) by combined fleet (number of vessels and GT tonnage/volume) and berth capacity.

Adora Cruises' newbuilds, Adora Magic City (2024) and Adora Flora City (2026), are based on a modified Carnival VISTA design, represented by the sisterships Carnival Vista (2016), Carnival Horizon (2018), Carnival Panorama (2019), Carnival Venezia (2019-built as Costa Venezia), and Carnival Firenze (2020-built as Costa Firenze).

Compared to the original Carnival VISTA design, CSSC Adora's ships have a Gross Tonnage of 136,200 GT-tons (vs 133,596), Deadweight of 13,820 tons (vs 13,415), the same waterline beam (37 m / max width is 46 m, with the Navigation Bridge's wings), and the same draught (8.2 m / 27 ft).

The vessel is equipped with 20 lifeboats (each with a capacity of 314 seats).

For major construction milestones and events, see the ship's Wiki page.

Decks and Cabins

Adora Flora City has 2,130 total staterooms, with a maximum capacity of 5,232 berths. Each stateroom comes with standard amenities, including 2 twin beds (convertible to a Queen-size double bed), wardrobe, electronic safe box, lifejackets (in the closet), seating/lounge area (with mirrored vanity/writing desk with chair), smart HDTV (satellite reception, infotainment system), direct-dial phone, hairdryer, refrigerator (minibar), and an en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, mirrored single-sink vanity).

All balcony staterooms are equipped with sofabeds to accommodate 3rd/4th passengers. WiFi is available in all staterooms for an additional charge, as well as in public areas. Suites receive free 24-hour room service, slippers, bathrobes, a drinks package, and a personal valet.

The ship has 16 decks, 14 of which are passenger-accessible, and 12 with cabins.

The ship also has a total of 701 crew cabins and can accommodate 1,292 staff/crew members.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

Confirmed facilities so far include a large center for performing arts, numerous restaurants and cafes (both complimentary and specialty dining venues), various lounges and bars, art corridors, children's clubs, a spa, an outdoor amusement park with a circular-shaped waterslide, a kids' playground with 11 total water-play features, and a spacious sunbathing area for children.

The 16-story liner offers an expansive 40,000 m2 (430,556 ft2) of public (living and recreational) space.

The Aquapark has 3 water slides spanning four decks. Other fun facilities include the Rope Garden (an outdoor activity course with 360-degree sea views) and the VR/Virtual Reality gaming center.

Exact details on Adora Flora City's venues, facilities, and onboard services are to be announced soon.

The next review is based on the ship Carnival Venezia, which underwent an extensive drydock redesign in 2023 after its transfer from Costa to CCL-Carnival Cruise Line.

Adora Flora City has a complimentary Main Dining Room (on two levels/decks 4-5, waiter-served), open for Breakfast, Brunch (seadays only), Lunch (seadays only), and Dinner. On port days, Breakfast is served between 7:30-9:30 am (closed for lunch). Dining Room hours are subject to change due to itinerary/port arrival times or scheduled onboard activities. On seadays, one MDR serves Brunch (breakfast and lunch /between 8:30 am - 1 pm), while the other MDR serves Breakfast (between 8-10 am) and Lunch (between 12-noon - 1:30 pm). Afternoon Tea service (between 3-4 pm /seadays only) is complimentary and includes a selection of teas, paninis/mini sandwiches, and sweets. Dinner (seadays/portdays) is served in 2 fixed/pre-assigned seatings: Early (at 6 pm) and Late (at 8:15 pm), plus Anytime ("Your Time Dining" between 5:45-9:30 pm).

The Lido Restaurant is also complimentary and operates as a self-service buffet restaurant for open-seating Breakfast (7:30 am - 12-noon /made-to-order omelet station), Lunch (12-noon - 2:30 pm), Dinner (6-9:30 pm /Good Eats buffet), and Late Night Snacks (11 pm - 1 am). The Good Eats buffet menu is a Main Dining Room dinner alternative offering steaks, prime rib, grilled chicken, pastas, salads, desserts, and a daily Chef's Special. The Lido Restaurant features various take-away food stations and themed food bars, including Adora Deli (sandwiches, draught beer dispenser), Mongolian Wok (stir-fry, made-to-order Asian food), Pasta Bar (choice of pastas, sauces, toppings), Salad Bar (35 items), Pizza Bar (24-hour Pizzeria), Chef's Choice Bar (international cuisine), Hot and Cold Buffet (stir-fries, pasta, carving station), and Grille (burgers, hot dogs, fries, chicken fritters, sautéed vegetables, sauerkraut, homemade tortillas, chips, salsa). The Lido Buffet also has a complimentary, self-serve, 24-hour tea/coffee station and machines for soft ice cream and yogurt.

As with most Carnival ships, Adora Flora City is expected to feature signature dining venues such as:

• Seafood Restaurant (open for lunch and dinner, waiter service, with indoor/outdoor seating, a la carte priced menu, serving items like lobster, shrimp, crab cakes, clams, oysters, as well as buckets and platters, Fish & Chips, Soup of the Day).
• Steakhouse (at a surcharge, reservations recommended) with waiter service, offering appetizers, salads, sides, entrees (prime-aged beef steaks, ribeye, filet mignon, lamb chops, chicken, lobster, fish fillet), desserts, and beverages (bar prices apply).
• Teppanyaki Sushi Restaurant (reservations-only) offering authentic Far East cuisine specialties and drinks. The venue provides a live cooking show at custom-built cooking stations positioned at the center of an 8-seat dining table. Each meal includes a sampling of appetizers (Miso Soup, Pork Belly Yakitori, Spicy Tuna on Rocks) and ends with specialty desserts ("Chocolate Bento Box" and "Green Tea Ice Cream"). The restaurant is open for lunch (seadays only) and dinner (every night). There may be a cover charge (price per person) or an a la carte menu.
• Pizzeria (complimentary, 24-hour, self-serve) with a wood-fired oven offering fresh-baked pizzas (Margherita, Pepperoni, Napolitana, Capricciosa, Calzone), pan pizza, Caesar salad, and made-to-order pies.
• BBQ Restaurant (outdoor bar, open on seadays only) serving the Lanai Promenade with grilled items like steak, pork, chicken, chicken quesadilla, sliders, BBQ tacos, burgers, hot dogs, salads, homemade chips, and traditional BBQ condiments.

The ship's main show lounge, Metropol Theater (capacity 975 seats), spans two floors and hosts grand-style show productions with live performances (tribute acts, singing, and dancing) combined with special effects. The evening shows last 30 minutes, with the music backed by HD media projected on large LED screens. The evening entertainment program also includes family game shows and guest performers (stand-up comedy, magicians, musicians). During the day, the theater hosts enrichment events like seminars, expert lectures, workshops, bingo sessions, port talks, and shore excursion meetings. Metropol Theater is a multi-purpose venue with flexible seating arrangements.

China's first Comedy Theater at Sea is in partnership with Mahua FunAge (Kaixin Mahua Cultural Tourism Development Co Ltd).

The ship has a complimentary outdoor Cinema (with a huge LED screen) for live performances and games. During the day, the Cinema shows videos, TV shows, concerts, and sporting events. In the evenings, movies are projected under the stars, with complimentary popcorn.

As required for a Chinese ship, Adora Flora City has a large Casino (with Annex/VIP Room). The gaming lounge includes various slot machines (coinless) and gaming tables (Craps, Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, dealer-free poker tables). Complimentary gambling lessons and regular tournaments are available. The Casino is closed when the ship is in port and opens 30-60 minutes after departure.

Another essential for a Chinese ship is the large Adora Shopping Center/Plaza (approx. 2,000 m2 / 21,530 ft2), which features various luxury-brand boutiques, as well as shops selling art, liquor, tobacco, convenience items, and Adora Cruises merchandise—all at duty-free prices.

The ship also has a Photo Gallery & Shop (selling photo/video equipment and accessories and displaying photos taken by the ship's professional photographers), a Photo Sessions Studio, and an Art Gallery (featuring original works available for purchase and art auctions).

The 3-floor-high Atrium (midship on decks 3-4-5) has an open-floor design with the Lobby (Tour Desk and Guest Services Desk/Reception), the Atrium Bar, and the stage (for live performances). The Atrium's mid-level and paper (decks 4-5) lead to the Boutiques and Shops.

The onboard Wellness Complex includes a Fitness Center (modern gym), Spa, Beauty Salon (facials, manicures, pedicures, hair styling, eyebrow shaping, makeup, waxing, grooming, teeth whitening, Medi-Spa).

Outdoor facilities include SkyCourse (suspended ropes course, complimentary), Multi-Sports Course (volleyball/basketball/tennis), Mini-Golf, and the Serenity Deck (adults-only sundeck with whirlpools, massage huts, cabanas, hammocks, and shaded seating areas, plus a complimentary food station/salad bar).

The ship has a dedicated children's complex with age-appropriate supervised activities and themed entertainment for 3 age groups (2-5, 6-8, and 9-11). A separate lounge is available for older kids (12-14), featuring video games, movies, and planned activities, and there is a Teen Club for teenagers (15-17) offering movies, video gaming, karaoke, themed parties, and teen-only shore excursions.

In May 2023, a strategic partnership with Bloks (China's most popular building block toys brand) was signed for the first-at-sea "AI-STEAM Exploration Camp" onboard Adora Flora City. This facility offers fun learning activities, competitions, and themed parties in a separate indoor play zone.

Adora Flora City's Venues

Two Main Dining Rooms/MDRs - Grand Restaurant (Deck 4), Oceans Restaurant (Deck 5)

Miracle Garden Restaurant (Deck 10)

Sushi Restaurant (Deck 5)

Sichuan Hot Pot Restaurant (Deck 5)

Teppanyaki Restaurant (Deck 5)

Adora Plaza (Lobby Hall with an adjacent Reception/Customer Service Center, central Lobby Bar, and comfortable seating with lounge couches and bars. Nightly interactive music performances are offered.

Munich Square (Deck 5) features bars, casual dining venues, and nightly live music performances.

Metropolitan Theatre (Deck 4) doubles as the "Mahua FunAge" theater.

The SPA (Deck 12) includes massage rooms, a Sea View Sauna Room, Wellness Shop (beauty products), Sea View Beauty Salon (nail services, Spa Pedicure Chair, massage tables), and Hair Salon (hairdresser/barber service).

The Gym (Deck 12) is equipped with free weights, treadmills, and stationary bikes.

Beach Club (Deck 10) features an indoor swimming pool and relaxation area with sun loungers.

Activity House is a children's complex with indoor playgrounds and rooms for themed supervised activities.

The Water Park spans decks 14-15.</p

Itineraries

Adora Flora City's itinerary program is yet to be announced. Adora Cruises' roundtrips primarily target Chinese and East Asian tourists.

In August 2024, Adora announced its plans to deploy Flora City in South China, with international cruise operations starting in January 2027 from homeport Guangzhou. This announcement followed the signed agreement on July 23rd, 2024, between ADORA and Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Home Port. The routes are expected to include destinations in China (including Hong Kong), Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand).

Note: ADORA's homeporting operations from Nansha-Guangzhou began on December 18th, 2024, with the Adora Mediterranea ship.

Adora's fleet is deployed year-round in Asia, homeported in China, and operates 7-day and longer itineraries that include domestic routes to popular destinations in Japan, Korea, and several Southeast Asian countries.