In final stages of construction at the Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Yard in China, the first newbuild of Adora Cruises is set to be floated out in May.

According to reports from local media, the undocking will be followed by a first series of sea trials, which is currently scheduled for July.

Currently known by its project name of H1508, the 135,000-ton cruise ship is set to be delivered before the end of 2023.

After starting in late 2019, the construction of the vessel reached an 87 percent completion rate, the article stated.

Work presently being carried out onboard include the completion of the ship’s interior outfitting and system installations.

With design based on Carnival’s Vista Class, the yet unnamed cruise ship is being built for Adora Cruises, a joint-venture between Carnival Corporation and the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

According to the company, the 5,000-guest ship is set to offer year-round cruising in Asia, sailing from different Chinese homeports.

Purpose-designed to cater to Chinese guests, the vessel is said to present Chinese- and Western-style features, including a shopping plaza, a two-deck dining room and more.

The newbuild will also offer China’s first live comedy theater at sea as part of a cooperation with the comedy and drama production company Mahua FunAge.

Also under construction at the Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Yard, a second Vista-Class ship is set to enter service for Adora Cruises in 2025.

Earlier this year, the shipyard promoted a ceremony to mark start of the outfitting of the vessel, currently known as H1509.

In addition to the two newbuilds, the company has acquired two existing cruise ships as well.

Still sporting Costa Cruises’ colors and features, the Costa Atlantica and the Costa Mediterranea were delivered to the joint-venture in 2020 and 2021, respectively, and are currently anchored off the island of Cyprus, in the Mediterranean.