Chinese shipyards will deliver at least five cruise vessels in the near future, according to data from Cruise Industry News’ global cruise ship orderbook.
While European builders continue to dominate the market, shipyards in China are moving their way into the cruise market.
SeaDream Yacht Club, United Waterways and Atlas Ocean Voyages announced newbuilds with Chinese shipbuilders this year. In addition is a another potential five ship order from Nor Cruises.
Atlas revealed plans to build a new vessel at China Merchants in January, following a contract signed by the company’s owner Mystic Cruises in late 2025.
Slated for delivery in late 2028, the 400-guest Atlas Adventurer will be the first in the company’s fleet to be built outside Portugal and will feature sails.
After announcing a plan to build a series of coastal and expedition ships in China, United Waterways confirmed that the first vessel in the series will debut in late 2028.
To be chartered to Poseidon Expeditions, the 186-guest ship will be followed by at least four others, which are either contract, financed or in negotiations.
More recently, in September, SeaDream Yacht Club announced plans to launch its first ever newbuild, the SeaDream III, in 2029.
While the company didn’t reveal where the 230-passenger vessel will be built, Cruise Industry News understands that China Merchants was contracted for the project.
Two other vessels are also being built in China as part of previously announced contracts: the Adora Flora City and the Aranoa.
Slightly larger than the 2023-built Adora Magic City, the 141,000-ton vessel was ordered by Adora Cruises and is scheduled to debut later this year.
Ordered in early 2025, the Aranoa is being built for French Polynesia-based Aranui Cruises at Huanghai Shipbuilding in Shandong.
Carrying both freight and passengers, the 7,000-ton ship is scheduled to enter service in the Austral Islands in March 2027.
