The number of inbound cruise passengers continues to rise, and international cruise global routes are now landing and operating in the Chinese market.

In recent times, the Shanghai cruise market has seen new developments from several international cruise companies. MSC Mediterranean Cruises will make its World Cruise itinerary call at ports on mainland China for the first time, and Royal Caribbean has also recorded a new high in the proportion of foreign passengers on its sailings from Shanghai as a homeport. The related market performance interacts with the inbound facilitation policies, showing the development momentum of China’s cruise market, while further highlighting Shanghai’s important position in the Asian cruise industry.

According to statistics from the Shanghai Border Inspection Station, as of 9:00 a.m. on March 28, the cumulative number of foreign passengers entering through the Shanghai port reached 1.388 million passenger visits, up 25.7% year over year. On March 13, the number of foreign personnel entering and leaving the Shanghai port on a single day exceeded 27,000 passenger visits, setting a new historical record. Inbound facilitation policies have formed a clear boost effect on the cruise market. For Royal Caribbean’s “Spectrum of the Seas,” the share of foreign guests on the March 21 sailing was 88%, and it was 81% on the April 18 sailing. In that sailing, nearly 80% of foreign passengers entered Shanghai and boarded the ship under the visa-free policy. The source of passengers mainly comes from countries and regions such as Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore. The feature of Shanghai as an important port for inbound tourism continues to stand out.

Royal Caribbean International Cruises Greater China President Bo Jieming said that inbound tourism facilitation policies and Shanghai’s support measures related to the cruise economy have helped drive an increase in the company’s proportion of foreign guests. In the future, Royal Caribbean will continue to expand its layout in the China market and deepen local partnerships.

Beyond Royal Caribbean, MSC Mediterranean Cruises has also recently completed an important itinerary call in Shanghai. On March 29, MSC Mediterranean Cruises’ MSC Lirica called at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, launching the brand’s first World Cruise itinerary with a call to the mainland of China. This is also a milestone event marking the 20th anniversary of MSC Mediterranean Cruises entering the Chinese market. This itinerary brought more than 2,000 international passengers from over 20 countries and regions to Shanghai, who will take part in one-day shore excursions. Shanghai is the core port of call for the three-week Asian itinerary. Passengers can visit attractions such as the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and the Jade Buddha Temple. During the voyage, the itinerary also carried intelligent quadruped robot dogs from Unitree Technology of China; this is the first time that intelligent quadruped robot dogs have boarded a World Cruise itinerary, adding a technological element to onboard entertainment experiences. The itinerary lasts 132 days in total, starting from Europe and passing through 33 countries and regions across five continents. It had previously called at the Caribbean Sea, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, and other places. It will then go on to regions such as Hong Kong, China; Singapore; and South Africa, before eventually returning to Europe.

MSC Mediterranean Cruises and Explora Journeys’ China-area President Huang Ruiling said that MSC Lirica’s first call in Shanghai means that the China market is not only an important source of passengers for MSC Mediterranean Cruises, but also has become one of the core destinations in its global itinerary network. She said that this World Cruise itinerary attracted many family and child passengers, with more than half being returning customers. For the 2027 itinerary, the duration is 121 nights, passing through 25 countries and regions to visit 45 destinations, focusing on natural scenery and exploration themes. For the 2028 itinerary, the duration is 116 days, covering 29 countries and regions and visiting 42 destinations, focusing on experiences in human culture and ancient civilizations. MSC Lirica, which operates this itinerary, completed a refurbishment in December 2025. The ship’s total gross registered tonnage is about 95,000 tons, and the maximum passenger capacity is 3,223 people. Onboard facilities—including the theater, swimming pool, dining, and leisure and fitness facilities—have all been upgraded, providing support for long-haul itinerary operations.

Royal Caribbean is also continuing to advance its operational layout in China. Relying on its global network and a localization strategy, it is deepening its efforts in the China market. “Spectrum of the Seas” is a cruise ship customized for the China market, equipped with facilities such as Polaris and deck surfing, offering 33 global dining options and entertainment programs for all age groups throughout the year. Starting in May 2026, the ship will add a call at Korea’s Yeosu port. During the National Day holiday period, it will launch South Korea’s “Grand Loop” deep itinerary. It will also open 3-night themed itineraries, and by leveraging the linkage between Shanghai and Hong Kong as two homeports, it will further enrich the East Asia itinerary product system.

Edited by / Meng Lingjin, Xu Nan

(MSC Mediterranean Cruises, Royal Caribbean International Cruises)