The port authority of Xiamen received commemorative plaque from Hong Kong-based Star Cruises Co on June 15.

The plaque was engraved with words of gratitude, marking the recognition of Xiamen port authority's contribution to the cruise business, which has seen sound growth at Xiamen port in recent years.

The Xiamen port authority supports the city's ambition of building an international cruise home port and has rolled out a series of policies aimed at simplifying customs and quarantine inspection procedures.

In 2015, a total of 66 cruise liners berthed at Xiamen port, bringing a total of 175,800 passengers to the city. This was triple the amount of cruise passengers in 2014.

In the same year, 47 cruise liners departed Xiamen port, with 97,500 passengers on board, up 390 percent from 2014.

The port authority in Xiamen, Fujian province receives a plaque carrying words of gratitude from Hong Kong-based Star Cruises Co on June 15. [Photo from xmtdc.gov.cn]