Three lines will base ships in Shanghai next year

By Xu Lin | China Daily | Updated: 2016-10-24 08:28

Visitors enjoy their leisure on board a Princess Cruises ship. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Next year, some overseas cruise companies plan to introduce new ships to China, reinforcing their long-term commitment to the market in the country. The cruises will cater to the demands of the Chinese customers, who have become savvy about cruising in recent years.

Here are three cruises that will homeport in Shanghai in 2017, with voyages to Japan and South Korea.

AIDAbella

The German cruise ship AIDAbella is operated by AIDA Cruises, which is owned by global cruise company Costa, a company within the Carnival group.

"For sure we will keep its German heritage on board. It's lifestyle-oriented and will be well accepted by families with multi-generations," says Felix Eichhorn, president of AIDA Cruises.

For many Chinese, "made in Germany" means high quality and they now have the opportunity to enjoy a premium cruise experience.

Guests can enjoy a German beer festival at sea－taste different German beers and watch traditional Bavarian performances. They can have bites of authentic German dishes and Chinese cuisine such as hotpot, and buy well-known German brands including Rimowa in the duty-free shops.

Those who travel with children can have kids of different ages looked after by professionals, and children can also play with their peers.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Costa's entry into the China market.