China’s Second Homegrown Luxury Cruise Ship ‘Adora Flora City’ Floated Out!
China has recently reached another important milestone in its shipbuilding industry. The country’s second domestically built luxury cruise ship, Adora Flora City, was successfully floated out from a dry dock in Shanghai on March 20.
This development marks a significant step forward in China’s growing ability in cruise ship construction. The massive vessel was built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
The ship is owned and will be operated by Adora Cruises Limited, a joint venture between CSSC and Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise operator. This partnership highlights China’s strategy of combining local industrial strength with global expertise.
Although constructed in China, the vessel’s design and technical support came from Italy’s leading shipbuilder Fincantieri. This international collaboration helps ensure that the ship meets global standards in both engineering and passenger experience. The total construction cost is estimated at between $700 million and $800 million.
From a technical perspective, Adora Flora City represents a modern engineering achievement. The ship has a gross tonnage of about 141,900 tons, a length of 341 meters, and a width of 37.2 meters. It features 16 passenger decks and 2,130 cabins, with a total capacity of more than 5,200 passengers.
Compared to China’s first domestically built cruise ship, Adora Magic City, the new vessel is larger and more advanced. It is about 17 meters longer and includes 19 additional cabins. The ship is expected to reach a top speed of around 23 knots (approximately 43 km/h), in line with modern cruise ship standards.
The vessel includes advanced exhaust gas treatment and desulfurization systems to reduce harmful emissions. Its power system has five generators, each with a capacity of about 16.8 megawatts, providing a combined output of around 84 megawatts to support full operations.
Additionally, the ship uses dual-fuel technology, allowing for a future switch to liquefied natural gas (LNG). This will help lower sulfur emissions to near-zero levels and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Passenger comfort and services have also been prioritized. The ship will offer a range of modern restaurants and bars serving both Chinese and international cuisine. Smart systems and AI technologies are integrated into operational and safety management to improve efficiency and security.
For entertainment, the vessel will include a state-of-the-art water park, open-deck green spaces, jogging tracks, shopping facilities, and duty-free stores. A large theater will host international-standard performances, including musicals, operas, and cultural shows.
Currently, construction of the ship is about 92 percent complete, and it has entered the commissioning phase. Sea trials are expected to take place by the end of May, with final delivery scheduled for late 2026.
Once delivered, Adora Flora City will begin international operations from the Nansha International Cruise Home Port in Guangzhou. Beyond being a luxury cruise liner, the vessel symbolizes China’s growing capabilities in shipbuilding and maritime technology.
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