A cruise vessel docks at the Xiamen International Cruise Center. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]
Fujian province's first cruise-to-nowhere voyage departed on Nov 1 from Xiamen International Cruise Center aboard the Adora Mediterranea, making Xiamen the fourth Chinese city, after Shanghai, Tianjin, and Shenzhen, to launch such a service.
Unlike conventional itineraries that call at overseas ports, these cruises leave a domestic port, sail beyond the 24-nautical-mile limit from China's territorial sea baseline without stopping anywhere, and return to the same port. This format targets travelers seeking a relaxed, high-quality, and immersive break rather than sightseeing.
The inaugural three-day, two-night voyage carried more than 2,400 passengers and sailed near full capacity, underscoring strong market demand.
The trip featured a nostalgia-themed program with a well-known singer performing on board, as well as offering a 24-hour heated pool, a panoramic gym, a Broadway-style theater, and themed parties, along with international cuisine, seafood buffets, and Southeast Asian dishes served around the clock.
The launch is part of Xiamen's efforts to develop new cultural and tourism offerings and support domestic and international economic flows.