Genting Cruise Lines to develop cruise itineraries from Hainan

Genting Cruise Lines is a division of Genting Hong Kong comprising of three distinct cruise brands – Star Cruises, Dream Cruises, and Crystal Cruises – that provides a range of products from contemporary cruises to ultra-luxurious vacation experiences. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Genting Cruise Lines announced that it is working to forge a strategic partnership with Sanya CBD Administration and a prominent national travel industry corporation to build a company to facilitate operations of its subsidiary Dream Cruises' flagship operations in Sanya. 

The new joint venture will launch domestic cruise itineraries out of the central cruise hub of Hainan, as well as support the development of a free trade pilot cruise tourism zone on Hainan Island. 

"We are keen on supporting the Chinese government's efforts in rebuilding its travel and tourism sector by providing a safe and carefree vacation option for consumers," said Kent Zhu, president of Genting Cruise Lines.

"Genting Cruise Lines has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with China, and especially on Hainan Island, for nearly 30 years and we will continue to build on the strong collaborative spirit we have forged together." 

Genting Cruise Lines' rich history with Hainan Island has been marked by numerous milestones. From as early as 1994, Genting Cruise Lines' ships have been visiting Hainan as a regular port of call, introducing millions of international travelers to the fabled beauty of Hainan Island via the convenience of cruise vacations. In 2011, Genting Cruise Lines became the first international cruise company to homeport in Sanya, developing the city into an international cruise destination. 

Sanya boasts an abundance of advantages to complement the pilot implementation of the "Hainan Cruise Port Sea-Upstream Route" plan, such as the first dedicated cruise terminal providing the only cruise itineraries to the Xisha Islands in the country. The city's location also allows for the longest number of cruising days for domestic sailings, and there are plans to further develop Sanya into the largest cruise homeport in China. 

The Sanya CBD, one of the 11 districts and parks implementing Hainan's Free Trade Port policies, manages the Sanya headquarters economy division, the CBD division, as well as the cruise and yachting division, with the goal of establishing a modern industrial system supported by professional services for the leisure sector.