The southeastern Fujian province aspires to build its first luxury cruise ship after the establishment of a Fujian luxury cruise investment company, the first of its kind in the province.
According to an announcement on April 6, the company, established in Xiamen, is a joint venture by three state-owned enterprises headquartered in Fujian – Fujian Shipping Company, Fujian Shipbuilding Industry Group and Fujian Investment & Development Group. Fujian Shipping Company is a subsidiary of Fujian Provincial Communication Transportation Group.
The cruise company plans to build three 70,000-ton luxury vessels in the coming years. Now, they are starting with their first ship.
When asked about the design of the ships, Li Xinghu, chairman of the Fujian Provincial Communication Transportation Group, said that they are conducting surveys to find the most suitable designs and they hope to start the building process within the year. Li also said that one thing is sure: the cruise ships will take on Chinese elements and reflect the Fujian culture.
Chairman of the cruise company Yang Jinchang said that they will operate charted routes to serve tourists' varied, personalized needs.
The ships will be built in Xiamen. The city will also be the departure port for most of the routes.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
