The cruising industry in China is expected to rise dramatically. According to the Shanghai International Shipping Institute, China may very well be the largest cruise market in the world by 2030 with an expected eight to ten million cruise passengers per year. In 2018 alone, Chinese passengers accounted for 8.27% of the total volume of global ocean cruise passengers – as reported in the Cruise Lines International Association’s 2018 Asia Cruise Industry Ocean Source Market Report.
Western cruise lines are not ignoring these promising numbers. Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line – just to name a few – see huge potential in the Chinese cruise market. This group of cruise lines are expanding their operations into Asia to claim their share of the market.
But a few questions remain. Why has China become such a popular cruise departure point? And what can Australian cruise passengers expect when travelling there?
Asia is a popular destination for Australians
The first thing cruisers need to realise is that, even though China is an enticing destination, it’s the entire Asian continent that draws the crowds. Asia – particularly Southeast Asia – exudes a certain exotic mystique that seduces cruise passengers both Chinese and international.
Setting sail from Chinese ports, cruise passengers can visit China’s neighbours just a stone’s throw away. To the east, South Korea and Japan offer history and culture you surely want to immerse yourself in. And to the south, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia are coveted destinations you won’t want to miss.
See the world from the waves
Of course, air travel will get you from point A to B faster, but cruising is all about the journey. A voyage on a cruise ship will allow you to see must more of the world.
In the eyes of Chinese tourists, the leisurely pace of a cruise holiday offers an alluring escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In recent decades, China has become synonymous with high-tech gadgetry, and a cruise will transport them to a simpler time.
And what’s in it for international cruise passengers? Travelling by sea is just the best way to explore the hidden gems the world has to offer.
China is brimming with cultural highlights
While it’s easy to credit the rising success in the Chinese market to Asia’s popularity as a cruising destination, it would be foolish to overlook the country’s cultural highlights and countless tourist attractions that draw millions of visitors each year.
China is full of historical gems like the Great Wall of China and the Yungang Grottoes, as well as spectacular urban centres, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. With such a high count of tourist hotspots, China has established itself among the world’s most-loved holiday destinations.
Access to China and availability to get there
Like any global holiday destination, word-of-mouth and popularity go a long way in promoting a region to new and repeat holidaymakers. Considering the remarkable number of cruise passengers China takes in every year, others are left wondering what all the fuss is about.
This interest will lead the curious traveller to reserve a spot on a China-bound cruise. With more cruise lines expanding their fleets to the country, this trend doesn’t look like it will end anytime soon.
Unforgettable experiences on every shore
Booking a cruise holiday to China or Asia will guarantee you a memorable holiday. Regardless of where your ship drops anchor, you will be surrounded by once-in-a-lifetime experiences full of jaw-dropping sights and sounds.
Where else in the world could you watch elephants bathe their young with their trunks, see tigers on the prowl in their natural habitat, or soak up the rays on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches – all in one holiday? Nowhere, and that’s what makes Asia such an extraordinary cruise destination.
Are you one of the millions of cruise passengers interested in a cruise holiday to China? We’ve got fantastic Asia cruise and tour holiday packages offering incredible value. Or give our team a call on 1300 857 345, and we’ll be happy to help plan your dream trip.
