Chinese shipyards line up at least five cruise vessel deliveries

Chinese shipyards are expected to deliver at least five cruise vessels in the coming years, according to global cruise ship orderbook data. SeaDream Yacht Club, United Waterways and Atlas Ocean Voyages have announced newbuild projects with Chinese builders, while Nor Cruises is linked to a potential five-ship order.

Atlas plans to build the 400-guest Atlas Adventurer at China Merchants for delivery in late 2028. The sail-equipped vessel would be the first ship in the Atlas fleet constructed outside Portugal.

United Waterways said the first ship in its planned Chinese-built coastal and expedition series will enter service in late 2028. The 186-guest vessel is set to be chartered to Poseidon Expeditions, with at least four additional ships described as contracted, financed or under negotiation.

SeaDream Yacht Club plans to introduce its first newbuild, the 230-passenger SeaDream III, in 2029. Although SeaDream has not disclosed the shipyard, the orderbook report said China Merchants is understood to hold the contract.

Two earlier projects are also underway. Adora Cruises’ 141,000-ton Adora Flora City is being built at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard and was scheduled to debut later in the publication year. Aranui Cruises’ 7,000-ton passenger-and-freight ship Aranoa is under construction at Huanghai Shipbuilding in Shandong and is due to begin Austral Islands service in March 2027.