Set to debut for Adora Cruises in the fourth quarter, the 2003-built vessel is currently undergoing a refit in Singapore. Being prepared to serve the Chinese market starting this fall, the cruise ship entered the drydock of the Tuas Shipyard on August 15.
In addition to regular maintenance and class surveys, the Mediterranea is expected to be upgraded for Adora, receiving new features and also a new livery.
According to the company, the new ship’s new colour scheme was created to blend the Mediterranean’s iconic blue, green, and white tones, recreating the “elegant and artistic temperament” of the European inner sea.
In addition to the unique livery, the 2,100-guest vessel will also offer a new onboard experience tailored to the Chinese market, Adora Cruises added.
Originally built for Costa Cruises, the 86,000-ton vessel first entered service in 2003. After nearly 20 years of serving the Italian brand, the vessel was sold to CSSC Carnival – which later became Adora Cruises – in 2021.
Sharing the design of Carnival Cruise Line’s Spirit Class, the vessel features themed interiors that pay homage to Italy’s palaces and castles.
Designed by the hospitality architect Joe Farcus, the public areas include three pool decks, a multi-story atrium, a selection of dining venues and several bars and lounges.
A joint venture between Carnival Corporation and the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, Adora Cruises also operated the Costa Atlantica. Currently laid-up in Italy, the 2000-built vessel is a sister to the former Costa Mediterranea.
Several cruise ships were specifically built to serve the booming Chinese market in the last decade.
Too much capacity followed by COVID-19, in addition to other factors, changing the course of the local business, all of the vessels are now sailing elsewhere.
Here’s what happened to all of the former China-bound newbuilds:
Ovation of the Seas Company: Royal Caribbean International Built: 2016 Capacity: 4,100 guests Tonnage: 158,000 Current Sailing Region: North America
The Ovation of the Seas became the first Royal Caribbean International new build to debut in China when it arrived in Tianjin in 2016.
With several custom-designed features, the Quantum-class ship continued to serve the local market until 2018.
Beginning in 2019, the ship started to alternate summer seasons in North America – where it is currently sailing – and winter seasons in Australia.
Genting Dream Company: Dream Cruises (Genting Cruise Lines) Built: 2016 Capacity: 3,400 guests Tonnage: 150,000 Current Sailing Region: Southeast Asia
With several features to cater to Chinese guests, the Genting-owned cruise ship had already been repositioned out of China when the pandemic broke in 2020.
The vessel, which later became the Norwegian Encore, would add capacity to the local market, which was already being serviced by the 2017-built Norwegian Joy.
The plans, however, were scrapped while the ship was still being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard. Instead of China, the Norwegian Encore debuted in the North American market, where it’s still sailing to this day.
The spectrum of the Seas Company: Royal Caribbean International Built: 2019 Capacity: 4,200 guests Tonnage: 168,666 Current Sailing Region: Southeast Asia
Royal Caribbean International sent a second new build to China in 2019 with the Spectrum of the Seas.
Built-in Italy, the 135,500-ton vessel offers custom-designed features, including a karaoke entertainment complex and larger casino and shopping areas.
Costa Firenze Company: Costa Cruises Built: 2020 Capacity: 4,232 guests Tonnage: 135,500 Current Sailing Region: Mediterranean
A sister to the Costa Venezia, the Costa Firenze was set to debut in China in late 2020. Also, custom-designed to serve the local market, the 4,232-guest cruise ship was equipped with several unique features.
The pandemic, however, forced Costa Cruises to change plans for the vessel. Unable to sail to Asia, the Firenze debuted in Europe in 2021 and has been serving Western markets ever since.
The wonder of the Seas Company: Royal Caribbean International Built: 2022 Capacity: 5,448 guests Tonnage: 227,625 Current Sailing Region: Mediterranean
Currently, the world’s biggest cruise ship, the Wonder of the Seas was originally bound for year-round service in China.
Featuring interior designs and concepts to appeal to the local public, the Royal Caribbean International ship was set to debut in the Chinese market in mid-2021, offering a series of cruises departing from Shanghai.
According to the cruise line, the vessel is not going to be delivered next spring as previously planned.
“The coronavirus pandemic has caused an unprecedented impact on the global cruise ship industry and the construction of the new Wonder of the Seas was delayed due to the impact of it in shipyard operations,” said the company, in a statement issued in the Chinese market.
While remaining hopeful to see the 5,448-guest ship in Asia “as soon as possible,” the cruise line didn’t set an alternative timeline for it.
“We look forward to the arrival of Wonder of the Seas after the epidemic has been brought under control,” the company said.
“Royal Caribbean believes that the fundamentals of the Chinese economy have not changed because of the epidemic, and the trend of the cruise ship market will not change. After the public health risks are controlled, people will pursue socialization. The instincts of reunion and leisure will not change and may even be strengthened,” said Dr Zinan Liu, Chairman of the Royal Caribbean Cruises Asia, underlining the company’s commitment to the market.
“We are fully prepared to show the public that Royal Caribbean ships are a safe place,” he said.
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