Adora Cruises (formerly known as CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping), a joint venture between China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC) and Carnival Corp, has appointed Chen Ranfeng as its new CEO.
As a founding member of Adora Cruises, Chen has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, including the launch of China’s first domestically-built large cruise ships, ‘Adora Magic City’ and ‘Adora Mediterranean’.
This appointment signals a new phase of growth for Adora Cruises, as the company strives to strengthen its position as a key player in both China’s cruise market and the global cruise industry, local Chinese media said.
Adora Cruises also aims to refine its operational capabilities, enhance customer experiences, and continue expanding its fleet.
Founded in 2018, Adora Cruises launched its operations in January, 2020 with the maiden voyage of ‘Costa Atlantica’ and ‘Costa Mediterranea’.
However, it was the arrival of ‘Adora Magic City’ China’s first domestically built large cruise ship – that marked a milestone in the company’s growth.
Delivered in November, 2023, ‘Adora Magic City’ is of around 135,500 gt and was built, utilising Carnival Corp’s successful ‘Vista’ class design, at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding.
A second domestically-built large cruise ship for Adora Cruises is already in the design and construction phase.
In addition to the CEO appointment, the cruise company announced a capital increase from Huaxia International Cruises and CSSC.
Following this investment, Huaxia International Cruises will hold a 65% stake in Adora Cruises, while CSSC will retain 35%.
The construction of the ‘Adora Flower City’, the second Chinese-built large cruise ship, expected to be delivered by the end of 2026, will further strengthen Adora Cruises’ fleet, allowing the company to enter international markets with more competitive offerings.
With ‘Adora Magic City’ and ‘Adora Mediterranean’ already in operation, Adora Cruises has carried nearly 500,000 guests to date.
“We are excited about the future of Adora Cruises and the opportunities ahead. By improving operational efficiency, expanding our fleet, and enhancing the customer experience, we aim to create a cruise product that resonates with Chinese travellers and the global market,” Chen said.
