On the morning of April 26, the Spectrum of the Seas, a majestic cruise liner operated by Royal Caribbean International, docked at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan District. With over 4,000 passengers from various countries and regions such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia, this marked the largest influx of international tourists into China via a single cruise ship since the terminal’s inauguration and the largest inbound tour group visiting Shanghai ahead of the May Day holiday.

At the terminal, these inbound tourists were greeted with boisterous dragon and lion dances, a vivid display of China’s rich cultural heritage. Captivated by the scene, many tourists snapped photos and videos using their cell phones, capturing their initial impressions of Shanghai.

At the welcome ceremony following the arrival, officials of Baoshan District presented the captain of the Spectrum of the Seas with a paper cutting work entitled “Prosperous Cruise Industry in Baoshan”. Subsequently, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and the China and North Asia head at Royal Caribbean International jointly performed the traditional lion-awakening ritual by dotting the lion’s eyes, signifying new highlights in the ongoing recovery and revitalization of Shanghai’s inbound tourism.

In the bustling Terminal 1 arrival hall, a market was set up, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese cultural experiences, including the art of paper cutting, an intangible cultural heritage item in Baoshan. Many foreign tourists eagerly anticipated their journey in Shanghai. German tourist Faninger shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I love Chinese culture and food very much and I’m thrilled for this journey.”

In addition to the market, banking and financial organizations set up booths to introduce to incoming tourists payment options during their visit in Shanghai and offer foreign currency exchange services to facilitate their payment. Also, the Baoshan Maritime Safety Administration established a customs checkpoint on-site, ensuring convenient and efficient services for crew members and shipping agencies.

Royal Caribbean International’s China and North Asia head:

The return of Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas to the Chinese market marks the further enhancement of China’s quality cruise vacation offerings and the restoration of Shanghai’s prominence as a key hub in the international cruise industry and an investment gateway in the Asia-Pacific region. It also reaffirms Shanghai’s position as the largest cruise home port in Asia and the fourth largest globally. Elevating the standard of China’s cruise industry requires the attraction of leading international companies to bring world-class hardware, quality, and service to China, aligning the market with international benchmarks. International cruise ships contribute not only as leading brands in the sector but also by catalyzing the enhancement and development of inbound tourism.

Royal Caribbean International has made full preparations for this return, including upgrading catering, entertainment, room amenities, and services as well as introducing more inbound tourism destinations and products, aiming to provide travelers with an enhanced experience.

Upon leaving the terminal, many tourists embarked on their first trip to Baoshan. With a rich history spanning five centuries and profound cultural heritage, Baoshan boasts not only the magnificent scenery of the Yangtze River Estuary but also the serene Baoshan Temple and Luodian Ancient Town. Visitors can immerse themselves in both the region’s glorious industrial history at the Golden Furnace and the vibrant charm of spring by exploring the idyllic countryside and wandering through the sea of flowers in Yuepu Town.

According to the local travel agency organizing this trip, the Shanghai Museum of Glass was incorporated into the itinerary of an inbound cruise tour for the first time, marking a first-time collaboration between inbound cruise tourism with Baoshan’s scenic attractions. Renowned for its distinctive exhibits and activities, the museum has been listed as one of China’s top three must-visit museums by CNN’s website CNNgo. alongside the National Museum of China and the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses in Xi’an. In the museum, visitors participated in glass DIY sessions and crafted their unique pieces under the guidance of professional instructors, before immersing themselves in the interplay of light and color amidst the glass displays.