On the morning of March 30, the luxury cruise ship Mein Schiff 6, operated by TUI Cruises, docked at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, marking its inaugural visit to Shanghai. With nearly 90% of its passengers hailing from Germany and other European countries, the voyage was facilitated by China’s visa-free entry policy for cruise travelers, ensuring a smooth and swift arrival.This milestone follows the maiden visit of AIDAStella on March 16, positioning Mein Schiff 6 as the second international cruise ship to debut in Shanghai this year. The growing frequency of such visits underscores Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal’s status as the “Asia-Pacific’s Leading Cruise Homeport” and reinforces Baoshan’s role as a global gateway, supporting Shanghai’s ambitions to become a world-class cruise hub, a cruise tourism destination with global influence, and the premier entry point for inbound tourism in China.

A grand welcome ceremony organized byShanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal Development Co., Ltd. featured traditional dragon and lion dances, electric violin performances, and live displays of intangible cultural heritage. Dedicated one-stop service counters for foreign currency exchange and SIM card purchases, complemented by multilingual volunteer assistance, ensured an exemplary reception for the international guests.Many tourists are looking forward to experiencing the charm of Shanghai in the form of a one-day tour.

Passengers shared their impressions upon arrival:

Andreas remarked, “This is my first time in Shanghai. I am very excited to explore this beautiful city and discover its surprises.”

Joe added, “We are eager to experience Shanghai’s stunning architecture, diverse cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene.”

Commissioned in May 2017, Mein Schiff 6 is the fourth ship of the Blue Motion Class. It boasts approximately 1,267 cabins, accommodating around 2,700 passengers alongside a crew of 1,000, resulting in an excellent guest-to-crew ratio of 2.7:1. The ship features an array of dining options – from a complimentary buffet at Anckelmannsplatz to themed dining in the main Atlantic Restaurant, as well as specialty venues such as the Japanese “Hanami” restaurant and a steakhouse available at additional cost.Entertainment on board is equally impressive. The ship houses the world’s first onboard classical music hall, “Klanghaus,” which seats 300 guests for operatic and classical performances enhanced by simulated acoustic technology. Additional amenities include dual swimming areas with a 25-meter outdoor pool and an indoor pool spanning two decks, a glass-floored “Blue Balcony” suspended 37 meters above sea level for panoramic views, and the expansive “Freedom Space” aft lounge with its striking two-deck glass façade hosting multiple dining and social venues.In addition, the ship is equipped with an open-air large LED movie screen, a fully equipped fitness center, and a luxury SPA area, providing guests with a complete holiday entertainment experience.

The Mein Schiff 6 visit to China will primarily call at two cities, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Departing from Singapore on March 12, after stopping at several Southeast Asian cities, it will arrive in Hong Kong on March 25. Upon reaching Shanghai on March 30, the itinerary continues with visits to Kagoshima and Nagasaki in Japan, Busan in South Korea, Jeju Island, and Keelung in Taiwan, before returning to Hong Kong on April 9. This giant vessel, with a gross tonnage of approximately 99,800 tons, a length of 295 meters, and a beam of 35 meters, offers cruise passengers an unforgettable journey with its outstanding facilities and abundant entertainment options.

The visit of “Mein Schiff 6” is a microcosm of how China’s cruise tourism industry is opening its arms to the world. It also represents the significant initiative of the Baoshan District Party Committee and government—seizing the opportunity, taking advantage of favorable conditions, and actively attracting more internationally renowned cruises to dock in Shanghai as well as enticing foreign tourists either to board cruises in Shanghai or to cruise to the city. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the international influence of the Shanghai Cruise Homeport.In 2024, the key leaders of the Baoshan District Party Committee and Baoshan District People’s government led teams on investment promotion and inspection tours to Europe, North America, and other regions. During these trips, they met with senior executives from international cruise companies such as Royal Caribbean, TUI Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Fincantieri. In Baoshan, they also hosted a delegation that included Angela Stephen, the International Market Head of Royal Caribbean International, and Sebastian Eber, the CEO of TUI Group.Mr. Sebastian Eber remarked that over the past two years, Baoshan District has established preliminary cooperation with TUI Group in areas including the development and construction of the Shanghai International Cruise Tourism Resort, the deployment of international cruise routes, and the innovative development of tourism and resort products. He hoped to continue working with Baoshan, focusing on the construction of the Shanghai International Cruise Tourism Resort, thereby bringing more exciting and diverse cruise tourism and resort services to global tourists.

These efforts have already borne abundant fruit. In 2024, TUI Cruises’Mein Schiff 5 carried over 2,500 passengers to Baoshan, while Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa welcomed nearly 500 visitors to Hongkou. The unique charm of Shanghai as an international metropolis left a beautiful and lasting impression on cruise travelers, laying a solid foundation for TUI Cruises’ subsequent visits. After the arrival of Mein Schiff 6, it is scheduled to call at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal again on April 19 and April 20, continuing the wonderful bond between TUI Cruises and the city.

As inbound tourism to China continues to surge, Shanghai has been steadily optimizing the travel environment for foreign visitors and establishing itself as the premier first stop for inbound tourism, attracting tourists from various countries to experiencethe city. The visa exemption policy for cruise ship arrivals and transits, implemented by the National Immigration Administration, has further positioned cruise tourism as a vital component of China’s inbound tourism. The maiden visit of Mein Schiff 6 to Shanghai, along with its subsequent scheduled visits, not only offers international cruise enthusiasts a fresh and enriching Shanghai experience—thereby fostering greater exchange and development between Shanghai’s cruise tourism and the global tourism market—but also further expands the options available in the domestic cruise tourism market, injecting new vitality into the development of China’s cruise industry.