On June 24, the Costa Serena, Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas, and Adora Cruises’ Adora Magic City docked simultaneously at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal for homeport operations. With more than 22,000 inbound and outbound passengers, the port set a new single-day record since resuming operations. This milestone not only signals a strong start to Baoshan’s summer cruise season but also underscores Shanghai’s growing prominence as a global cruise hub and Baoshan’s role as China’s premier port of entry for cruise tourism.

Triple Docking: Powering the Summer Cruise Boom

The simultaneous arrival of the Costa Serena, Spectrum of the Seas, and Adora Magic City was a spectacular sight. The Costa Serena, returning after several years, launched China’s first multi-homeport itinerary, allowing passengers to embark from ports in Shanghai, Fukuoka (Japan), and Jeju (South Korea) for a dream-like, multi-destination cruise. Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas continues to attract travelers with its advanced facilities and top-tier service, perfectly embodying its “This is How You Chill” lifestyle brand. Meanwhile, the Adora Magic City delivered a uniquely Chinese cultural experience through its whimsical “Nezha Conquers the Sea” summer-themed journey.

Coming up, MSC Bellissima returns to Wusongkou on July 13, unveiling China’s first LEGO-themed cruise experience, with homeport operations scheduled for three months. On July 24, the Adora Magic City will launch a 9-day, 8-night deep-dive itinerary to Japan and South Korea, stopping at Jeju, Maizuru, Niigata, and Hakodate—a perfect blend of romantic island culture, serene historical towns, and scenic northern landscapes. By the end of 2025, the port expects to host over 230 cruise calls.

Service Upgrades: More Convenient Entry and Exit for Cruise Passengers

Baoshan District, in coordination with the port support departments stationed in the area, has optimized customs clearance procedures and improved supporting facilities to provide more convenient and thoughtful services for cruise passengers. In response to the surge in passenger traffic and the complexity of managing the simultaneous docking of three cruises, Baoshan Customs leveraged technology to formulate a dedicated clearance plan tailored for high passenger volumes. Multilingual officers were deployed to key positions such as health declarations and tax refunds to enhance the departure experience. All e-gate channels were fully opened, enabling “second-level” clearance for passengers. To facilitate summer cruise supply supervision, green channels were established at checkpoints, along with services like inspection appointment booking, creating a safe and efficient clearance environment. The Pujiang Immigration Inspection Station utilized data analytics to achieve highly accurate passenger flow forecasts, enabling dynamic and precise deployment of small-unit patrol teams. They also introduced an innovative “mixed clearance” model, scientifically adjusting passenger routes and dividing inspection zones, significantly reducing wait times. Wusong Maritime Safety Administration quickly developed a dedicated traffic management plan for cruise arrivals, enhanced unified scheduling through the VTS system, and pre-identified ship meeting points and time slots to ensure safe passage of three large vessels in the busy deep-water channel at the Yangtze River estuary. Patrol boat escorts and dynamic deployment of control points further strengthened on-site safety measures. Baoshan Maritime Safety Administration introduced a small beyond-visual-range unmanned helicopter for the first time, improving its “drone, patrol boat, and electronic cruise” surveillance system, establishing a round-the-clock, all-weather safety network for cruise operations. The Shanghai branch of the Yangtze River Shipping Public Security Bureau, together with Baoshan traffic police and transportation enforcement teams, conducted a 24-hour advance passenger flow analysis. They developed joint plans for traffic control and public security during peak periods, implemented intelligent, layered patrols combining foot patrols, police boats, and drones, and ensured the overall safety and stability of the port. The Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal Development Co., Ltd. strengthened control over key areas, routes, and periods, refined the design of passenger security checks, baggage claim, and boarding/disembarkation flows, added safety signage, and upgraded smart facilities such as sheltered walkways, information desks, and overseas payment services. These comprehensive and upgraded service measures have not only enhanced the inbound travel experience for cruise passengers but also provided strong support for the development of China’s cruise tourism industry.

Located in Shanghai’s busiest marine traffic zone, Wusongkou faced immense pressure during the triple ship docking with dense traffic from small vessels near the wharf. Baoshan MSA implemented a one-ship-one-plan strategy to ensure 100% safety and on-time performance. Over 12,000 inbound passengers were processed on June 24 alone.

Precise coordination ensures on-time operations. Given the “arriving in the morning, departing in the evening” pattern of cruises, the maritime authorities, in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, have established a “green channel” to prioritize efficiency. Measures include priority access to navigation lanes, implementation of wide-beam vessel passing, and accurate meteorological services, ensuring cruise ships can berth immediately upon arrival. In 2025, a total of 241 cruise ship arrivals and departures were successfully supported.

Comprehensive measures ensure safety. A dedicated platform for cruise ship supervision and support has been established by Baoshan MSA. The administration is actively exploring a three-dimensional protection model integrating sea, air, and electronic systems. Through the use of VTS (Vessel Traffic Service), CCTV surveillance, and other technologies, intelligent supervision is being enhanced via electronic fences and automatic alert systems. These measures ensure the safe berthing and departure of cruise ships, even under the challenging conditions of frequent adverse weather and high vessel density at the Yangtze River estuary.

Efficient services ensure convenience. A dedicated service desk for crew members offers after-hours appointments and closed-loop administrative processing. Joint inspections reduced redundancy. Shore power became the norm, saving each ship around 80,000 yuan in fuel costs and reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Various Summer Activities Foster A New Lifestyle at Riverside

The triple docking also launched Baoshan’s riverside summer tourism season. Shanghai International Cruise Tourism Resort plans to roll out a series of exciting events at Shanghai Sea World, including beach soccer, water carnivals, land surfing, and a beer & EDM festival. Upgraded shopping centers and new outlets like Jingdezhen and Bainuo Food offered fun and flavor. Cordis Hotels introduced bar launch discounts, family vacation packages, and ocean-themed afternoon tea specials.

Beyond this, the One Foot Garden within the Shanghai Changtan Observation Tower is now blooming with fragrance, while adventure projects like Le Camp’s Exploration Park are set to launch their “Summer Fun Program” for kids during the holidays, creating an energetic playground for families. Weekly “Riverside Lawn Concerts” at the Lighthouse Campground, paired with open-air movies and performances by young singers, attract couples and visitors alike on romantic midsummer nights. As cruise whistles intertwine with the summer heat, a vibrant season of energy, romance, and cultural festivities awaits your presence.

A Global Destination in the Making

Leveraging the favorable momentum, the Baoshan District Government has proactively taken steps to attract more renowned international cruise companies and foreign tourists to Shanghai. By encouraging cruise arrivals and inbound tourism, the district aims to enhance Shanghai’s global influence as a homeport and establish itself as China’s premier destination for cruise passenger spending. Senior district officials have led delegations to Europe and North America for investment promotion tours, hosting cruise tourism development forums to showcase Shanghai’s international cruise operation environment. These efforts highlight Baoshan’s open, inclusive, and dynamic character while extending sincere invitations to global cruise enterprises for shared development opportunities, harmonizing efforts toward mutual success. During the 40th Seatrade Cruise Global conference in April 2024, Baoshan hosted the Shanghai Baoshan Cruise Industry Promotion in Miami. This event explored new cooperation prospects in the cruise sector, elevated Shanghai’s international profile, and established an efficient platform for international collaboration in the cruise industry. Besides, China’s Global Cruise Tourism Promotion Initiative was launched.

Looking ahead, Baoshan will continue to increase investment while strengthening partnerships with international cruise brands, attract more premium vessels to diversify cruise offerings, and enhance Shanghai homeport’s capabilities as a global hub. Concurrently, the district will upgrade facilities and services at the Shanghai International Cruise Tourism Resort, integrate cultural and tourism resources to develop distinctive products and activities, and ultimately enrich visitor experiences through abundant offerings. Through this collective endeavor, Baoshan is poised to emerge as a globally significant cruise tourism destination, writing a brilliant new chapter for China’s cruise industry.