Nansha homeport puts Guangzhou on cruise map

Guangzhou is moving closer to becoming a key homeport for China's large cruise ships, with the Nansha International Cruise Homeport expected to host regular operations by two domestically built mega cruise liners by the end of this year.

The momentum was on display during the May Day holiday, when the Adora Mediterranean returned to Nansha with more than 2,400 passengers after a six-day, five-night voyage. Since opening in June 2024, the terminal has handled 52 international cruise calls and more than 180,000 inbound and outbound passenger trips, underscoring rising demand for cruise travel in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Tourists line up to board the cruise ship at the Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Homeport. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

The next step will come later this year, when a second Chinese-built large cruise ship, Adora Flora City, is scheduled to begin its maiden season from Nansha. New itineraries, including a 17-day route covering six Southeast Asian countries, are expected to expand travel options for passengers.

The rendering of the China-built large cruise ship Adora Flora City. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

Industry observers say the popularity of cruises reflects a wider shift toward slower, experience-driven holidays. For Guangzhou, Nansha's expanding port capacity, policy support and growing cruise supply chain are helping turn the city into a new anchor for China's cruise economy.