China's second domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Cruises’ Adora Flora City, has begun its final operational trials ahead of a scheduled 22 November debut from Guangzhou, with its first Southeast Asian programme to follow in December.
The ship departed Shanghai’s Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on 9 November and is due at Guangzhou’s Nansha International Cruise Home Port on 12 November.
A second trial is scheduled for 14–16 November, with checks covering navigation safety, onboard services and coordination between ship and shore.
Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, the 141,900-gross-tonne vessel has 2,130 cabins and suites and can accommodate up to 5,232 guests at full capacity, according to China’s Ministry of Transport. It is China’s second domestically built large cruise ship, following Adora Magic City.
Malaysian cruise specialist Hwajing Travel & Tours’ December programme includes two eight-night sailings: a 9 December departure from Guangzhou to Port Klang via Manila, Muara in Brunei and Singapore, followed by a 17 December voyage from Port Klang to Guangzhou via Jakarta and Cam Ranh in Vietnam.
The December sailings broaden Hwajing’s partnership with Adora beyond Adora Mediterranea, which has a separate year-end programme from Port Klang.
Related: Hwajing brings second Adora ship charter to Malaysia: Travel Weekly Asia