CRUISE operator Carnival and Chinese state enterprise China Merchants Group (CMG) have signed an MoU to further the development of China’s cruise industry, including the creation of a new domestic cruise line.
The agreement, inked last week, outlines collaboration on two fronts: a ship-owning joint venture, and a port and destination development joint venture.
Under the first, Carnival and CMG are mulling the set-up of a domestic but world-class cruise line for the Chinese market that will own its own ships. Both companies will consider the possibility of acquiring existing ships as well as new ships designed and built in China.
The development of turnaround and transit ports in and around China forms the main agenda for the second potential joint venture, and will begin with Prince Bay Cruise Terminal in Shekou, Shenzhen, which CMG is currently developing.
Carnival and CMG will work together to have ships sail from this port and develop other cruise ship destinations across China and North Asia.
Alan Buckelew, COO of Carnival, said in a press release that the MoU was a chance to take Chinese cruising to the next level and address industry issues.
Costa Cruises line will bring Costa Serena to China in April, where Carnival already has three other ships homeported in China – Costa Atlantica, Costa Victoria and Sapphire Princess.
