Reference News Network, March 20 report: According to the website of the U.S. magazine "Around the World" on March 18, China is accelerating the development of Shanghai's cruise tourism industry, and the North Bund in Shanghai is increasingly highlighting its role as a major gateway, thanks to the consecutive visits of luxury cruise ships and the implementation of the visa-free entry policy. Recently, high-end cruise ships docking in Shanghai have brought a large number of international tourists, most of whom benefited from the 15-day visa-free policy. This clearly shows that lowering the entry threshold can greatly enhance tourist confidence and convenience. This strong supporting policy not only simplifies procedures for foreign tourists but also encourages cruise operators to increase itineraries with Shanghai as a destination. Combined with efficient port infrastructure and the growing global demand for high-end cruise experiences, these recent developments have opened the curtain on the 2026 North Bund Cruise Season in Shanghai, laying the foundation for continuous growth in the number of international tourists and tourism revenue.
The first ship to arrive was the luxury cruise ship "Sea Explorer." On March 6, the "Sea Explorer" docked at the Shanghai Port International Passenger Terminal in the North Bund. This cruise ship brought a large number of international tourists to Shanghai, with approximately 99% of foreign tourists qualifying for the visa-free policy and utilizing this option.
This high participation rate indicates that the Chinese visa-free policy is gaining increasing recognition and appeal among global cruise travelers. By simplifying entry requirements, this policy provides great convenience for tourists who wish to include Shanghai in their itinerary, especially those planning short stays. The efficient port entry process further enhances the smooth and comfortable experience, boosting Shanghai's reputation as an orderly and convenient port city for tourism.
Only five days later, the North Bund pier welcomed the first visit of the famous cruise ship "Luminara" on March 11. The inaugural voyage added a special atmosphere to the week's activities, indicating that cruise operators are increasingly interested in including Shanghai in their routes. Like the "Sea Explorer," the "Luminara" mainly carried international tourists, many of whom also benefited from the visa-free entry policy. Preliminary estimates show that more than 80% of foreign tourists on board entered China under the visa-free policy.
Although this percentage is lower than the 99% of the "Sea Explorer," it still indicates that most foreign tourists benefited from the policy. For cruise companies, such policies reduce logistical obstacles, making route planning more flexible, thus encouraging these companies to dock more frequently at Chinese ports.
The consecutive visits of these two luxury cruise ships actually mark the official start of the 2026 North Bund Cruise Season in Shanghai. The good momentum at the beginning is particularly important because the global cruise industry is continuously recovering and expanding, and tourists are seeking more culturally rich and diverse destinations. Shanghai, with its modern skyline, historic districts, and vibrant cultural landscapes, is fully capable of seizing this demand.
In general, successfully accommodating these two renowned cruise ships demonstrates that Shanghai has the capacity to handle the growing cruise traffic and the ability to attract global tourists by leveraging policy advantages. As more cruise ships include Shanghai in their itineraries, efficient port operations and convenient entry policies are expected to play an important role in maintaining the growth momentum. (Translation/Liu Ziyuan)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7619244670213292584/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author themselves.