A cruise docks at the Xiamen International Cruise Center. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]
The Adora Mediterranea cruise departed from the Xiamen International Cruise Center on Nov 25, carrying over 2,400 tourists on a 13-day, 12-night trip across five Southeast Asian countries along the Maritime Silk Road. This marks the official conclusion of the international cruise operation at Xiamen Port for 2025.
Amid the recovery of the global cruise market and the upgrading of domestic cultural tourism consumption since the beginning of 2025, the international cruise economy at the port has been driven by two key drivers: expanded homeport cruise operations and an increasing number of visiting ships. This has made the cruise industry a standout in Xiamen's economic development.
According to statistics, the port has handled 43 cruise voyages and 77 ship calls, representing a 95 percent year-on-year increase. It has also inspected about 120,000 inbound and outbound tourists, including 6,500 foreign tourists — a nearly 60-fold year-on-year increase.
The number of ships visiting the port has surged significantly in 2025, thanks to visa-free policies and Xiamen's growing appeal as an international tourist destination.
The port has received over 30,000 visitors, including foreign tourists from nearly 50 countries and regions, accounting for about 20 percent.
Xiamen has contributed to building the latest major cruise homeport complex, implementing a series of innovative measures including direct supply of domestic products to cruise ships, as well as pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and food supplies.
The check-in counter of the Xiamen International Cruise Center. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]