Adora Flora City Ship Begins Phase 2 of Construction Ahead of 2026 Launch

Chinese officials celebrated a major milestone on January 15, 2025, as the first phase of construction for the Adora Flora City cruise ship was completed. This accomplishment highlights the advancing capabilities of China’s shipbuilding sector, particularly in the specialized area of cruise ship construction.

The new vessel is being developed for Adora Cruises, part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), with Carnival Corporation as a minority partner. Adora Flora City will be the second large ocean-going cruise vessel constructed by CSSC.

Officially named in October 2024, the ship will measure 141,800 gross tons and span 1,119 feet (341 meters), which is 57 feet (17.4 meters) longer than its sister ship, Adora Magic City. It will accommodate 5,232 passengers.

During the announcement, officials noted that the project’s construction efficiency now matches that of leading European shipbuilders. This progress is indicative of China’s increasing expertise in complex cruise ship technologies, which necessitate intricate hotel systems and advanced interiors, often involving extensive supplier networks.

CSSC’s journey in cruise ship construction began with collaboration with Italy’s Fincantieri to build expertise. The current designs are based on a class originally created by Fincantieri and Carnival and used in previous constructions by Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. CSSC has since heavily invested in specialized facilities suited for cruise ship fabrication.

The Adora Flora City will feature several key design improvements over its predecessor, including 19 additional staterooms for a total of 2,144, a larger atrium lobby, and enhanced public spaces and leisure areas. A standout design element will be the Sea Street Garden, a versatile social hub modeled after Guangzhou, known as the “Flower City,” designed for various functions throughout the day.

Adora Cruises has already made its mark in China’s cruise sector, with the Adora Mediterranea, formerly Costa Mediterranea, commencing journeys from Guangzhou in 2024, while Adora Magic City operates out of Shanghai, having completed 84 voyages and hosted approximately 600,000 tourists in its first year.

Now entering its second phase of construction, the focus will shift to interior decoration, equipment installation, and commissioning systems. A critical milestone, the first dock flotation test, is planned for the end of April 2025, with final delivery expected by late 2026.

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