Cruise operator Carnival Corp. has signed agreements with China Merchants Group to explore the creation of a domestic Chinese cruise line.
Carnival will operate four ships in the region this year, doubling is capacity in the region in just two years, and plans to take a bigger role in developing cruise infrastructure in China.
The line has signed a memorandum of understanding with China Merchants Group to set up a port development joint venture and a separate undertaking which could lead to a domestic joint ship-owning project.
Carnival and CMG will look to form China’s first domestic cruise brand by sourcing new ships made in China.
"The MOU we signed today signifies a great opportunity to take the next step in the future of Chinese cruising, while addressing some key needs for both the cruise industry and its passengers," Alan Buckelew, chief operating officer of Carnival said in a statement.
"With CMG’s amazing track record, reach and influence in the market, we are working with a strategic partner that can help us explore immediate ways to impact cruise growth in China, including the possibility of a new Chinese cruise brand and new destinations."
CMG is currently building the Prince Bay Cruise Terminal in Shekou, Shenzhen.
It follows Carnival’s signing of a MOU last year with China State Shipbuilding Corp. to jointly build cruise ships in partnership with Italy’s Fincantieri ship builders.
