The 2025 Shanghai International Cruise Festival kicked off on Thursday at Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, heralding an array of cruise culture, business and entertainment activities through Sept 30.

This year's festival will better serve domestic and foreign tourists in Shanghai, promote high-quality development of the cruise economy, and boost Shanghai's position as an international consumption center, according to Jin Xingming, vice-chairperson of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

By 2025, Shanghai's two major international cruise ports are expected to welcome more than 250 cruise ships and serve more than 1.5 million passengers, further contributing to China's growing presence in the global cruise industry, Jin added.

Dang Xiaohong, deputy director general of the National Port Administration Office of the General Administration of Customs, expressed optimism about the festival's role in stimulating the cruise economy.

She emphasized its potential to foster market vitality, promote industry integration, innovate business models, enhance international service systems, and facilitate cultural exchanges through maritime tourism.

Major cruise lines unveiled new offerings during the opening ceremony of the festival. These include Adora Magic City's Nezha-themed summer experience, MSC Splendida's cruise-themed documentary, and a new brand from Royal Caribbean Cruises.

The event also introduced routes connecting international cruises with historic water towns in the Yangtze River Delta.

Also on Thursday, cruise liner Costa Serena arrived in Shanghai with nearly 700 international passengers. International visitors were welcomed with performances, including dragon and lion dances, violin performances, and Chinese traditional craft demonstrations.

Among the arrivals was 21-year-old Takahashi Rinka from Japan, embarking on a five-day cruise through China and Korea. "It's my first time to come to Shanghai. I'm looking forward to touring the city, especially the Shanghai Tower, and trying local dishes like xiaolongbao," she shared.

Tour guide Hu Jionghua noticed a significant increase in international visitors. "Between January and June, I've handled two to three times more international tour groups compared to last year," he said.