Costa and RCCL win approval for direct China-Taiwan cruises

In a ground-breaking deal two of the world’s leading cruise lines, Costa Cruises and RCCL, have received approval from the Chinese government for a series of direct cruises linking China with Taiwan this spring. The special cruise ship charters have been undertaken by manufacturing and distribution company Amway (China) Ltd.

Costa has received approval from China’s Ministry of Transport to run three special seven day cruises this April and May, using its 1,680 passenger capacity Costa Classica. After departing Shanghai, the cruises call at the Taiwanese ports of Hualien, Jilong and Taizhong.

RCCL, meanwhile, has received approval to operate six cruises between Shanghai and Taiwan, using its Legend of the Seas, between 14 March and 19 April. The seven day cruises will call at Hualien, Keelung and Taichung. 1,700 Chinese passengers are expected to arrive in Taiwan on the first cruise, the largest single group of Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan since the establishment of the cross-straits ‘three direct links.’

Commenting on the new China-Taiwan cruises, RCCL’s managing director for China, Dr Liu Zinan said: ‘RCCL is very pleased with this chance to contribute to the peace and exchange between the people of both straits. Due to our global strategies and the strong demand from other markets, even though RCCL is not able to fully satisfy its customer’s needs for chartered cruises in China, this has shown us the huge potential for the Chinese market.’   Sphere: Related Content