StarCruises' Star Voyager Makes Maiden Call to Sanya, Embarking on a New Journey for the Cruise Industry in the Free Trade Port
On the morning of September 4, StarCruises' "Star Voyager" smoothly docked at the Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Terminal. This marks the first visit of "Star Voyager" to Sanya and simultaneously signifies the ship's maiden voyage to Mainland China, indicating that Sanya's cooperation with international cruise enterprises has entered a new phase and injecting fresh vitality into the development of the cruise industry in Hainan Free Trade Port.
The ceremony venue featured a warm atmosphere with a lively lion dance performance opening the event. Representatives from the Sanya Municipal Government and relevant units presented welcome garlands to tourist representatives of the "Star Voyager", conveying Sanya's enthusiasm and sincerity. Located at the golden latitude of 18°N with an average annual temperature of 25 ℃, Sanya possesses natural advantages for year-round suitable cruise ship berthing. Leveraging the development momentum of Hainan Free Trade Port, Sanya is accelerating the construction of a world-renowned, modern, beautiful coastal city suitable for living, tourism, and business, while actively advancing the development of the Cruise Tourism Pilot Zone.
Chen Jinbo, Level II Researcher of the General Office of Sanya Municipal People's Government, stated that "Star Voyager" choosing Sanya as its first port of call in mainland China reflects recognition of Sanya's market prospects and business environment, as well as confidence in the development opportunities presented by Hainan Free Trade Port. He expressed anticipation that this maiden voyage would serve as a starting point to deepen cooperation with leading international enterprises like StarCruises, develop more premium routes, attract more industrial chain enterprises to establish presence in Sanya, and inject "blue momentum" into the construction of the Free Trade Port.
Captain Eric Dahlberg of Star Cruises' "Star Voyager" introduced that the maiden voyage of "Star Voyager" in Sanya has established a crucial bridge for Sanya to connect with international cruise resources. In the future, the "Star Voyager" will launch distinctive itineraries connecting Sanya with popular destinations such as Hong Kong, Vietnam's Nha Trang, and Da Nang. This initiative will enhance the international operational capabilities of Sanya's cruise industry, attract more international cruise companies to focus on and establish operations in Sanya, and foster a cluster effect within the cruise sector.
In 2006, the Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Port was completed and commenced trial operations, becoming China's first dedicated cruise terminal. After over a decade of intensive development, Sanya has achieved a certain degree of industrial agglomeration: more than 20 cruise industry chain enterprises including China Travel Cruise, Strait Shipping, and Haigong Energy have successively established presence here, while cruise ships from over 30 cruise companies such as Royal Caribbean Cruises, Holland America Line, and Resorts World Cruises have made port calls. Meanwhile, Sanya has promoted the implementation of the China-ASEAN Cruise Tourism Connectivity Demonstration Project and launched 7 international routes covering destinations such as Hong Kong, China and Southeast Asia. Notably, Sanya is constructing a new 100,000-ton cruise berth, which is expected to have an annual customs clearance capacity of 420,000 passengers upon completion in 2027, further improving the infrastructure for Sanya's cruise industry.
A relevant person in charge of Sanya Central Business District Administration stated that the first visit of "Star Voyager" to Sanya is of profound significance, as it is not just a cruise call but also a new starting point for the development of Sanya's cruise industry. Going forward, Sanya Central Business District will continue to deepen institutional innovation, carry out more extensive and in-depth strategic cooperation with international cruise enterprises, jointly develop more premium routes, attract more international cruise industry chain enterprises to establish presence in Sanya, and promote the high-quality development of Sanya's cruise and yacht industry.
