Adora Cruises Takes Over Daily Operations of Astro Ocean in China

Adora Cruises said it will move to a combined operating model with Astro Ocean Cruises in China, with Adora assuming full responsibility for the day-to-day operation and management of both cruise brands. The update was announced during Adora’s annual conference and awards ceremony held onboard the Adora Magic City, which the company said drew more than 350 travel agents and partners.

What Adora says the combined operating model will change

Adora said the two brands have previously operated separately in China’s developing cruise market, and framed the shift as a move toward a more centralized structure under Adora’s leadership. The company said the onboard event also included workshops focused on its products, future plans and partnership opportunities.

At the conference, Adora Cruises CEO Chen Ranfeng tied the operating change to a broader growth agenda extending into 2026. “Facing new opportunities in 2026, we will focus on six core objectives,” Chen said, listing “integrated development, route innovation, marketing investment, overseas expansion, new ship construction and experience upgrades.”

Chen also highlighted partner engagement as a priority. “With unwavering confidence and pragmatic actions, we will deepen cooperation with our partners in the travel industry,” he said.

Piano Land heads back to Hong Kong after a Malaysia charter

The consolidation announcement comes as Astro Ocean’s lone ship, the Piano Land, wraps up a regional deployment and repositions back to Hong Kong. Astro Ocean said the 1995-built ship, which it acquired in 2018, recently completed its first Malaysia-based program before departing for Hong Kong with 1,700 guests onboard.

According to Astro Ocean, the Malaysia season consisted of 12 voyages and hosted more than 16,700 guests in total. The company described the program as a milestone for a Chinese cruise brand sailing from international homeports, and said the deployment contributed to Malaysia’s local economy.

Ports called during the Malaysia deployment

Astro Ocean said the Piano Land’s itineraries combined Malaysian and Thai destinations during the charter program:

• Port Klang, Malaysia: Included as a Malaysia call during the 12-voyage charter program, according to Astro Ocean.
• Penang, Malaysia: Listed by the company among the Malaysia ports visited during the deployment.
• Langkawi, Malaysia: Part of the itinerary mix for the Malaysia season, Astro Ocean said.
• Phuket, Thailand: Named by the company as the Thailand call included in the program’s port lineup.

Halal certification and onboard changes for the local market

Astro Ocean said the ship operated with certification from JAKIM, the federal body authorized to oversee halal matters in Malaysia, allowing it to offer a broader range of halal cuisine during the deployment. The company also said onboard entertainment and service offerings were adjusted to better match local market preferences.

Astro Ocean said the Malaysia deployment was operated in conjunction with Hwajing Travel & Tours.

Dec. 31 arrival in Hong Kong and a new round of itineraries

Astro Ocean said the Piano Land is scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong on Dec. 31. After returning, the ship is set to offer itineraries ranging from four to 12 nights, according to the company, with further sailings starting in early 2024.

Adora’s statement about taking full responsibility for operations and management did not include additional detail on longer-term plans for the Piano Land beyond its return to Hong Kong and upcoming itineraries.

Adora’s current ships and the next newbuild planned for late 2026

Adora’s fleet currently includes the 2,100-guest Adora Mediterranea and the 4,260-guest Adora Magic City. The company is also building a second large cruise ship in China, the Adora Flora City, which Adora said is scheduled for delivery in late 2026.

Adora said the Adora Flora City will enter service from Guangzhou Nansha, aligning with the company’s stated focus on expanding its presence in southern China’s Greater Bay Area. The company did not provide itinerary details for the new ship in the update.

Industry backdrop: discussion of consolidation among state-owned cruise operators

Both companies’ updates come amid broader discussion in China about streamlining cruise operations. In late 2025, Chinese media outlets reported that the Chinese government was considering consolidating state-owned cruise line operations into a single state-owned enterprise as part of an efficiency drive, and China Tourism Group, which operates Adora Cruises, was identified in that coverage as the designated operator for a venture that would include at least six companies.

What remains unclear about Piano Land’s longer-term role

While Adora said it will oversee operations and management for both brands, it has not disclosed a forward plan for the Piano Land under the new operating structure. Cruise Industry News has previously cited market speculation that the 1,806-passenger vessel might be sold or transferred to Spanish startup cruise line Corazul Cruceros, which is slated to begin operations in July 2024 with itineraries in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and South America, but no confirmed transfer was included in the updates from Adora or Astro Ocean.

For now, the most specific near-term milestone is the Piano Land’s Dec. 31 arrival in Hong Kong and the start of its four- to 12-night itinerary program, while Adora’s next major fleet milestone is the planned late-2026 delivery of the Adora Flora City and the company’s expanded responsibilities across both brands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does Adora’s “full responsibility” for both brands mean?

Adora said it will take full responsibility for the operation and management of both Adora Cruises and Astro Ocean Cruises, indicating that day-to-day oversight for the two brands in China will be centralized under Adora.

When will the Piano Land be back in Hong Kong?

Astro Ocean said the Piano Land is scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong on Dec. 31 after completing its Malaysia deployment.

How many guests did Piano Land carry during its Malaysia program?

Astro Ocean said the ship sailed 12 voyages during the Malaysia program and carried more than 16,700 guests in total, and that it departed for Hong Kong with 1,700 guests onboard.

What destinations did the Piano Land visit during its Malaysia season?

Astro Ocean said the itinerary lineup included Port Klang, Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia, along with Phuket in Thailand. The company also said it operated with JAKIM halal certification and adjusted entertainment and service offerings for the local market.

What is Adora Flora City and when is it due?

Adora Flora City is Adora’s second large cruise ship being built in China, with delivery planned for late 2026. Adora said it will begin service from Guangzhou Nansha.