Adora Cruises Wins Special Contribution Award at Asia Cruise Forum

Adora Cruises received the Award of Special Contribution to Asian Cruise Industry at the 2026 Asia Cruise Forum in South Korea, with organizers citing the company’s work in cruise operations, ship design and construction, and development of the regional cruise economy. The award was jointly presented by the Asia Cruise Forum organizing committee and the Asia Cruise Leaders Network.

The recognition comes as Adora is expanding beyond its current two-ship operating fleet, with new homeport deployments in Southeast Asia and a second Chinese-built large cruise ship scheduled for delivery on Nov. 6, 2026.

Award tied to operations and Chinese cruise shipbuilding

Organizers described the award as recognition for companies that have had a long-term impact on the development of cruising in Asia.

“We are deeply honored to receive the ‘Special Contribution to Asian Cruise Industry,’ which follows our accolade as ‘Best Cruise Line in Asia’ last year,” Adora Cruises said.

The company linked the award to the construction and operation of Adora Magic City, which it said helped move China’s cruise sector beyond a model centered primarily on transit calls toward one that includes ship design, construction, operations and supplier support.

Adora Magic City is China’s first domestically built large cruise ship. Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, the vessel is about 323.6 meters long and roughly 135,500 gross tons, with 2,125 cabins and capacity for up to 5,246 passengers.

Adora’s operating fleet currently consists of Adora Magic City and Adora Mediterranea. Adora Mediterranea, the former Costa Mediterranea, entered Adora service in 2021.

Homeport deployments precede next newbuild

Adora Mediterranea will homeport from Port Klang, Malaysia, in November and from Manila, the Philippines, in December.

Adora Flora City, the second Chinese-built large cruise ship for the company, is scheduled for delivery on Nov. 6, 2026. The sister ship to Adora Magic City is expected to be larger, at 341 meters and 141,900 gross tons, with 2,130 cabins and maximum capacity for 5,232 passengers.

Adora said the ship will have larger public spaces and upgraded technology compared with Adora Magic City. The vessel is scheduled to begin homeport operations from Hong Kong, China, in 2027.

The company’s “2+1” newbuild program also calls for a third newly built large cruise ship, with delivery expected in 2030.