Adora Mediterranea Launches Xiamen Sailings to Manila, Boracay
With Xiamen becoming a springboard to Southeast Asia, Adora is testing how quickly Chinese outbound cruising is rebounding and where new tourism spending will land.
Adora Cruises’ Adora Mediterranea has departed the Port of Xiamen to begin a new run of international sailings, starting with a six-day, five-night itinerary that includes calls in Manila and Boracay in the Philippines.
The deployment marks the ship’s third consecutive year of operating from Xiamen as a homeport, and it also brought the vessel to Boracay for its first-ever visit. In a statement, Adora Cruises positioned Xiamen as central to its southern China strategy, saying, “Xiamen is a key strategic hub for us in the southern market,” and adding that it aims to develop “more diverse, high-quality cruise vacation experiences” for guests departing from the region.
More than 10 international voyages scheduled from Xiamen through April 30
Adora Cruises said its Xiamen-based international program includes more than ten voyages running through April 30, combining shorter options with longer regional itineraries. Additional Xiamen departures are also planned for the second half of the year, extending the ship’s seasonal operations beyond the spring schedule.
- Short international itineraries: Five-day, four-night sailings and six-day, five-night sailings operating from Xiamen through April 30, with additional departures planned later in the year.
- April 10 departure: A nine-day, eight-night cruise calling in Manila and Coron in the Philippines and also visiting Hue and Da Nang in Vietnam, which Adora described as the “Oriental Hawaii.”
- April 18 departure: A 13-day, 12-night Maritime Silk Road Discovery Journey, visiting Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.
Partnerships and a “cruise + culture” focus shape the longer voyages
Adora Cruises said it plans to work with partners to optimize its offerings, innovate cruise itineraries, and deepen the integration of culture into its travel experiences, describing its approach as a “cruise + culture” model tied to Xiamen and surrounding areas.
One of the season’s flagship sailings is the Maritime Silk Road Discovery Journey, which the company has framed as an immersive cultural exploration across five Southeast Asian countries: Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Adora said the itinerary is designed to connect guests with the region’s maritime history, while also supporting sustainable tourism growth through collaboration with local partners.
Boracay maiden call brings 1,500 Chinese tourists ashore
During the Philippines itinerary, the Adora Mediterranea made its maiden call to Boracay with around 1,500 Chinese tourists and nearly 800 crew members onboard, according to the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office. The ship arrived from Xiamen, anchored at about 8 a.m., and departed at 8 p.m., creating a full-day shore window for passengers to visit the island.
Local authorities said the call was Boracay’s first cruise ship arrival for April. Officials also pointed to the timing around Aklan’s Holy Week period, framing the visit as supportive of local tourism activity as the province transitioned into a new travel period.
Officials mark first visit with onboard ceremony and cultural performances
The first call was recognized with a ceremonial plaque exchange held onboard. The Municipality of Malay was represented by Tourism Operations Officer II Nelia A. Gumboc on behalf of Mayor Frolibar S. Bautista, alongside representatives of the Aklan provincial government and the Department of Tourism in Western Visayas.
Passengers were also welcomed with cultural performances highlighting Western Visayas traditions. Local authorities said the visit was expected to generate economic activity for businesses serving day visitors, while also strengthening Boracay’s visibility in the international cruise market.
Adora Mediterranea is scheduled to operate additional international cruises from Xiamen through April 30, including the longer departures on April 10 and April 18, and Adora Cruises has said it plans to resume Xiamen-based international voyages in the second half of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What itineraries is the Adora Mediterranea currently operating?
The ship is operating international itineraries from Xiamen that include five-day, four-night and six-day, five-night sailings, as well as longer cruises such as a nine-day, eight-night voyage departing April 10 and a 13-day, 12-night Maritime Silk Road Discovery Journey departing April 18.
What is the significance of Xiamen in Adora Cruises’ strategy?
Adora Cruises has described Xiamen as a strategic hub for its southern market and said the port supports its efforts to expand regional cruise offerings. The company said it plans to work with partners to refine its product, innovate itineraries, and build a “cruise + culture” model linked to Xiamen and surrounding areas.
What countries are included in the Maritime Silk Road Discovery Journey?
Adora Cruises said the 13-day, 12-night itinerary visits five Southeast Asian countries: Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.
How long did the ship stay in Boracay during its maiden call?
The Malay-Boracay Tourism Office said the ship anchored at about 8 a.m. and departed at 8 p.m., giving passengers a full day ashore.
