Working Conditions Aboard the Chinese-Taishan

In an exciting development for the cruise industry, China's first wholly-owned and independently operated cruise ship, the Chinese Taishan, is preparing for its inaugural journey to Taichung later this month. This increase in maritime tourism from the mainland to Taiwan is gaining momentum, as highlighted by our sister publication, China Times. Scheduled to arrive in Taichung on April 25, the Chinese Taishan will kick off its first of eight planned cruise tours to Taiwan this year, subsequently heading to Kaohsiung before making its way back to Zhoushan in Zhejiang province. Starting from May 9, the itinerary will include all four principal ports of Taiwan—Taichung, Kaohsiung, Keelung, and Hualien—marking a historic moment as this is the first time a foreign cruise liner will undertake this route. The six-day, five-night cruise journey is priced between 3,000 and 5,000 yuan (approximately US$480-$805) per person, making it an enticing option for mainland tourists eager to explore multiple destinations. The Chinese Taishan is operated by Hong Kong-based Bohai Cruise, who acquired the ship from Carnival last year.

Bohai Ferry has officially launched its foray into the cruise sector with the acquisition of Costa Voyager, which has been rebranded as Chinese Taishan. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the company as it embarks on a unique operational strategy, initiating sailings from the port of Yantai. In a conversation with Cruise Industry News in Tianjin last October, General Manager Li Zhan outlined the company’s ambitious vision to rejuvenate the Chinese cruising experience while establishing a reputable brand in the industry. Zhan emphasized that the Chinese Taishan is merely the first phase of Bohai's deeper engagement in the cruise market. He noted the vessel's primary purpose is to explore and cultivate this developing sector, enabling the company to gather valuable insights into cruise ship operations. While discussing the potential for future expansions, Zhan clarified their approach: "We do not anticipate generating profits from this initial vessel; rather, we view it as an educational opportunity. Planning to acquire larger vessels for our fleet now poses challenges, given the advanced capabilities of established international competitors in ship and human resources management." Consequently, the plan is to operate the Chinese Taishan for the next year before considering additional acquisitions. The company aims to diversify its deployments, launching itineraries from Yantai in Northern China and trialing routes from Shanghai both in summer and winter. These itineraries will include popular destinations in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, allowing Bohai Ferry to adapt and innovate in its early stages of the cruise business.

On August 26, 2023, the Chinese cruise ship Taishan will embark on its maiden voyage with Bohai Ferry, initiating a new chapter in the evolving cruise landscape of China. The ship, formerly known as the Costa Voyager and now proudly flying the Bermuda flag, will set sail from Yantai in Shandong Province to the vibrant destinations of Seoul and Jeju Island. Known as the heart of China’s modern wine industry, Yantai will serve as the ship’s primary turnaround point throughout the fall season. Initially, Bohai Ferry will offer a variety of cruise options, including five-day journeys and three-day excursions exclusively visiting Seoul. Bohai Secretary Wu Ning commented on the anticipation surrounding the launch: "We were prepared earlier; however, the first departure faced a slight delay until late August due to necessary adaptations at the port, including enhancements to supporting facilities and customs clearance processes." This venture represents a landmark achievement in the Chinese cruise sector, showcasing a vessel that is entirely owned and operated by local interests, distinguishing it from HNA's operations, which are managed by Star Cruises. With this launch, Bohai Ferry is poised to make a significant impact on the regional cruise tourism market.