Pingtan is set to commence its first international cruise service in November. This innovative initiative aims to foster cultural and tourism exchanges between China and countries of Austronesian ancestry. 

The announcement comes with a thrilling opportunity for avid travelers. Followers of the official WeChat account “中国 平潭” stand a chance to win a complimentary cruise package from Pingtan to the Philippines and back to Xiamen. Each package is designed for a pair of travelers, be it friends, couples, or families, offering an unforgettable experience on the high seas.

Scheduled to operate from November 15th to 23rd, the inaugural international cruise route will utilize the "Blue Dream Star" cruise ship, owned by Shanghai Blue Dream International Cruise Co., Ltd. The ship, boasting a total tonnage of 25,000 and a capacity of approximately 1,050 passengers, promises a remarkable voyage that combines diverse entertainment, authentic Chinese flavors, and glimpses of cultural treasures.

The Pingtan Port has arranged two distinct itineraries for this voyage. The first route, "Xiamen-Philippines-Pingtan," will depart from the Xiamen Cruise Homeport on November 15th, allowing travelers to explore the Philippines before reaching the Pingtan Cruise Port on the 19th. The second route, "Pingtan-Philippines-Xiamen," will embark from Pingtan Cruise Port on November 19th, offering passengers an opportunity to discover the beauty of the Philippines before returning to Xiamen Cruise Homeport on the 23rd.

During the five-day, four-night journey, participants will be treated to breathtaking seascapes, indulge in specialty shopping trips, and immerse themselves in the unique ambiance of Subic Bay in the Philippines. The voyage also includes visits to the Pingtan 68-Nautical-Mile scenic area and the tranquil beaches of Tannan Bay, among other captivating attractions.

The recently approved Pingtan International Cruise Terminal is equipped with facilities capable of accommodating cruise ships up to 150,000 tons and multipurpose berths up to 50,000 tons, with an annual designed passenger throughput of 80,000.

"This cruise route connects with neighboring countries of Austronesian ancestry, offering a remarkable experience for travelers departing from China to the Philippines," said Chen Jianxiang, deputy director of the Pingtan Tourism and Culture Service Center. The inaugural voyage represents an encouraging step towards the development of Pingtan's cruise economy. Plans are underway to achieve regular operations by next year, collaborating with more cruise operators to design theme-based products. These initiatives aim to create diverse and distinctive itineraries, establishing Pingtan as a prominent hub for maritime economic activities. Pingtan is poised to become a prominent player in the global cruise tourism industry, offering unique cultural encounters and breathtaking coastal landscapes to globetrotters.