Chinese already account for half of Asian cruisers and are predicted to grow from 1 million passengers to 5.4 million in 2020, reported Trbusiness.
The world's leading cruise operators hope that China will become a major revenue source, as they look for middle-class customers to make up for the stagnant and mature American and European markets.
Dreamlines is aiming to accelerate its growth with a focus on new markets and additional services following a top-up investment round of €18 million.
The number of cruise passengers from China surged 91% in 2016 to a record high of more than 2.12 million. Yet the industry has to grapple with issues of deteriorating experience and homogenized itineraries.
In November 2017, the Princess Cruises’ ship Regal Princess will debut wearable technology for guests.
China's cruise liner ports reported 629 cruise liners leave for trips in 2015, up 35%, with cross-border cruise travelers up 44%.
China is projected to become the world’s most important cruise market with 10 million cruise passengers in 2030 in the “2016 China Cruise Industry Development Report”.
Value-added output of China's marine tourism sector hit RMB 1.087 trillion (USD 163 billion) in 2015, up by 11.4% YoY, according to a government report.