This year is a promising one for the Chinese cruise market.
Apart from the record number of ships calling on Chinese ports, the biggest and most important event may have been the maiden voyage of the Henna last January by newcomer HNA Cruises.
HNA Cruises, established last year, is the first domestic luxury cruise company in China.
HNA Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of HNA Tourism, which in turn is owned by HNA Group. The group is one of the top 120 companies in China.
HNA Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of HNA Tourism, which in turn is owned by HNA Group. The group is one of the top 120 companies in China.
HNA did not say what their investment was in the ship or refurbishment, although Star Cruises is managing the vessel.
Yuan Yuan, marketing director of HNA Cruises, stated that "one area of our emphasis is to have authentic Chinese cuisine on board for our guests. Our colleagues at the hotel and resort division provided solutions to find the safest conditions for open fire in cooking on board, essential for the Chinese cuisine."
In its first year of operation, the Henna will focus on short cruises.
"We believe that there are enormous opportunities for the cruise market waiting to be tapped and captured in China. As the first Chinese cruise brand, we set ourselves the goal to be the choice cruise line for Chinese consumers," Hao Zhang, the CEO of HNA Cruises, commented.
Yuan Yuan, marketing director of HNA Cruises, stated that "one area of our emphasis is to have authentic Chinese cuisine on board for our guests. Our colleagues at the hotel and resort division provided solutions to find the safest conditions for open fire in cooking on board, essential for the Chinese cuisine."
In its first year of operation, the Henna will focus on short cruises.
"We believe that there are enormous opportunities for the cruise market waiting to be tapped and captured in China. As the first Chinese cruise brand, we set ourselves the goal to be the choice cruise line for Chinese consumers," Hao Zhang, the CEO of HNA Cruises, commented.
