Xiamen launches domestic homeport's first ultra-long Southeast Asia route
The Blue Dream Melody cruise ship from Shanghai is docked at Xiamen Port. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]
The Blue Dream Melody cruise ship from Shanghai docked at the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal on Nov 28, with more than 700 passengers disembarking to enjoy half a day in Xiamen. Later that evening, they embarked on a 33-night, trans-Asia, ultra-long cruise journey along with nearly 40 other passengers departing from Xiamen.
This is not only the first ultra-long cruise to depart domestically in nearly a decade, but also the first time Xiamen Port has operated a dual-homeport route between Shanghai and Xiamen. It also signifies the launch of the first trans-Southeast Asia ultra-long cruise departing from a domestic homeport.
"A multi-month, trans-Asia journey where one can enjoy great food, appreciate scenic views, and experience the beauty of the sea. I am greatly looking forward to it. The customs clearance process is also very quick and convenient," said a traveler from Hubei.
Passengers can clear customs simply by scanning a QR code upon disembarking, saving Shanghai passengers arriving in Xiamen valuable clearance time and allowing them ample time to sightsee in Xiamen. During departure, the Gaoqi Border Inspection Station simultaneously opens manual and expedited channels to ensure passengers clear customs quickly.
Why Xiamen
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Xiamen is one of the most economically competitive cities in China and was one of the first Special Economic Zones on the Chinese mainland. As a vice-provincial city independently listed on the State development plan, it has provincial-level authority in economic administration and local legislative power. In 2010, the Xiamen SEZ was expanded to cover the entire municipality. Today, Xiamen is a modern and international port city.