Adora Cruises launches 'Nezha' themed summer season

Leading Chinese cruise operator Adora Cruises has partnered with Shanghai Film Infinity to introduce the Nezha Conquers the Dragon King summer themed season aboard the nation's first domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City. From June 28 to August, guests can enjoy immersive interactive experiences inspired by the classic animation, merging traditional Chinese culture with modern cruise tourism.

As a cornerstone of Chinese animated cinema, Nezha Conquers the Dragon King has resonated across generations with its themes of family, justice and universal love since its premiere. During the themed season, Adora Magic City will host a series of innovative activities, including the debut of a parent-child stage play based on the film, screenings of Shanghai Animation Film Studio classics like The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven and Calabash Brothers, and interactive family experiences.

"Cruises serve as cultural messengers and mobile maritime calling cards," said Chen Ranfeng, CEO of Adora Cruises Ltd. "This collaboration integrates classic animation with cruise scenarios, offering a unique Chinese animated themed experience at sea. Through innovative maritime expressions, we aim to bring exceptional cultural works on board, promoting Chinese traditional culture globally."

Chen introduced that Adora Cruises has consistently focused on integrating diverse global elements with Chinese cultural essence. Adora Magic City has already showcased this through its hull design and cultural exhibitions, such as the two-part Digital Dunhuang art exhibition in partnership with the Dunhuang Academy, which highlighted Silk Road culture.

Li Zao, the deputy general manager of Shanghai Film Infinity, stressed the importance of continuous innovation for classic IPs. "By extending IPs beyond traditional screens, we aim to build lasting emotional bonds with audiences in various settings," she explained. "This partnership merges content and experiential consumption, pushing the boundaries of integrating IPs with cultural tourism to advance cultural preservation and effectively narrate Chinese tales."

Currently, Adora Cruises operates two large cruise ships — Adora Magic City and Adora Mediterranea — having served over 680,000 domestic and international guests. The second domestically built vessel, Adora Flora City, has achieved full hull integration and is scheduled for delivery in 2026, set to launch international routes from Nansha, Guangzhou.

This summer, the Adora Magic City will depart from Shanghai on multiple four-night-five-day international cruises to popular destinations in Japan and South Korea, including Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Sasebo and Jeju Island. A special extended summer cruise will also be offered. On July 24, the Adora Magic City will embark on a nine-night-eight-day immersive Japan cruise from Shanghai.