Life on the seven seas beckons

The three-level Caruso Theater can accommodate up to 1,165 people at its performances of singers, dancers, acrobats, comedians and magicians. [Wang Wei / for China Daily]

Over 30,000 Chinese visited the country last year by booking on Ctrip.com, one of China's largest online travel companies.

The number was up 60 percent year-on-year. Most of the trips to the US range from 10 to 14 days, the company said.

Luxury travel to the US is booming as China becomes wealthier.

"It is a cost-efficient destination for long-haul luxury travelers from China," said Alison Gilmore, senior exhibition director of the invitation-only International Luxury Travel Market Portfolio.

"The new 10-year multi-entry visa for Chinese nationals is a significant development in outbound luxury travel to the region."

Small and medium-sized cruise liners that provide more private space, customized meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs and more time to travel on land are becoming popular among wealthy Chinese, said Chen Yanhao, a general manager at HHTravel, which specializes in luxury travel.

"Well-traveled Chinese are now prepared to pay more for better quality," he said. "Because the passengers are wealthy with quite a high social status, the trips also provide a valuable platform for them to expand their network of contacts."

Shanghai China Travel International Ltd has seen growth of 20 percent among its high-end customers in recent years, said Wang Wei, deputy general manager of CTL Shanghai's Outbound Tour Center.

A nine-day road trip, with the customer at the wheel, from San Francisco to LA along California State Route 1 costs 90,000 yuan per person. Eleven days with well-trained guides at national parks including the Grand Canyon, Antelope Valley and Bryce Canyon goes for 127,500 yuan, Chen said.

A first-class helicopter trip with champagne on board is one of HHTravel's most popular itineraries, he added.

Gilmore noted that as American luxury brands become more popular in China's second-and third-tier cities, consumers' interest in visiting the country is on the up.

Costa's groundbreaking trip should pave the way for more long cruises departing from China, said Cheng Juehao, a professor from Shanghai Maritime University who specializes in studying cruises and yachts.

Costa has expanded quickly since entering the China market in 2006. It now operates at two home ports in Shanghai and Tianjin. Its capacity has surged 74 percent on the mainland in the last two years.

"After nearly 10 years of operating, our business has reached a new era with more creative products," said Huang.

Contact the writers at wang_ying@chinadaily.com.cn and lixueqing@chinadaily.com.cn