While the global pandemic shuttered international travel to China for nearly all of 2020, it hasn't slowed the expansion plans for one of the Yangtze's largest river cruise operators.
Century Cruises, this month announced plans for its third megaship, and officials said they expect to announce two more in the months ahead, which would bring the number of ships in its fleet to 11.
Additionally, the company said it has used the pause in international travel to build out its position in the domestic market, including developing new itineraries that the company is optimistic will strengthen its position in the years ahead.
"We can proudly say that we are moving fast and in the right direction," said Jack Xiong, director of marketing and sales for Century.
The newest ship, the Century Oasis is set to launch in March 2022, when it will join sister ships the Century Glory, which debuted in 2019, and the Century Victory, which is set to launch in September.
The ships, similar in size to Victoria Cruise Lines' new Victoria Sabrina, represent a new, luxurious option for the Yangtze. With seven decks and a capacity of 600-plus guests, the ships are billed as the largest river vessels in the world, with bigger cabins and suites and a host of new amenities, including movie theaters.
While even domestic cruising was on pause until August, Xiong said the limited season they were able to sail with three ships through the end of November was better than expected, with occupancy at near the 75% capacity set by the government.
"We have enhanced the domestic high-end market branding and attracted lots of customers who were planning to travel from China to other international destinations," Xiong said. "And we have expanded the biggest market share for China expats along the Yangtze river. "
Among the changes made during the pandemic, Xiong said, the company introduced a longer cruise, the 15-day Yangtze Panorama, that sailed through the heart of China across more than seven provinces.
The line also enhanced its shorter cruise offerings between Chongqing and Yichang as well as its round-trip sailings out of Chongqing.
"To look ahead, we're optimistic, we are leaning forward and we are looking forward to welcoming more and more customers from the globe to the magnificent Yangtze river onboard our cruises in the near future," Xiong said.