photo credit: https://www.micetraveladvisor.com/news/article/tianjin-unveils-the-dream-cruise-ship-to-the-public-for-the-first-time-ushering-in-a-new-era-for-northern-chinas-maritime-tourism-industry/
Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo Welcomes Public Aboard ‘Dream’ Cruise Ship as Port Emerges as Asia Cruise Hub
At the ongoing 3rd Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo, held from June 12 to 14, 2025, the cruise ship Dream opened its decks to the public for the first time. Docked at the Tianjin International Cruise Home Port, this event marks a significant milestone for the city’s maritime tourism ambitions and underscores Tianjin’s emergence as a major cruise gateway in Asia.
Formerly known as Sea Princess and later Charming, the vessel was acquired by Tianjin Orient International Cruise Line in January 2023. After extensive renovations, it began commercial voyages from Tianjin in September 2023, with itineraries including Jeju Island and multiple destinations in Japan. The public tour offered a glimpse into the ship's upgraded features, including spacious cabins, fine dining venues, leisure zones, and modern entertainment facilities—evidence of its elevated service standards and design.
The Expo, themed “Shipping to the World, Navigating Toward the Future,” has attracted more than 440 companies showcasing innovations in smart shipping, green maritime technology, and digital logistics. By opening the Dream for guided tours, organisers provided attendees and local visitors with an immersive experience of modern cruise tourism and the latest sustainable technologies under development.
Strategically located in the Binhai New Area, the Tianjin International Cruise Home Port is equipped to accommodate vessels up to 220,000 gross tons and offers annual berthing and processing capacity for over 500,000 passengers. Since the full resumption of international cruise operations on September 27, 2023, the port has handled more than 200,000 inbound and outbound passengers and is projected to welcome over 120 cruise calls in 2024.
The public debut of the Dream reinforces Tianjin’s broader strategy to expand cruise tourism through enhanced infrastructure investment, greener port operations, and partnerships with international cruise lines. As part of its Vision 2060 roadmap, the port aims to modernise terminal facilities, improve passenger experience, and promote low-emission shipping technologies.
Tianjin’s initiative reflects wider trends in Asian cruise tourism, where rising demand, environmental awareness, and improved port capabilities are driving rapid growth. The Dream’s appearance at the Expo symbolises both local achievement and Asia’s broader maritime ambitions, presenting a compelling story for travel, tourism, and maritime industry observers alike.
