After graduating from Fudan University's prestigious MBA program this year, Dong Wenxin wanted to stay connected with his classmates. At 30, he realized many alumni, scattered across China, felt the same.
Living in Shanghai, a global port city with frequent cruise departures, Dong saw a business opportunity: group cruises reuniting alumni at sea.
For the past three years, he has organized week-long round-trip cruises for groups of 4 to 30 people, some venturing to Japan. Passengers pay between 3,000 and 10,000 CNY (420-1,400 USD) per person, depending on the level of luxury.
Cruise vacations are increasingly popular among young Chinese travelers – particularly students and recent graduates – who view cruises as a social way to travel. Cruises provide a unique environment for bonding, with entertainment and shared spaces, a welcome contrast to cramped rental apartments.
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Young Chinese tourists on a cruise ship. Photo: SCMP |
Young Chinese tourists on a cruise ship. Photo: SCMP
"Passengers can't hike or backpack on a ship, but they can socialize in shared spaces and enjoy various activities," Dong said.
Young people are seeking new experiences and are drawn to the novelty of cruise travel, according to Sienna Parulis-Cook, director of marketing and communications at Dragon Trail International.
According to a June survey by China Trading Desk, summer 2025 cruise bookings are up 60% compared to 2024, primarily from recent graduates and large families. Travelers often choose Japan and South Korea, taking advantage of online deals.
Subramania Bhatt, CEO of China Trading Desk, believes the cruise experience is both "a reward and a coming-of-age ritual" for young travelers, combining convenience, curated itineraries, scenic beauty, affordability, and opportunities for connection.
Dong said posts on RedNote and Bilibili have fueled the trend, potentially increasing passenger numbers in the future.
In Hong Kong, Astro Ocean International Cruises has seen a significant rise in mainland tourists compared to 2024, with around 17,000 people joining 11 summer cruises this year. Trips typically last 4-5 days, heading to Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam – with Japan being the most popular. The company offers free trips for recent graduates and teachers, receiving positive feedback.
Each trip costs an average of 20,000 HKD (2,550 USD) for a group of four, plus around 1,000 HKD (127 USD) per person for food, shopping, and souvenirs.
Hoai Anh (SCMP)
