Overheard in Shanghai Tuesday: Three Brands, Management, Korean Line, More

Various notes, rumors and more as heard by the Cruise Industry News editorial team at the tenth edition of the China Cruise Shipping conference and trade show being held in Shanghai Oct. 13-15 and hosted by the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association:

Three Brands in 24 Hours: In the span of one day in Shanghai, Carnival Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have all announced they are entering the Chinese marketplace in 2017. It may be a record for brands announcing plans to enter a new market. 

Pivot Toward Vessel Management: A large presence by vessel management companies and firms looking to add to their portfolios at China Cruise Shipping indicate that despite new tonnage coming into the market, as announced by the major brands, there is still significant momentum for older ships to enter the region.

Korean Brand Coming: Another Korean start-up may be in the works, according to a source familiar with plans to start a new Korean-passenger-sourcing cruise line with second-hand tonnage. Previous attempts in Korea have not proven fruitful. 

Capacity: With the announcements from Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line, a further three modern megaships are entering the Chinese market in 2017, on top of the already announced MSC Lirica in 2016 and the Ovation of the Seas on a seasonal basis. What else may be coming?

Marketing Oasis: Royal Caribbean International has placed ads in the Chinese market showing off new waterslides on the Harmony of the Seas. While the Harmony is headed for a Florida homeport, could the fourth Oasis, being built at STX France, be bound for China?

Chinese Builds: Timelines vary, but talk of a Chinese newbuild or pair of newbuilds continues to circulate the industry. 

Ship Shuffle: Other talk points to a significant ship shuffle in the Chinese market, ranging from two ships heading to a new operator to two or even three ships heading to a Chinese brand.

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