BEIJING, May 3 -- China's cruise ship transportation market is expected to maintain steady recovery following a surge in passenger trips in the first quarter of 2024, according to the Ministry of Transport.

In the first quarter of the year, the country saw cruise passenger trips exceed 190,000 -- surpassing the figure registered for the whole of 2023, which amounted to 107,000 trips, said the ministry.

Since the beginning of 2024, 21 international cruise ships have been operating from domestic ports in China, including some routes linking Japan, Republic of Korea, and Vietnam.

China's first domestically-built large cruise ship, named Adora Magic City, recorded its maiden commercial voyage in January this year, when it completed a trip of 1,119 nautical miles which lasted seven days and six nights.