Chinese state-backed cruise operator Adora announced Friday it will cancel all Japan-bound itineraries in the first quarter of 2026, after rising tensions between the two countries, reports Caixin. The company said its two ships, Adora Magic City and Adora Mediterranean, will instead sail to South Korea and Southeast Asia.
Adora is the first Chinese cruise operator to formally drop Japan stops amid worsening bilateral ties. Blue Dream Cruises, which operates two mid-size ships, said it may revise its December itineraries and could also cut Japan calls. Other Chinese cruise operators with Japan routes—such as Cosco Shipping Group and China Tourism Group’s joint venture Astro Ocean International Cruise Co and Tianjin Oriental International Cruise Co—have not announced changes.
Foreign cruise lines such as MSC’s Bellissima and Royal Caribbean Group’s Spectrum of the Seas have kept Japan on their published schedules. Industry insiders noted that removing Japan from itineraries could temporarily put Chinese cruise firms at a competitive disadvantage, though the impact is expected to be limited.