China is set to launch its first polar expedition cruise line, marking a major milestone in the country’s polar exploration efforts. The initiative comes from a collaboration between the Guangdong Port and Shipping Group and the Guangdong Travel Holding Group, who have unveiled a new brand called 66 Degrees Expeditions.
The company’s inaugural polar cruise is scheduled for May 2025, with initial trips focused on the Arctic. This venture aligns with China’s growing interest in expanding its presence in the polar regions, building on the launch of new research programs and vessels in both the Arctic and Antarctic.
Polar expedition cruising, a rapidly expanding sector of the cruise industry, has seen increased involvement from luxury brands like Viking and Seabourn. This has shifted the market from basic expeditions to high-end, luxury ships. China’s state media reports a projected 180 % rise in polar tourism in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with an expected annual growth rate of 20 %.
Source: Polar Latitudes/X
The first ship for 66 Degrees Expeditions will be the 6 750 gross-ton vessel Poseidon, originally built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1990 for polar expeditions. Formerly known as Seaventure and Bremen, this vessel has successfully navigated both the Northeast and Northwest Passages. It will undergo a refit before starting its new service and is classified as “1A Super” for polar ice navigation, the highest rating for passenger ships. The ship will accommodate around 130 passengers on Antarctic voyages, down from its maximum capacity of 160.
The crew aboard Poseidon will be a mix of Chinese and English-speaking staff, catering to an international audience. As part of its future plans, the brand aims to expand its fleet with new ships purpose-built for polar expeditions, contributing to China’s shipbuilding growth. China Merchant Heavy Industries (CMHI) has been constructing smaller luxury expedition vessels since 2019 and plans to complete its current seven-vessel series by August 2025.
66 Degrees Expeditions reflects China’s growing demand for luxury global cruise experiences, particularly in the polar tourism market. The brand’s mission is to offer “international quality, Chinese friendship,” highlighting China’s ambition to play a leading role in global cruise tourism.
