Implementation Path of Standardization in China’s Cruise Industry

Abstract

This paper systematically explores the full framework of China’s cruise port service standard system, which takes the “policy guidance leading, on-site practical verification, gradual nationwide coverage” development path and adheres to three core principles of passenger-centered, safety-first and efficiency-priority. It conducts in-depth analysis of five core technical dimensions: hardware facility standardization, customs clearance process standardization, emergency response system standardization, daily operation management standardization and digital intelligent management standardization, based on verified official data and real operation records of major domestic ports. Guided by the national top-level supporting policies issued in 2025 and 2026, the system has effectively supported Shanghai Wusongkou Port to serve 1.76 million passengers in 2025, accounting for 70% of the national total, and the average berth turnover efficiency has increased by 28% year-on-year. It is projected that the national average cruise berth utilization rate will exceed 60% by 2030, strongly supporting the construction of Shanghai as a globally influential Asia-Pacific regional cruise economic center.