Travelers enjoy activities on board. [Photo by Xu Lin/China Daily]

The central government, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Hainan and Fujian provinces have introduced policies to boost development of the cruise industry, he says, and more domestic corporations are teaming up with cruise companies to provide shipbuilding, operation and talent training.

Many overseas cruises have adapted to cater to the demands of Chinese customers eager to enjoy themselves with friends or families. Chinese travelers can have a square dance or play mahjong. Also, cruises are hiring Chinese crews and teaching simple Chinese to foreign crews.

"As a growing number of international cruise brands enter China, the market needs a brand that can combine local features with the international elements," Fan Min, vice-chairman of Ctrip and chairman of Skysea Cruise Line says.

"It's the best time for domestic cruise companies like us as the market is mature. We have the local teams that know more about the China market."

Skysea's investors include the Chinese online travel agency Ctrip and the US-based Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, which operate the cruises together. The company is planning to have a second ship in China.