Shanghai cruise terminal takes shape

SHANGHAI The Grand Hall of the Shanghai International Cruise Terminal is expected to open by April, enabling faster customs and immigration services for travellers.

Works on refurbishing and expanding the cruise terminal began in 2006 and the 130,000 sqm terminal is expected to be completed next year.

The city has enjoyed rapid development of its passengerline economy over the past three
years with advances in port construction, port immigration police said.

City authorities have said that more than 100 international cruise liners will make stops in
Shanghai this year, up from 92 moorings last year.

However, while Shanghai is staking a claim as a cruise hub, there is currently just one
passenger liner that uses it as a home port.

The Costa Allegra is slated to depart from the city 50 times this year, carrying about
50,000 tourists.