Chinese companies Guangdong Travel Holding Group and Guangdong Port and Shipping Group have launched what they claim is China's first polar expedition cruise line - "66 Degrees Expeditions".
The new venture will begin operations in May 2025, offering polar expedition cruises, with initial itineraries focused on the Arctic.
The company will operate the 1990-built MS Seaventure which has max capacity 168 passengers. The ship was originally operated by Germany's Hapag-Lloyd Cruises under the name Bremen and was sold to Switzerland-based Scylla in 2019 before being acquired by its current Chinese owners earlier this year. The vessel has undergone a series of upgrades, with the latest completed in 2022.
In addition to the Seaventure, 66 Degrees Expeditions plans to introduce newbuilds to expand its operations, offering both Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
The vessel will be crewed by both Chinese- and English-speaking staff to accommodate a diverse passenger base.