(Yicai Global) Nov. 19 -- The Chinese joint venture of Carnival, a US-based international cruise line operator, is all set to restart sailings after the pandemic disrupted the global cruise industry, China News Service reported today.

“With the business and other core team members in place, CSSC Carnival is ready to resume operations as soon as cruise travel resumes in the Chinese market,” the report quoted the JV’s Managing Director Chen Ranfeng as saying.

Princess Cruise China’s former general manager, Wang Ping, will also come on board as senior vice president at Hong Kong-based CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping, tasked with expanding sales, marketing and business operations, the report added.

The JV was formed in 2018. China State Shipbuilding owns 60 percent and Carnival the remainder. Its fleet will consist of the Costa Atlantic and Costa Mediterranea, two vessels with a total tonnage of 85,861.

The Costa Atlantic, capable of carrying 2,210 guests, is expected to be delivered on Dec. 1 and the Costa Mediterranea will be delivered on May 1. The company has also ordered two more Vista-type vessels, with receipt of the first expected in 2023. 

Editor: Tom Litting