China's first cruise ship centered on a city's specialty product officially sets sail on April 24 in Yantai. [Photo/WeChat account: ytwlgw]
An apple-themed cruise ship — China's first vessel inspired by a city's signature agricultural product — officially set sail from Chefoo Bay Square Pier in Yantai, East China’s Shandong province, on April 24.
The ship, developed by Yantai Feiyang Passenger Transport and Hongkou 1920 Historical and Cultural Block, features apple red and ocean blue colors, apple decorations, and a mascot named "Xiong Guoguo".
Retrofitted from the "Xunxian 108", its first floor hosts exhibitions of apple culture, while the second floor sells apple-themed products and fresh fruit. The open deck offers scenic views along the journey, which passes Yantai Mountain, Binhai Square, Moon Bay, East Fort, Wofo Island, Biandan Island, and Chefoo Island. The whole cruise lasts about 60 minutes.
The ship is colored apple red and ocean blue, decorated with the mascot "Xiong Guoguo". [Photo/China Shandong News]
The cruise operates until Oct 8, with daily departures at 10 am and 2 pm. Tickets start at 89 yuan ($12.4), originally priced at 150 yuan. During the May Day holiday, a 70-minute night cruise will be added.
Leveraging Yantai's apple industry, the city is developing fruit-themed tourism IPs, connecting orchards, streets, and seaside sightseeing. The apple-themed ship and another cruise vessel will offer charter, study tour, and team-building services, enriching marine tourism and promoting transportation-tourism integration.
