Silk Road cruise stimulates interest in China

A series of programs featuring traditional Chinese culture, such as tea, painting, calligraphy, opera and sculpture were hosted on the cruise Majestic Princess.[Photo by Yang Feiyue/China Daily]

A majority of them will end up in China to enjoy culture, especially after being exposed to those Chinese performances on the ship, says Terri Cybuliak, hotel general manager on the ship.

"Guests on board will also enjoy easy access to in-depth tours in those Chinese cities (Xiamen and Hong Kong) through the ports," Cybuliak adds.

"Our audience have viewed a lot of the performances," says Anthony Kaufman, executive vice-president of Princess Cruises, "and we've had standing ovations onboard the ship when the performers have given their presentation".

Passengers have often interacted with performers onstage.

"These kinds of programs with the friendship association are exactly the programs we would love to present our guests in future," Kaufman says.

The "East Meets West" international offerings along the "Silk Road Sea Route" will largely continue for Chinese guests.

This includes award-winning international cuisine from chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants and Camp Discovery, a youth-enrichment program developed with The Discovery Channel and the California Science Center in Los Angeles, according to Kaufman.

When Majestic Princess arrives in Shanghai on Sunday, more Chinese cuisine and Chinese staff will be added to complement the international staff on the ship.

"We'll officially premiere our all-new production show, Fantastic Journey, the biggest and most advanced Broadway-style musical ever staged at sea," Kaufman says.