"Although international cruise travel is yet to resume at Chinese ports including Shanghai, we believe related Chinese government divisions are actively making preparations for the reopening," said Liu Zinan, chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises for Asia.

According to Liu, it may take between six months to a year for international cruise operators to fully recover their cruise business in the country after the implementation of related regulations and policies. And it may take at least another year for the market to return to the level of 2019.

"International cruise travel not only makes an important contribution to industrial and economic development, but also plays an active role in promoting international cultural exchanges and communication. Royal Caribbean Cruises extremely looks forward to resuming business in the China market as soon as possible," Liu said.

The Chinese-flagged ship China Merchants-Yidun is a joint venture between China Merchants Shekou and Switzerland-based cruise line operator Viking Cruises. It is the first high-end cruise ship operated and managed independently by China Merchants Viking Cruises.

Before its maiden voyage in October 2021, the vessel had gone through 453 emergency drills, and another 972 emergency exercises since then. A virus prevention and control system was established on the ship to ensure the health and safety of guests and crew members on board, while ensuring the comfort of the cruise experience, according to Liu Fei, a staff captain of the China Merchants-Yidun.

From the sea to the air, direct flights to outbound destinations resumed at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on Sunday, the first day of the summer-autumn aviation season that lasts from March 26 to Oct 28.

"I am so happy that we can start our outbound trips from Hongqiao airport from today," Xiao Lijun, a passenger who was about to check in for her flight to Hong Kong on Sunday, was quoted as saying by media outlet ThePaper.cn.

A man surnamed Guo, who works in art collection, was also excited about his trip to Hong Kong. "I am going to meet some experts tomorrow. We have not met each other for more than three years because of the pandemic, and I am greatly anticipating the reunion," Guo said.

Hongqiao airport plans for 314 outbound flights a week during the new aviation season, 22 more than in the same period of 2019, said Tang Yichen, a vice-general manager with Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.