The post-pandemic resurgence of international cruises hit a snag when MSC Cruises’ MSC Glory, departing from Shanghai on March 16 for its maiden voyage, was flooded with negative reports within a month. Chinese media like Global Times highlighted passenger complaints about chaotic dining scenes—including food grabbing, waste, and even spitting—with many netizens attributing the issues to middle-aged and elderly tourists born in the 1950s-60s, despite their relatively high incomes.
Analysts cite three key factors:
Institutional gaps: China lacks a systematic tourism etiquette education system, leaving some visitors unaware of basic courtesies.
Commercial mindsets: As a premium product, cruises may attract cost-conscious tourists who prioritize value over conduct.
Cultural perceptions: Traditional views treating travel as unrestrained leisure contribute to behavioral lapses.
By contrast, Western markets like Royal Caribbean benefit from decades of development, ingrained travel habits, and education systems emphasizing civic literacy. To address the issue, experts propose:
Implement mandatory tourism etiquette training for passengers.
Establish industry standards to regulate behavior, including dining protocols.
Strengthen oversight with fines for violations.
Promote quality-oriented consumption mindsets through marketing.
While the incident has sparked debates on “whether Chinese tourists are ready for cruise culture,” industry insiders stress that market maturity requires time. As China’s cruise sector evolves—with 80% of global cruise lines now operating in the country—combined efforts in education, regulation, and cultural adaptation will be key to fostering civilized travel habits. The challenge lies in balancing rapid market growth with the cultivation of tourist literacy, a process that mirrors broader societal development.
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