Adora Magic City, China's first domestically built large cruise ship, has been handed over to its operator, Adora Cruises, after all shipboard equipment was installed, China Media Group (CMG) reported on Sunday.

The ship, after eight years of research and five years of design and construction, was named and delivered in Shanghai last month, following which the installation and functional verification of supplies such as artworks, hotel supplies and medical equipment started.

A total of 1,292 crew members from all over the world have boarded the ship to prepare for trial operations and its maiden voyage. It will head for its operational port, the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Shanghai, soon.

After arriving, the ship will set sail for a test voyage to simulate the real one, carrying out comprehensive tests including maritime management and services, Guo Jia, director of business development of Adora Cruises, told CMG.

For official operation, "we have designed international cruise routes from Shanghai to popular tourist destinations in Northeast Asia for our guests. The routes will be further expanded in the future, with more options added such as routes to Southeast Asia and the Belt and Road partner countries," said Guo.

The cruise ship, measuring 323.6 meters in length and 72.2 meters in height, with a gross weight of 135,500 tonnes, can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers in its 2,125 guest rooms.

It is scheduled to begin its maiden voyage on January 1, 2024, marking the beginning of its commercial operation. Tickets have been available since September.