The operator of China's first self-built large cruise ship Adora Magic City plans to increase the staff ratio of domestic crews to cater to the need of personalized service among a growing Chinese clientele.

The cruise ship, which will begin service in 2024, sails from China to Japan and Korea. Of the approximately 1,300 crew members from more than 30 countries and regions, only about 30 percent are from China, while the Chinese citizens constitute the bulk of the passengers.

Qian Juan, human resources director of Adora Cruises, told China Central Television (CCTV) that the operator is building a predominantly Chinese service team.

"At present, Chinese cruise ships are becoming more and more popular, we would like to gradually increase the proportion of Chinese crew members at all levels, and we will provide professional training for Chinese crew members. The whole team feature Chinese members who are with international perspectives while being highly professional," she said.

China's cruise service industry has faced a shortage of local talents, and the gap is expected to widen as the market surges and domestically produced cruise ships enter service.

Adora Cruises plans to recruit 2,000 cruise professionals in ship operations, hospitality, on-board entertainment and other sections over the next few years. The company is also working with colleges such as Shanghai Maritime University and Tourism College of Zhejiang to place graduates and students in various positions, including pilots and seafarers.

In interviews with CCTV, the Chinese crew members expressed confidence in their career development.

"I am currently the manager of the ship's specialty restaurant. [I majored in] cruise ship operations, which is suitable for this job," said Ren Xiaochuang, manager of the specialty restaurant.

"My job on the ship is activity manager, the short-term career plan is to be promoted to associate cruise director within a couple of years," said Chen Yuqiao, activity manager.

"I graduated from Guangzhou Maritime University, majoring in navigation technology. I am now a third mate intern. There are still three months to go before I get my third mate certificate and become a real cruise ship pilot," said Zhang Xuan, marine intern.

"There are relatively fewer Chinese cruise ship captains, and we will take the captain's certificate exam when we are qualified," said Liu Xinxin, marine intern.