Panama-flagged cruise ship Resorts World One, with over 1,800 holiday makers aboard, docked at Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Terminal on Monday, becoming the first international cruise ship to visit south China's coastal resort city following a three-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The passengers, who boarded the cruise ship in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, were presented with flowers and gifts by representatives of Sanya's authorities at a welcome ceremony held at the port.

The cruise ship was on the winter route between Hong Kong and Sanya, which resumed international cruise ship operations on Sept 19.

Sanya's border inspection department coordinated with customs authorities to facilitate customs procedures for the cruise passengers' arrival and departure.