Advanced Hybrid Cruise Ship Debuts in Yichang

By Yan Wanqin.

The Vista Harmony, a hybrid-powered cruise ship, arrived at Yichang's Ninth Wharf on April 10, passing through a 15-meter ceremonial water gate to mark its debut.
 

Built by Yichang Xinhui Shipyard for the Three Gorges Tourism Group, the ship represents a 300 million yuan investment. It measures 150 meters long and 23 meters wide, accommodating 650 passengers in 259 smart cabins.

Equipped with an extended-range hybrid power system featuring a 2,580 kWh battery—the largest capacity on any domestic cruise ship—the Vista Harmony offers a range of 1,500 kilometers. Central DC inverter technology and secondary energy recovery reduce air-conditioning energy consumption by over 20 percent, while air-cushion shock absorption and high-performance sound insulation provide a quiet cabin environment.

The ship's smart features are powered by Huawei's HarmonyOS. Passengers enter cabins using facial recognition, and lighting and curtains adjust automatically. AI sensors monitor passenger movement to control lighting, and smart cameras detect falls, triggering automatic alerts to the front desk for emergency response.
 

On its debut day, the Vista Harmony received accreditation from the Golden Keys International Alliance, becoming the only inland river cruise ship in China to join the prestigious hospitality network. Passengers enjoy high-star hotel service from terminal arrival through cabin check-in.

The ship will operate between Yichang and Chongqing, offering low-carbon tours through the Three Gorges.

Yang Jing, Chen Xiangrui also contributed to this story.