Princess Cruises and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship and Foreign Countries officially begins Majestic Princess’ journey from Rome to China, which will feature a cultural exchange programme called Telling the Chinese Story Along the Silk Road Sea Route.

The 37-day voyage will feature performance groups including the China National Orchestra and the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theatre to entertain more than 6,500 guests on board.

“The Friendship Association aims to enhance international cooperation and promote common development between China and other countries,” said Madame Li, president, Friendship Association. “We continually develop innovative ways to communicate the China story by utilizing more active and engaging programmes to present China’s diverse culture along the Sea Silk Road. Our efforts support the economic development of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiatives and boost the cultural communication between countries along the route.”

Majestic Princess will visit important Silk Road ports in countries including Greece, the United Arab Emirates, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia before arriving in its first Chinese port in Xiamen June 26.

The ship’s home port season begins July 11 in Shanghai, and, in 2018, two 14-day Grand Asia voyages will sail between Shanghai and Singapore, visiting Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.