Long a favoured destination for international hotels and resorts, Sanya is receiving a growing number of international cruise passengers.
Costa Cruises and Holland America call at the Sanya Phoenix International Cruise Terminal, bringing a variety of visitors to the city. Hong Kong-based Star Cruises does not visit Sanya.
Earlier this year, two Costa ships, Costa Classica and Costa Victoria, sailed to Sanya on nine and six occasions respectively.
The Costa Victoria offers shorter itineraries of seven days to accommodate Asian guests who do not have long holidays.
Within the region, the company is targeting the mainland, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong, according to a Costa Cruises spokesman.
'Our fleet offers facilities for guests of all ages and backgrounds. Onboard Costa Victoria, the fleet's largest ship yet to be deployed in Asia, guests will enjoy a diverse range of activities; whether it is sport or recreation, live entertainment, fine dining or spa facilities - we look to tailor onboard and offshore activities.'
For families, the company says it offers Asia's only 'kids-cruise-free' plan, where youngsters under 18, sharing a cabin with two full-paying adults, only need to pay port charges.