Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding has secured an order for two firm cruise ships plus three options from Norway's Nor Cruises, the agreement announced at the SMM 2026 maritime trade fair. The deal marks a further expansion of the Chinese shipyard's presence in the cruise shipbuilding sector, adding a European operator to its client base. Details on the vessels' size, specifications and delivery schedule have not yet been disclosed. The order structure, with two confirmed units and options for three additional ships, gives Nor Cruises flexibility to expand its fleet depending on future demand. Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, has been building up its cruise ship capabilities in recent years as Chinese yards seek a larger share of a market long dominated by European builders. The company delivered China's first large domestically built cruise ship, Adora Magic City, and has pursued additional orders to establish itself in the segment. SMM, held in Shanghai, serves as a key venue for shipbuilders, owners and suppliers to announce new contracts and cooperation agreements. The order with Nor Cruises adds to a growing list of cruise shipbuilding contracts secured by Chinese yards as the country's shipbuilding industry pushes further into higher-value vessel categories beyond bulk carriers and container ships.