Costa Atlantica recently departed from Tianjin with more than 2,000 guests, starting China's first 46-day cruise to South Pacific Islands. [Photo provided to China Daily]

During the cruise, passengers will explore 12 islands in nine countries, including Saipan Island in the United States and Fiji's capital, Suva.

In line with China's Belt and Road Initiative, the cruise company Costa Asia worked with Chinese travel agency Caissa Touristic to launch the cruise.

The voyage is expected to help to promote travel, cultural and business links.

Last year, Costa Atlantica took Chinese travelers on China's first 86-day voyage around the globe, visiting as many as 28 destinations.

More than 100 passengers who went on the world cruise chose to sail with Costa Atlantica.

Zheng Zeping, 60, from Beijing, said she and her husband enjoyed themselves so much last year that they decided to travel again and celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary on board.