By
Laura Hyde |
Viking has returned to China, with Viking Yi Dun completing its first voyage from Shanghai to Shenzhen.
A celebration was held in Shanghai on 19 September 2024 to welcome the cruise line back, which included numerous cultural performances offering guests onboard Viking Yi Dun an introduction to the country’s traditions. The ship, formerly known as Viking Sun, was welcomed into port on its inaugural voyage by fanfare from local partners and residents in Zhoushan, Dongtou, Pingtan, Xiamen and Shenzhen. The ship has been specifically designed for exploring destinations in China with 465 veranda staterooms, interiors with Scandinavian designs and numerous dining options.
Cruise guests onboard Viking Yi Dun were treated to cultural performances in Shanghai
Viking will sail an array of new itineraries in China highlighting rarely visited destinations and ports to which only Viking has access, according to the cruise line. These itineraries will operate until November.
Between September and November 2025, Viking Yi Dun will sail an expanded programme of Asian itineraries. The 15-day ‘Jewels of Japan and China’ voyage will visit Qingdao and Shanghai in China, Jeju-si in South Korea and Miyazaki in Japan, and will include overnight stays in Hiroshima and Osaka in Japan. The 20-day ‘Classic China Discovery’ itinerary sails from Hong Kong to Beijing in China to give passengers the opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China, Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang (the self-proclaimed first emperor of China), and more.
Viking is offering four 22-day itineraries, including the ‘Pearls of Japan and China’ voyage from Tokyo in Japan to Beijing; the ‘Gems of China and Japan’ cruise from Beijing to Tokyo; the ‘Wonders of China’ roundtrip from Beijing; and the fully guided ‘Best of China’ sailing from Hong Kong to Beijing. These itineraries will offer passengers the opportunity to immerse themselves in Asian culture, traditions and history.
“With its ancient history and rich culture, China is a phenomenal destination that many curious travellers have not yet had the opportunity to experience,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking. “For 15 years, we introduced China to guests on our Yangtze River itineraries. Now, we are proud to offer these exclusive domestic sailings in China, and we look forward to welcoming people to this part of the world in the Viking way.”
The event in Shanghai also celebrated Viking’s new 2025 Asian itineraries