Viking is taking some bold new steps in China cruising, with a set of new itineraries and cruise extensions, using the Viking Yi-Dun, a ship that is part of its joint venture with a Chinese company, China Merchants.
Built as Viking Sun in 2017, the ship took on its new name and mission in 2021, originally with sailings for the Chinese travel market. It will now add four itineraries aimed at Western visitors, paired with optional before-or-after stays in China.
Three of the itineraries are 'cruisetours,' starting inland in Beijing before heading for the coast. Two are 20-day trips and one is 15 days. The fourth itinerary starts in Shanghai and ends in Hong Kong 10 days later.
The three-to-four day extensions include options in Beijing, Hong Kong and Suzhou/Wuxi. The longest and newest addition is a five-day trip to Mongolia.
In addition to the new ocean cruises, Viking has operated river cruises on the Yangtse River for a number of years, and has also operated Rhine and Danube cruises in Europe aimed at outbound Chinese tourists, with language, cuisine and itineraries aimed at their interest.
Image: Viking Yi-Dun at dock in Shanghai
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