Viking Cruises announced three new itineraries that will take guests to exclusive destinations in China in 2024. The sailings will operate from September to November on Viking Yi Dun. She will be the first ship dedicated to the foreign market to operate domestic voyages in China
Viking Yi Dun – formerly Viking Sun – will offer voyages ranging from 10 to 20 days and explore some of China’s most iconic cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Each sailing will include a domestic sailing of China’s coast highlighting rarely-seen destinations and ports never before offered to international visitors. Each voyage offers The Viking Way of exploration. The Viking Way includes immersive experiences into the people, history and culture of China.
“We are proud that Viking will be the first to operate domestic sailings in China for international travelers. Our guests are curious travelers who are interested in experiences that broaden their mind—and China, with one of the richest cultures in the world, has been inspiring travelers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “For more than 15 years, our Yangtze River voyages were among our highest-rated itineraries. We brought guests to China’s Yangtze River, to Beijing, to the Great Wall, to the Terra Cotta Warriors and to many other iconic places in this captivating nation. We introduced the real China to our guests, and visiting local school children was always a particular highlight. Now, we are delighted to offer such encounters once again with new voyages to a destination that never ceases to capture the imagination.”
First of the new China Voyages is Wonders of China. This voyage is a 20-day roundtrip sailing from Beijing. Guests can meet a Tibetan family in their home, walk the Great Wall and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. The itinerary will sail the scenic coast of Dontou, explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen–a UNESCO World Heritage Site–and visit a UNESCO city of design, Shenzhen.
The next new China voyage is the China Discovery. This is a 10-day voyage from Shanghai to Hong Kong. This itinerary explores the Buddhist shrines of Shoushan and the cliffs of Dongtou. Guests can also follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen or experience Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen.
The third new China Voyage is Classic China & the Coast. This is a 15-day voyage between Beijing and Hong Kong. This voyage includes the experiences of Viking’s 10-day China Discovery with the opportunity to see many iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terra Cotta warriors, as well as experience the diversity of languages, cultures and cuisines while sailing China’s coastline.
Viking Yi Dun is a “small ship” with 465 all-veranda staterooms that can accommodate 930 guests. Because she is a “small ship” she has the ability to dock where larger ships cannot. She includes a theater, a spa, two pools, lounges and a free guided tour at each port of call. Like her sister ships, Viking Yi Dun offers free meals and room service from its restaurants.