Viking Cruises officially launched its "China Exploration Journey" on September 10, the first coastal cruise route in China specifically designed for inbound guests from Europe and the Americas.
The inaugural event was held at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal in North Bund under the theme “Guests from the Sea, A Journey to the East.”
The cruise will be operated by the Zhao Shang Yi Dun, China's first luxury ocean liner registered under the Chinese flag, with home ports in both Shanghai and Shenzhen.
The route will stop at coastal cities such as Zhoushan, Dongtou, Fuzhou, and Xiamen, offering international tourists a luxurious and immersive exploration of China’s coastline.
The launch marks a major milestone for China's cruise tourism industry, further enhanced by more favorable visa policies and streamlined inbound travel procedures. The "China Exploration Journey" will operate 8 voyages between September and November 2024, introducing international tourists to several coastal cities that are hosting foreign guests for the first time.
Torstein Hagen, Viking Cruises’ Chairman of the Board and CEO, emphasized China’s rich history and growing popularity as a global travel destination.
Viking Cruises has a long-standing history with China, having brought over 165,000 guests through Yangtze River cruises since 2004. This new voyage aims to offer a more in-depth exploration of China for high-end international travelers, Hagen said.
During the event, Viking Cruises, City News Service (CNS), and Shanghai Pass representatives signed an electronic agreement.
CNS, supported by the Shanghai Municipal Government Information Office and Shanghai Daily, is a one-stop service platform providing essential information to international visitors. Viking will integrate CNS services through multiple on-board channels, offering practical travel and policy information.
The Shanghai Pass, developed by Jiushi Group, is a preloaded card for seamless payments across various services in the city, providing convenience to tourists, especially for small transactions in transportation, shopping, and cultural venues.
The cruise launch also supports the broader goal of integrating tourism with culture, sports, and commerce under the "Cruise+" concept.
Hongkou, known as the birthplace of China’s modern cruise industry, aims to expand the cruise sector by creating a comprehensive cruise-centric industrial cluster.
The district is committed to further developing North Bund into a world-class waterfront area, enhancing international cultural exchange, and promoting high-quality economic development.
In the future, Viking Cruises and Hongkou District will continue to explore the integration of commerce, tourism, and culture within the cruise industry, leveraging North Bund’s strategic advantages to meet the evolving demands of domestic and international tourists. The initiative will also contribute to the district's goal of becoming a key showcase for China's modernization efforts.