When Viking introduced its fourth ocean ship in 2017, it was originally christened as Viking Sun — but all that changed in 2021, when the ship was renamed Zhao Shang Yi Dun and reregistered in Qianhai, Shenzhen (China), for the domestic Chinese cruise market. (This approach was similarly applied to several of Viking’s earliest longship riverboats in order to cater to Chinese tourists sailing in Europe.)
Now, however, the line has announced that it will operate sailings in China for international travelers — including the U.S. market — with a trio of new itineraries setting sail this September through November. Paired with newly opened bookings through 2026 and additional pre- and post-cruise extensions, there are plenty of new Viking offerings for clients to get excited about.
Below are the latest announcements from the line.
New Sailings in China
The newly dubbed Viking Yi Dun remains reminiscent of the line’s other Scandinavian-style ocean ships, but it will be dedicated specifically to international travelers cruising in China.
“We are proud that Viking will be the first to operate domestic sailings in China for international travelers,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. “Our guests are curious travelers who are interested in experiences that broaden their minds — and China, with one of the richest cultures in the world, has been inspiring travelers for centuries."
The new itineraries in China will range from 10 to 20 days in length and are scheduled from September to November 2024. The tours visit iconic destinations including Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The 10-day China Discovery route will head from Shanghai to Hong Kong (Shenzhen); the 15-day Classic China & the Coast tour will go between Beijing, Xian and Hong Kong (Shenzhen); and the 20-day Wonders of China itinerary will travel roundtrip from Beijing.
According to Viking, “each itinerary also includes a domestic sailing of China’s coast that highlights rarely-seen destinations and ports to which only Viking has access — something that has never before been offered for international visitors.”
Viking Opens Bookings Through 2026
Recognizing that many other 2024 departures are already sold out and that 2025 trips are also selling quickly (thanks to strong demand from the North American segment), Viking has opened up bookings through 2026. This includes sailing dates for what will be the company’s 12th ocean ship, Viking Vesta, which is set to debut in July 2025.
“We have always done things a bit differently,” Hagen said. “At Viking, we are contrarians. We design travel experiences for thinking people, with no children and no casinos. We are pleased that our approach has resonated with so many — and with the addition of the Viking Vesta to our ocean fleet, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the Viking way of exploration.”
Classic itineraries to be repeated by Viking include everything from the line’s 8-day Iconic Western Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona, Spain, to Rome to its 15-day Viking Homelands circuit from Stockholm, Sweden, to Bergen. Vesta specifically will sail the line’s new 16-day Malta, Morocco & the Mediterranean itinerary roundtrip from Barcelona to the likes of Valletta, Malta; Tunis, Tunisia; Algiers, Algeria; and Casablanca, Morocco.
New Pre- and Post-Cruise Extensions
Statistically, more than 45% of Viking guests tack extensions onto their cruise vacation, and to cater to that demand, new pre- and post-cruise options have been planned, including fully guided, three-night extensions in Barcelona, Istanbul, London, Rome, Stockholm and Venice for 2024 and 2025. Clients can expect the line’s signature “Privileged Access” to museums, regional cuisine, market visits and cooking courses, as well as additional optional excursions.
La Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter will be on the agenda in Barcelona, while guests in Istanbul can visit the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. In London, travelers will see the British Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, and go to the Borough Market with none other than Celia Brooks, a television chef and culinary author. Roman highlights will include Vatican City, other museums and pasta making, while Venetian sights will extend to the Grand Canal, Rialto Fish Market and, of course, St. Mark’s Square. Meanwhile, Stockholm will showcase the cuisine of Ostermalmshallen food hall and the history of City Hall.
