Former Viking Sun to Become First Cruise Ship to Visit Xiamen in 2023

Former Viking Sun to Become First Cruise Ship to Visit Xiamen in 2023

The former Viking Sun will become the first cruise ship to dock in Xiamen in 2023 when it arrives at the Chinese port on March 22.

Now named Zhao Shang Yi Dun, the vessel currently offers domestic cruising in China for China Merchants Viking Cruises, a joint venture between China Merchants Shekou and Viking Cruises.

According to the local media, the visit to Xiamen is part of a new cruise in Southern China named “Southeast Coast Cultural Journey.”

Linking Shenzhen to Shanghai, the one-way itinerary includes three days docked at the port, as well as a visit to Zhoushan and three days at sea.

Also operating on the opposite way, the eight-day cruise is said to offer guests the opportunity to discover the art, culture and scenery of the region.

In Xiamen, passengers can participate on an included excursion that visits the Huihe Stone Cultural Park, where a stone sculpture museum is located. Guests are also able to use a free shuttle bus service offered by China Merchants Viking Cruises, linking the ship to the city’s main attractions.

Designed to offer luxury cruising, the Zhao Shang Yi Dun was formerly operated by Viking Ocean Cruises and originally entered service in 2017.

After being acquired by China Merchants Viking Cruises in 2021, the 930-guest vessel was adapted to offer an adjusted experience, focusing on the Chinese guests.

According to the company, the entertainment and enrichment content, as well as food and beverage experiences onboard were customized to cater to the local public.

In 2022, the Zhao Shang Yi Dun also became the first cruise ship to operate in Xiamen after the COVID-19 operational pause. After a 900-day gap, the vessel opened the local port for domestic cruising on July 2.

Sailing under the Chinese flag, the 930-guest vessel continues to be the only cruise ship in revenue service in China.

Cruising Returns to Xiamen, China

Cruising Returns to Xiamen, China

After a 900-day gap, Xiamen, China, is now officially opened for domestic cruising, according to a local news report.

On July 2, the former Viking Sun, now operating as the Zhao Shang Yi Dun, marked the return of cruise operations to the Chinese port as part of a new itinerary in the region.

The five-night cruise departs from Shenzhen and includes a call in Xiamen, in addition to two full days at sea.

After leaving the Viking fleet last year, the Zhao Shang Yi Dun has been offering domestic cruising in China since October 2021.

At the time, the 930-passenger vessel - which is now operated by a joint-venture between Viking and China Merchants Shekou – kicked off a program of cruises to Sanya.

The ship’s new operation is hoped to revive the cruise economy and the cultural tourism industry in Xiamen, the news report added.

Previously one of the biggest homeports in the country, the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal had been out of service since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While a new 68,000-square meter cruise terminal is set to be completed later this year, the port’s current facilities underwent a renovation before the return of the cruise passengers.

The port is also undergoing a major development project known as the Sea World. The commercial building complex is expected to open in September and was planned to, among other goals, improve the core competitiveness and influence of the region. 

In 2019, before the outbreak of the pandemic, Xiamen is said to have received a total of 136 cruise ships, in addition to 413,700 passengers.

Sailing under the Chinese flag, the Zhao Shang Yi Dun is currently the only cruise ship in revenue service in China.

While international brands redeployed vessels that were previously sailing in the country, local cruise operators continue to have their entire fleets in operational pause.

Fincantieri Delivers New Viking Venus

Fincantieri has delivered the new Viking Venus to Viking ahead of the ship's debut in the UK in May.

The 930-guest ship was delivered on Thursday in Ancona. 

It's the seventh in a series of up to 16 930-guest ships being built for the Torstein Hagen-led cruise company. 

The Viking Star was delivered in 2015 and was quickly followed by the Viking Sea, Sky, Sun, Orion and Jupiter, with another nine ships set to follow, plus two 378-guest expedition ships from Fincantieri-owned VARD.

Viking Eyes Guinness Record with 245-Day World Cruise

Viking guests will embark on the new Ultimate World Cruise itinerary, a 245-day journey including six continents, 51 countries and 111 ports.

Sailing from London on the Viking Sun, the longest-ever continuous cruise will fully circumnavigate the globe before returning to London in May 2020.

In beginning this journey, Viking will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the “longest continuous passenger cruise," according to a press release. 

Upon the return of Viking Sun to London next year, an official Adjudicator will confirm the successful attempt with a certificate presentation. 

“For more than 20 years we have been committed to connecting travellers to culturally immersive experiences that allow them to explore the world in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our Ultimate World Cruise is the most extensive itinerary available in the industry, nearly double the length of our previous world cruise itineraries. I am pleased to offer such a unique experience for our guests.” 

The cruise includes overnight stays in 23 cities.

Amsterdam Marks Year of Maiden Visits

The Port of Amsterdam has a long list of inaugural cruise ship visitors in 2018 including the Viking Sea, Mein Schiff 1, Star Breeze, Aegean Odyssey, Viking Sun, Berlin, Le Laperouse and Le Champlain.

“And of course, we are excited that some of our existing clients increased the number of calls in Amsterdam. As well, we are happy that Disney Cruise Line is calling in Amsterdam this year,” said Dick de Graaff, commercial director.

The year should total 186 cruise calls for 400,000 passengers as the industry grows and Amsterdam becomes an increasingly popular cruise call. If the current growth rate continues, the city could see around 250 calls annually by 2023.

The port accommodates as many vessels as it can at its passenger terminal, and is transparent about other berth solutions for conflicts, advised de Graaf.

“We want to keep an open dialogue with our clients; we want to be transparent in our policies and find suitable solutions for all parties,” he said. “That means discussing challenges such as over tourism and sustainability; working together is key to profitable business for both ports and cruise companies.”

A potential bridge project in Amsterdam could make things complicated for the turning basin that big ships use. If the bridge were to be built (at the northern part of the city), the port authority is investigating options for building a new terminal for big ships and using its existing terminal and quay for smaller vessels. A decision is expected by the end of the year.

Among other challenges is a potential head tax on both transit passengers, with the port working closely with legal advisors and the Cruise Lines International Association, a non-profit group headquartered in Washington D.C., to combat the issue.

“And there is a challenge about the increasing pressure on over tourism,” continued de Graff. “Cruise ships are very visible, but they only count for less than 1 per cent of the total number of visitors in Amsterdam.”

Three Inaugural Calls for Dover in May

The Port of Dover saw three first-time cruise calls in May, highlighted by the Viking Sun and also including the Deutschland and Zenith. 

The ships were greeted in true Dover Cruise style with a water salute from Dover Tugs Doughty and Dauntless, the port said.

In addition, the first bank holiday weekend saw the historic Western Docks at full capacity for the first time since 2016 with three cruise ships berthed together.

There was also a call from the expedition vessel, the Silver Cloud. The ship's guests enjoyed a unique kayaking experience to view the iconic White Cliffs up close.

Holland America Line's Prinsendam arrived in port on the Royal Wedding day on Saturday, May 19 to a celebratory great British Street Party in Cruise Terminal Two.

"Complimentary tempting food and drink were provided along with musical entertainment from the talented Nick Bosworth on piano and keyboard. Life-size cardboard figures of the Royal Family were positioned in the terminal where guests enjoyed taking selfies with them creating unique holiday memories. It was marvellous to see the affection passengers from all over the world have for our Royal Family," the port said.

Viking Takes Delivery of Fifth Ocean Ship

PHOTO: Infinity pool on Viking Cruises ship (photo courtesy Viking Cruises)

Viking took delivery of Viking Orion today at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy.

The line’s fifth ocean ship will be officially named in Livorno, Italy June 14, with retired NASA astronaut Dr Anna Fisher serving as the ship’s ceremonial godmother. Dr Fisher’s work on NASA's Orion exploration vehicle project inspired the ship’s name.

Viking Orion will spend her maiden season in the Mediterranean. She’ll then venture to Australia, Asia, and Alaska, where she’ll be the line’s first ship to call on The Great Land.

"Today we celebrate the delivery of our fifth ocean ship, just three years after launching our ocean business," said Torstein Hagen, Viking chairman. "We are pleased to welcome Viking Orion to our award-winning fleet and look forward to introducing more guests to the Viking way of travel, through culturally-immersive and destination-focused itineraries as we expand to new destinations in Asia and Alaska."

Viking Orion features a modern Scandinavian-inspired design; two pools, including an infinity pool off the stern, and an expansive Spa with a sauna and snow grotto.

Viking Orion joins a fleet consisting of Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky and Viking Sun. The 465-stateroom vessels accommodate 930 guests. Viking Jupiter will debut in spring 2019. Ten additional ships are set for delivery beginning in 2021.

All cruise fares include a complimentary shore excursion in every port. Also included are beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; alternative restaurant dining; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.

Viking and Fincantieri shipbuilding yard agree on a deal for six new ocean ships

Viking and Fincantieri shipbuilding yard agree on a deal for six new ocean ships

Viking has agreed to a deal with Fincantieri Shipyard to build six new ocean ships.

The agreement with the Italian manufacturer for the new vessels would increase the ship’s ocean fleet to 16 if all the options are taken up.

Viking revealed the six additional ships will be delivered between 2024 and 2027.

In a statement, Viking said the agreement is subject to “specific conditions”.

The announcement comes ahead of Viking’s officially naming its fourth ocean ship, Viking Sun, on March 8 in Shanghai.

The ocean fleet will welcome two more ships in the next two years, including Viking Orion in June 2018.

Ten additional ships are now on order for delivery starting in 2021, which will bring the ocean fleet to 16 vessels by 2027.

Torstein Hagen, Viking’s chairman, said the latest ship order from the line was in response to the positive feedback Viking had from its passengers and the industry.

He said: “As we continue to expand our brand, we look forward to bringing guests to more destinations around the world and introducing them to the Viking way of exploration.”

Viking Comes Home, Names New Ship

PHOTO: Viking Cruises' Viking Sun makes its inaugural call on Los Angeles, California. (photo by Jason Leppert)

On its first-ever world voyage, Viking Cruises just made its inaugural call on Los Angeles. For a company that started as a river line based in the California city, the event marks a full circle for what has become a very successful ocean line as well.

During a day tour of the line’s newest Viking Sun, Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, also announced the next name for its ocean ships.

In 2019, Viking Jupiter will embark on a pair of fresh South America itineraries. The 22-day Southern Atlantic Crossing will head from Barcelona to Buenos Aires twice a year stopping in Morocco, Senegal, Brazil and Uruguay along the way. The 18-day South America & the Chilean Fjords one will visit Uruguay, the Falkland Islands and Chile around Cape Horn from Buenos Aires to Santiago six times a year. The new routes are on sale now.

The ship will be the sixth sister-ship following the Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun and upcoming Viking Orion launching in June 2018. By the time Jupiter is introduced in February 2019, Viking will be the largest small ship cruise line.

Remarkably, four more yet-to-be-named sisters are set to follow in January 2021, February 2022, September 2022 and April 2023—making for a total fleet of ten—and apparently, the company does not intend to stop there.

It's no secret Viking was pursuing hydrogen as a possible fuel source for future ships. While we originally suspected that might be a new form of propulsion for one of the currently scheduled ships, Hagen has now indicated that any alternative form of propulsion will potentially be implemented for ship number 11 and beyond.

While zero-emission hydrogen is clearly preferred, he said methanol and LNG are being considered as well. A final decision on which direction future vessels take is expected in the next year or so.

Either way, several additional ships are likely on their way. A photo of Hagen with Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, shows the two holding up their hands—each with every finger extended, in celebration of the first 10 options ordered. Between the two of them, twenty fingers can be counted in total, which may foreshadow many more.

The message is clear no matter how it all plays out: Viking Cruises is now a major ocean operator.

“We have always been a travel company that focuses on exploration and cultural immersion,” added Hagen, in a press release.

“In the last two decades we have led the industry in river cruising, and as we become the leading small ship ocean cruise line we have an opportunity to introduce many new travellers to the Viking way of exploration. Our new ‘Did You Know?’ campaign is aimed at inspiring people who may not yet know what makes us so different in the industry, why we are the most award-winning cruise line and how we can provide more included value than any other cruise company.”

While all the ocean ships are advertised as identical—and they nearly are—there are a few small differences. The Sky was modified a bit from the Star and Sea mostly with a larger fitness centre and smaller salon, plus a few retail and sports deck reconfigurations, and the Sun carries those over. Upon very close inspection, the newest ship has also newly added table tennis to the latter and retooled the Cruise Consultant desk a tad.

Specifically for the world cruise, there’s one of six ageing casks of “Linje” Aquavit on display in The Viking Living Room atrium as well as special merchandise available to buy in the gift shop. A cool new “Nordic Style” coffee table book further showcases the ships’ signature Scandinavian decor.

Name change: Viking ocean ship to be called Orion

The Viking Orion at its float-out in Ancona, Italy.

NEW YORK -- Viking Cruises said the fifth in its series of 930-passenger ocean ships will be named Viking Orion. The vessel is due in July 2018.

The line had previously referred to the ship as the Viking Spirit.

Viking chairman Torstein Hagen announced the name swap during a press event aboard the Viking Sky here.

The name of a planet, Mercury, was also considered, Hagen said, but "since our ambitions are unlimited, we decided on a constellation."

Also fitting the space theme, Hagen said that retired astronaut Anna Fisher will be the ship's godmother when it debuts in July 2018.

Fisher was in Italy last week for the ship's float-out ceremony at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard.

The Orion will spend its first year sailing Mediterranean, Asia, Australia and Alaska itineraries.

Viking, well known as a river cruise company, entered the ocean cruise business with the launch of the Viking Star in 2015. It was followed by the Viking Sky and Viking Sea, with the Viking Sun expected to debut next month.

Hagen said the company's growth will make it the "largest small-ship ocean line" ocean line by 2019, with 5,580 lower berths, making it larger than both Oceania Cruises and Silversea.

Viking's river ship building is also full-speed ahead: Hagen also said at the event that the company would introduce seven new river ships in 2019.

Viking Planning World’s First Liquid Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship

Illustration courtesy Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises has revealed that it is developing what could become the world’s first cruise powered by liquid hydrogen.

The company announced the plan Friday at the Safety at Sea Conference held in Haugesund, Norway.

The proposed hydrogen-powered cruise ship will be built based on existing cruise ship designs, such as the Viking Sun. It will be around 230 meters long and will accommodate more than 900 passengers and a crew of 500, according to Viking.

“This is a world sensation. Very exciting. If they pull this off, a distribution network may be established, which will enable others as well to use hydrogen as fuel, and could contribute to a zero-emission shipping industry,” says Director General of Shipping and Navigation, Olav Akselsen.

Viking says it has been working with the Norwegian International Ship Register on this and several other new projects in recent years. If developed, the new vessel will be registered in Norway.

“The ship will fly the Norwegian flag, which means that we have to vouch for the safety being just as good as on conventional ships. We believe that it is possible to solve those issues. We probably have a way to go before all the technical solutions are in place, but this is a very concrete project which has a high priority at Viking Cruises,” says Akselsen.

So far liquid hydrogen has never been used as a marine fuel, according to Viking Cruises. One of the technical challenges will be keeping the fuel at minus 253 degrees to keep it from evaporating. A fuel cell will convert the hydrogen to electricity for propulsion and electric power on board. Hydrogen is also a very explosive gas, and protection against gas leaks is an important part of the safety requirements for the fuel, Viking said.

“At Viking, we have always endeavoured to look forward and to be at the forefront with regard to green shipping. As a Norwegian and with Norwegian ships, we want to lead the way to zero-emission ships through fuel cell technology. The road to that point is still long, but here at Viking we want to be ahead of the game,” says Chairman of Viking Cruises, Torstein Hagen.

Currently, liquid hydrogen is not produced on a large scale in Europe, but Serge Fossati, a project manager for Viking, explained that Viking Cruises is in dialogue with Statoil in order to find a solution based on a Norwegian refinery. It also emerged that Viking wants to use Norwegian suppliers for the project as much as possible, and several tender ships to carry the fuel to the cruise ship are also part of the project, according to Viking.

Fourth Viking Ocean Cruises ship floated out

Fourth Viking Ocean Cruises ship floated out

Viking Ocean Cruises’ fourth ship has been floated out a year before its planned debut.

The 930-passenger Viking Sun is under construction at Fincantieri’s in Italy.

The vessel is due to enter service in late 2017 in the Caribbean before undertaking a 141-day world cruise covering 35 countries and 66 ports.

Yi Lou, vice president of China Merchant Bank Financial Leasing (CMBFL), served as Viking Sun’s madrina during the float out ceremony.

Viking Cruises chairman Torstein Hagen said: “It is always a proud moment for the entire Viking family when a new ship meets water for the first time.

“CMBFL is an important partner, and we wanted to honour our relationship by naming one of their executives as madrina to our newest ship.”