The Viking Yi Dun ocean cruise ship was officially launched in Shanghai today ahead of its inaugural nine night coastal cruise to Hong Kong.
The event was scheduled to take place dockside, but was moved to the Star Theatre inside the ship when a rainstorm hit the city.
Shanghai tourism officials and local dignitaries warmly welcomed Torstein Hagen, Viking’s Chairman and CEO and praised Viking’s initiative in helping to bring more western tourists to China.
Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.Hagen said China has always been important for Viking since 2004 when his line started operating river cruises on the Yangtze River, bringing more than 180,000 guests, mainly from America.
“In 2020 Viking began a joint venture with China Merchants and we very much appreciate this partnership”, he added.
“Yi Dun, formerly Viking Sun is seven years old but when I came aboard it still looks as new, so I want to complement our Chinese partners for taking good care of our ship”.
Hagen said “Viking has employed about 1,000 staff in China, which is not insignificant. This is only the beginning and our main focus now is on getting foreigners to come to China, we have a bright future ahead of us with great support from the various government authorities here in Shanghai”.
Lead image: Torstein Hagen, Viking Chairman and CEO, with daughter Karine and China Tourism officials.
