News

Viking to offer first-of-their-kind China voyages

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 13 January 2024 13 January 2024

Viking has announced three new, first-of-their-kind itineraries that will provide guests with exclusive access to China in 2024. The new voyages range from 10 to 20 days and explore iconic cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Each itinerary also includes a domestic sailing off 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. The new voyages will operate from September to November on the Viking Yi Dun – formerly the Viking Sun – a sister ship featuring the same design and service as all other ocean ships in Viking’s fleet. The Chinese-flagged Viking Yi Dun will be the first ship dedicated specifically to the foreign market to operate domestic sailings in China. Each voyage will offer The Viking Way of exploration, with immersive experiences to introduce guests to the people, history and culture of China, including insightful lectures, Chinese-inspired cuisine and destination experts.

“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.”

New China voyages

– Wonders of China — 20 days; Beijing roundtrip — This comprehensive 20-day cruisetour itinerary delivers China’s main highlights. Guests can meet a Tibetan family at their home, walk on the Great Wall and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Additionally, guests experience the scenic coast of Dongtou and have opportunities to explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Shenzhen, a UNESCO city of design.
– Classic China & the Coast — 15 days; Beijing, Xian – Hong Kong (Shenzhen) — This voyage combines the experiences of Viking’s 10-day China Discovery voyage with opportunity to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors and other iconic landmarks. While sailing China’s coastline, guests can experience a phenomenal diversity in languages, cultures and cuisines.
– China Discovery — 10 days; Shanghai – Hong Kong (Shenzhen) — This 10-day itinerary allows guests to experience the Buddhist shrines of Zhoushan and the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen.

Guests and crew of German cruise ship AIDAbella enjoy Victoria Harbour Fireworks and New Year Party

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 31 December 2023 31 December 2023

As Hong Kong's picturesque Victoria Harbour came alive with a 12-minute New Year Countdown Firework Musical, about 2,000 passengers of German cruise ship AIDAbella berthed at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui took their “front-row seats” on deck to herald in the New Year in a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The pyrotechnic show themed “New Year New Legend”, playing out in a 1,300-metre stretch extending from Central to Causeway Bay, was the biggest and longest yet taking centre-stage at iconic Victoria Harbour. Hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors packed the vantage points along both sides of the harbour to farewell 2023 and ring in 2024.

On the open deck of AIDAbella, cruise guests could relax to enjoy unobstructed views and best camera angles of the firework extravaganza, set against the spectacular skyline of the city that has been made ever more vibrant with festive lights and decorations.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board made the countdown party for AIDAbella guests all the merrier with a New Year Countdown Celebration party onboard, featuring a host of traditional Chinese craft demonstrations and performances.

In the Hong Kong-themed party from 10pm to midnight, the ship’s open deck was lined with stalls offering local treats like dragon beard candy and Chinese cookies, and demonstration of crafts such as calligraphy on paper fan, Chinese rainbow calligraphy and flour doll-making. Captivating cultural performances were also staged – the energetic LED lion dance was symbolic of Hong Kong's diverse cultural scene, and the harmonic duet performances pairing traditional Chinese instruments mesmerised the audience with rich artistic expression in Chinese style.

AIDAbella perfectly timed her Hong Kong port call for her guests to join in the greatest show of the year in Hong Kong right at the world-famous Victoria Harbour. The specially curated New Year Countdown Celebration party onboard infused with local flavours exemplified how cruise passengers get twice as much fun with the integration of major onshore events with culturally rich activities onboard.

Throughout the year in Hong Kong, renowned as the event capital of Asia, there is a robust lineup of world-class art exhibitions, sports events and cultural festivals that can enrich the onshore experiences for international cruise passengers to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and dynamic spirit of Hong Kong.

American Cruise Lines continues its ambitious newbuilding program

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 27 December 2023 27 December 2023

American Cruise Lines has announced that it currently has five more new ships under construction, all scheduled for delivery over the next two years. These are in addition to the three ships the company took delivery of this year. All five ships will be for the U.S. market and will include a mix of American Riverboats and Coastal Cats. The new ships will further American’s expansion on the coasts and renew its focus on the Mississippi and Columbia Rivers, where the Line’s acclaimed modern riverboats lead the U.S. market.

American Cruise Lines has specialized in river and small ship cruising for over 50 years and has ordered the vast majority of all American-built cruise ships during that time. The company operates the only fleet of 100% U.S. registered riverboats and cruise ships in the world.

“The new contract is an exciting expansion of the American Cruise Lines fleet,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “After several years building the coastal fleet, we are once again ready to begin building out the U.S. River cruise capacity.”

The new ships will be built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD; more details, including schedules, will be available in the first quarter of 2024.