Viking Announces First-Of-Their-Kind China Voyages

Viking® (www.viking.com) today 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 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. The new voyages will operate from September to November on the Viking Yi Dun—formerly the Viking Sun—a sister ship featuring the same award-winning 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.

The Viking Yi Dun

Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests' discoveries ashore, the Viking Yi Dun is a sister ship in Viking's award-winning ocean fleet. Classified by Cruise Critic as "small ships," Viking's ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.

Booking Details

From now through January 31, 2024, Viking is offering North American travelers the Discover More sale, with up to free international airfare, special fares and a $25 deposit—with additional savings for both new and returning guests—on all-inclusive river, ocean and expedition voyages, including the new coastal China itineraries. Space is limited for 2024 departures. Call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel advisor for details.

China's First International Cruise In 3 Years Sets Sail From Shanghai

China's first international cruise in three years set sail on Friday, heading from Shanghai to Japan in a boost for the country's beleaguered cruise industry following the pandemic, state media reported.

The Blue Dream Star sailed a day after China opened the way for more international travel by its citizens, lifting pandemic restrictions on group tours for more countries, including key markets such as the United States, Japan, South Korea.

The vessel, operated by Shanghai Blue Dream International Cruise Line and carrying more than 1,000 passengers, will sail to Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima and Nagasaki in Japan.

Thursday's lifting of more travel restrictions by the culture and tourism ministry is seen as a potential boon for international travel industries.

Prior to the pandemic, mainland Chinese tourists spent more than any other country's tourists when abroad, clocking up a combined $255 billion in 2019 - with group tours estimated to account for roughly 60% of that.

Their absence since the pandemic has led to financial troubles for many tourism-dependent businesses around the globe.

Just how much outbound Chinese tourism will bounce back for the latest group of countries remains to be seen. Expectations that demand would come roaring back after China's borders were re-opened have to date been largely unfulfilled.

As of July, the number of international flights in and out of China had recovered to only 53% of 2019's levels.

Reporting by Farah Master and the Beijing newsroom Editing by Frances Kerry, Reuters.

Travelore Cruise News: Hundreds Of British Cruise Passengers Refused Entry To China

Some had to fly to Japan to await Quantum of the Seas (Image: Quantum)

Sobbing families said they were “treated like criminals” by border staff at Beijing Airport after flying in to join a 12-day Royal Caribbean cruise. They had been told they would be able to enter the country under a 144-hour visa exemption system that would allow them to spend three days sightseeing before boarding Quantum of the Seas. But families said they feared for their safety after randomly being targeted by officials. 

Many told how they were separated from their loved ones after individuals were picked out of groups and refused entry. 

Some passengers were forced to fly back to Britain immediately. 

Management consultant Alison Goldie, 56, told how she and accountant husband Allan, also 56, had spent £6,000 on the cruise to celebrate her friend Lesley McGregor’s 50th birthday. 

Lesley was travelling with husband Scott and her parents Anne and Matt Matheson. 

Wheelchair-user Mrs Matheson, 68, and her 71-year-old husband were rushed through immigration before officials ruled Alison could travel but not the rest of the party. 

Alison, who stayed behind with her husband, said: “Lesley’s parents were in a completely different country for five days. 

“It seemed to me that the Chinese were having a ball. It was just like a game. “Staff dealing with us seemed very young and were in high spirits. They were just giggling as they refused entry in a random way.” 

The group were forced to fly to Japan to await the ship and meet the elderly parents onboard. 

Clair Matthews, 46, husband Joseph, 50, and her parents-in-law Teresa, 71, and Stanley Matthews, 79, were all refused entry. They were forced to spend a night at
the airport. 

Clair said: “We had the temporary visa. They flicked through our passports and told us, ‘You’re not coming in’.”

When the family refused to pay to fly on to the boat’s first port of call in Japan, they were threatened with arrest. Clair said: “I was told that if I was still here within 24 hours of landing and didn’t have proof of onward travel, I would be taken to prison. 

“I just thought, I don’t want to be in prison in my own country, I sure as hell don’t want to be in prison in Beijing.” 

The family spent more than £3,000 on flights to Japan and four nights in a Fukuoka hotel before boarding the ship yesterday. 

It set sail from Tianjin port in China on Monday before arriving in Fukuoka yesterday morning. 

An Abta spokesman last night said: “Entry into China under a visa waiver is not guaranteed and Chinese border officials have the right to refuse entry without warning or explanation.” 

Source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1188687/cruise-ship-chaos-royal-caribbean-cruise-china-jail

Travelore Cruise News: MSC Cruises Announces Deployment Of MSC Splendida To China As Of May 2018

The high-end and luxurious MSC Yacht Club to be introduced to Chinese Cruisers with arrival of MSC Splendida

Geneva, Switzerland and Beijing- MSC Cruises — the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa — revealed today that it will deploy MSC Splendida to China as of May 2018. In connection with this, following in the footsteps of the announcement of the opening of the new MSC Cruises office in Shanghai and a new management and operations team based in the region, the Company is taking another key step to further improve its ability to serve the Chinese home market.

Built in 2009, 137,936 GRT MSC Splendida will become one of the largest, most modern cruise ships operating in the region. She features 1,637 staterooms — 76 percent of which feature a balcony — and can accommodate a total of 4,363 guests.

In her new positioning, MSC Splendida will join MSC Lirica, which has been serving to great success the Chinese market since May 2016 and has recently moved her homeport to Tianjin, to serve the thriving North China market during the winter season.

Speaking earlier today at a press conference in Beijing, Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Deploying MSC Splendida to the shores of China is a further testimony of our commitment to this key growth market. In fact, since it came into service, MSC Splendida has been the most popular ship for Chinese and other Asian guests cruising the Mediterranean with us.”

“MSC Splendida represents a second, strong step towards meeting the growing demand for our unique product and ultra-modern ships by Chinese guests. She will also undergo significant dry-dock enhancement in late 2017, ahead of her deployment, to further improve and customize her already amazing range of services.”

MSC Splendida will also introduce the MSC Yacht Club to the Chinese market. This is an exclusive, “ship-within-a-ship” high-end concept that is unique to MSC Cruises and is designed for the most discerning guests who desire exclusivity and privacy. Offering a broad range of private facilities, MSC Yacht Club’s guests benefit from exclusive services including a 24-hour personal butler, dedicated concierge reception as well as priority boarding and disembarkation. MSC Splendida will be the only ship to make this high-end offering available to Chinese guests in their home market.

MSC Splendida will visit many popular cruise destinations in China, Japan and Korea. Her itinerary details will be communicated shortly.

To learn more about MSC Splendida and her features, watch the MSC Splendida cruise ship visit video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF-_3C588JA