TravelBulletin’s BRUCE AND JENNY PIPER are this week cruising in China, aboard Viking Cruises’ Viking Yi Dun. Formerly operating as Viking Sun, the now Chinese-flagged vessel is the first and only ship with the ability to operate coastal cruises in China, thanks to its status as a joint venture with the state-owned China Merchants Group.
Viking Founder, Torstein Hagen, is on board for the momentous departure, along with daughter Karine who is the company’s Executive Vice President. A host of dignitaries and local media also boarded in Shanghai for a special event to formally launch the China Inbound Tourism Cruise Project as well as a special partnership with local transportation and attraction authorities which will give western guests easier access to the city via the Viking co-branded Shanghai Pass.
While it’s currently operating its first ever season for inbound western tourists, the Viking Yi Dun also cruises with Chinese guests on board across the rest of the year, as well as operating in Japan. Viking’s initial China Discovery itinerary for western tourists is carrying hundreds of Americans, many of whom also took in some of the country’s iconic sites on a pre-cruise tour add-on.
The ship is practically identical to the rest of the Viking ocean fleet, with some adaptations such as bilingual signage, menu changes to have Chinese food on offer alongside traditional western choices, and onboard entertainment with local influences. All of the staff are Chinese, with most having excellent English and an undeniable eagerness to interact with the western guests. Familiar dining favourites such as Manfredi’s and The Restaurant are still here, along with Viking’s iconic onboard spa and fitness facilities, a plethora of comfortable spaces to relax and the company’s no kids, no casinos, no nickel-and-diming all-inclusive policies.
As with the rest of the Viking ocean fleet, all guests have unlimited access to the spa at the base of the ship, which features a pool, jacuzzis, saunas, a bucket shower and even a snow grotto. It’s the ideal place to relax on a day at sea or to wind down after a shore excursion. The large gym has many exercise machines and there are also fitness classes such as yoga.
Spa treatments include massages, facials, manicures and more, conducted by experts who simply provide excellent service, rather than urging guests to purchase additional products after their treatment.
A plethora of delightful public spaces provide plenty of options to curl up with a good book, update socials (via the free included wi-fi) or enjoy a coffee. The main deck pool is covered with a fully retractable roof, while the adjacent Wintergarden offers a genteel afternoon tea. The spacious atrium is dominated by a sweeping staircase, with regular entertainment and comfortable lounges near a grand piano.
A huge array of dining options, bars and lounges mean there’s no chance of going hungry. The World Cafe buffet restaurant offers an ever-changing menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the reservations-required Chef’s Table offers an Asian-inspired degustation with matched wines. The Explorers Lounge at the front of the ship offers a spectacular vantage point, while other eateries include The Restaurant, the Pool Grill and of course 24 hour room service which is also included for all guests at no additional charge.
