Embarking on my first cruise in Asia with Viking’s inaugural oceangoing China voyage for Western travelers, I found myself in a state of anticipation and familiarity. The 10-day sail from Shanghai to Hong Kong aboard the Viking Yi Dun, formerly known as the Viking Sun, marked a significant milestone for both Viking and myself. The ship’s repurposing in 2021 to cater to the Chinese market came as a result of a strategic partnership between Viking and China Merchants Group, with Viking taking charge of marketing and sales while China Merchants Group managed the ship and crew operations. After successfully launching domestic China cruises in 2021, Viking extended its invitation to Western travelers from September to November, offering a unique opportunity to explore the coast of China. This new venture not only showcased the beauty and culture of China but also represented a significant shift for Viking from its traditional river cruises to venturing into the vast oceans.
As a seasoned cruiser with 21 voyages under my belt within 31 months, this journey to China presented a new set of challenges, reminiscent of my inaugural cruise to French Polynesia in early 2022. Securing a visa for China within a tight timeframe brought back memories of navigating through a labyrinthine process of Covid-era requirements. The exhaustive application process, coupled with a looming deadline, evoked a mix of excitement and nervousness as I raced against time to gather the necessary documents. Partnering with GenVisa, Viking’s preferred visa service, I meticulously prepared a packet of information detailing years of employment and recent travel history, anxious about the potential pitfalls of the application. However, with careful planning and diligence, the Chinese visa arrived safely in my hands two weeks before departure, alleviating my anxiety and reaffirming the importance of thorough preparation in international travel.
Sailing aboard the Yi Dun, gazing at the illuminated skyline of downtown Shanghai, I reflected on the journey that led me to this moment. The intricate process of acquiring a visa served as a reminder of the value of travel professionals and expert guidance in navigating complex travel requirements. As the world gradually emerges from the grip of a global pandemic, the opportunity to explore new horizons and experience different cultures becomes a testament to resilience and adaptability. Viking’s commitment to offering coastal China cruises to the Western market in the future underscores the company’s dedication to expanding its offerings and catering to diverse travel preferences. As I prepare to disembark on upcoming voyages from Beijing to Tokyo and beyond, I look forward to sharing more insights and experiences from these unique travel itineraries in the days to come.
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