China moves forward with first luxury domestic cruise line with Viking
Viking Cruises has inked a partnership agreement to create a domestic cruise brand in China.
Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding last year with China Merchants Shekou, the two parties will now set up a joint venture and aim to begin domestic itineraries in 2021.
Viking Sun will be the first ship in the joint venture.
"The China coastal cruising products that we are developing will bring a new travel experience to the China market," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises.
The business will operate a fleet of China-flagged ships offering cruises to coastal cities across China.
Viking has been sailing to China since the early 2000’s and opened an office in the country in 2016.
China Merchants Shekou also has a MOU agreement with MSC Cruises for potential operations in the Guangdong Greater Bay Area which includes Hong Kong and Macau.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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