Zhao Shang Yi Dun-Viking Sun

The 2017-built (as MS Viking Sun) cruise ship Zhao Shang Yi Dun (aka Viking Yi Dun) is the 4th in a series of identical vessels built for Viking OCEAN Cruises and since 2021 transferred to the joint venture Viking China Coastal Cruise Company. Viking OCEAN's current plans are for a fleet of 16 sisterships, all of which are Fincantieri-built and Norway-flagged.

The vessel (IMO number 9725433) is currently China-flagged (MMSI 414515000). Viking Sun was Norway-flagged (MMSI 257179000) and registered in Oslo.

History - construction and ownership

When operated by Viking OCEAN (2017-2020), the 930-passenger ship Viking Sun offered destination-oriented cruising experiences, with few at-sea days, long in-port stays and overnights. Among the boat's features are complimentary Wi-Fi, free shore excursions, wine and beer with no charge at dinner and lunch.

In early-April 2019, Viking and China Merchants Group (China's first commercial corporation/1872-founded) unveiled a plan to launch a new cruise line (joint venture company) for the Chinese market. China Merchants Group's shipbuilding subsidiaries will design and construct the newbuilds for the new company. As of 2019, Viking Cruises fully owned and operated a fleet of 6 ocean liners plus 72 riverboats (almost all of which are of the patented Longship-Class).

On November 25, 2020, China Merchants Shekou and Viking officially signed the joint venture agreement for a separate (China-flagged) fleet of sea liners for coastal cruises. In mid-December 2020, Viking and China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings Co Ltd officially announced the creation of the new joint venture company "Viking Cruises China" focused on mid-sized luxury ship voyages in China exclusively.

The new domestic travel brand (China Coastal Cruise Project) was scheduled for inauguration in 2021-Q1, with Viking Sun transferred to the joint venture.

• In January 2021, the vessel changed registry - from Norway (MMSI number 257179000) to China (MMSI 414515000) to qualify for the Chinese coasting trade. China as flag state allows the ship to visit seaports under China's cabotage rules that regulate the shipping of passengers and/or goods between two Chinese ports. The brand's enrichment program is based on shipboard events (lectures, entertainment) and shore excursions themed on local history, traditions, nature, food.
• On January 19, 2021, Viking Sun left Port Mukran (near Sassnitz Germany) and via Skagen (Jan 23) headed to Valletta Malta, with estimated arrival on Jan 31. The boat arrived in China (at Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Terminal) on March 15, 2021, and was officially handed over to Viking-China Merchants in mid-April.

On April 27, 2021, the boat was officially reflagged to China.

On June 26, 2021, Viking Sun was officially renamed "Zhao Shang Yidun" (早上 猗顿) meaning/translated as "China Merchants Eden". The naming ceremony was held at homeport Shenzhen-Shekou, led by godmother Duan Xianghui (China Merchants Group Director).

The new Viking-China brand's inauguration was initially scheduled for August 22, 2021, but was eventually postponed for October 1st (Maiden Voyage/8-day "Charming South China Sea" itinerary roundtrip from Shekou-Shenzhen to Sanya).

Each of the Viking Ocean ships offers many ticket price-inclusive / complimentary amenities and services, such as all shore excursions, transfers, Wi-Fi, wine and beer (at lunches and dinners), access to Nordic Spa (steam room, thalassotherapy pool, hot tub, snow room/grotto, sauna, cold plunge pool). The infinity pool (resistance swimming pool located aft on Deck 7 / at the ship's stern) is another unique and complimentary facility.

All Viking Ocean liners were built according to the latest maritime navigation regulations and equipped with latest marine safety systems, including "safe return to port". The ships also implement some of the maritime industry's latest technologies, including energy-saving hybrid engines (diesel generators and gas turbines), optimized hulls and bulbous bows for max fuel efficiency. Ship design also features the common for Viking River Cruises longships solar panels (installed on the Magradome pool cover) additionally minimizing vessel's exhaust pollution.

Decks and Cabins

Viking Sun staterooms (465 total) include 47x Suites, 32x Penthouses and 386x Veranda/Balcony cabins in 18 grades.

All passenger cabins are balconied and offering all the industry's modern amenities and services, including King-size beds ("Viking Explorer", deluxe mattresses and linens, Cashmere blankets), en suite bathroom (heated floor, heated mirror, glass-door shower, hairdryer, premium bath products and toiletries /by Freyja, bathrobes, slippers, towel warmers), seating area (sofa, coffee table, vanity desk with chair, wardrobe, full-length mirror with mini lights), satellite phone, HDTV (3D, Infotainment / interactive TV system for Internet access, room service ordering, movies-on-demand, live webcams views, Viking Cruises channel for news, enrichment lectures and port talks), in-room binoculars, electronic safe box, individual air-conditioning, coffee machine, mini-bar (replenished daily with bottled water, soft drinks, snacks).

The boat has 10 decks, of which 6 are with passenger cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Viking Sun offers the following dining venues: Restaurant (dining room), buffets (Viking Deli, World Cafe), Aquavit Terrace (alfresco), specialty (Italian Grill, Chef’s Table), Private Dining (2 rooms). Viking Sun deals are inclusive of shore excursions, complimentary alcohol (wine and beer at lunch and dinner) and Wi-Fi.

Viking Sun cruise ship has as signature facilities two swimming pools (Main Pool and Aft Infinity Pool), a covered pool deck (with Jacuzzi, Bar & Grill), Viking Living Room (Atrium Lobby Lounge), two Cinemas, a modern wellness complex (Spa & Fitness Center, Beauty Salon), Wintergarden (poolside area), Aquavit Terrace (aft outdoor bar lounge with Infinity Pool and Hot Tub), Piano Bar Lounge (Torshavn), dedicated sports deck (deck 9/with a Walking Track and Outdoor Gym/Yoga area), Theatre Lounge & Bar, Lobby Bar, various shops and brand boutiques.

The walk-around Lanai/Promenade Deck fully encircles the boat (deck 2). The two-deck Explorer's Lounge has a huge bow-facing observation area which is a unique feature that lots of modern cruise vessels lack. Many of the ship's features reflect a boutique hotel feel.

After the transfer to China Merchants Viking Cruises, for the Star Theater Lounge were developed unique show productions (via partnership with SMG Live). The new show program combines Broadway-style classic musicals, traditional Chinese dance performances, and surprise performances (by different guests on each voyage). The onboard enrichment program was expanded with lectures (themed on China's culture, arts, food, as well as on natural sciences). At the reading areas throughout the boat are offered 2000+ handpicked books, including numerous best-sellers and nature-themed literature. The onboard dining was expanded via new menus developed by Michael Rosenblum (award-winning chef and writer specializing in Chinese food).

All Viking Ocean ships have an onboard "snow room". The 2013-launched Viking Grace (2800-passenger ferry ship operated by VIKING LINE) was the ever first vessel with a snow room. Viking Cruises' "Snow Grotto" is a spa retreat with powdery snow falling down from the ceiling. The experience (touted beneficial to the body's blood circulation) includes heating in a sauna (steam bath), then walking into this small room fitted with benches and with dark stone walls illuminated by blue light. The snow on the floor is kept at sub-freezing temperatures. This Arctic-themed facility is part of the ship's thermal suite (within the spa complex). This relaxation area has also 1 hot tub, sauna room, heated ceramic loungers, therapeutic showers, salt-water thermal pool. Snow Grotto access is complimentary to all passengers.

Viking China itineraries (Zhao Shang Yi Dun)

Since July 2021, the boat (renamed "Zhao Shang Yi Dun") is operated by the Viking-China Merchants joint venture "China Coastal Cruise Project". The brand's inauguration/Maiden Voyage was initially scheduled for August 22, 2021 (8-day "Charming South China Sea" itinerary roundtrip from homeport Shenzhen and visiting Sanya). However, due to China's evolving COVID pandemic (the Delta variant), the company postponed all voyages "until further notice". Eventually, the Maiden Voyage departed on October 1, 2021.

In 2023, Viking China introduced two new voyages.

The 7-day "Charming South China Sea Journey" itinerary is roundtrip from Shenzhen and visits Sanya and Yangjiang City's Hailing Island.

The 7-day "Southeast Coast Cultural Journey" itinerary is between Shenzhen and Shanghai (northbound and southbound) and visits Sanya, Hailing Island., Xiamen, Zhoushan.

Viking OCEAN itineraries (Viking Sun)

Viking Sun itinerary program was based on cruises in Southern and Northern Europe (Baltic and Mediterranean seas). Repositioning Atlantic coastal routes were operated with one-way itineraries in spring and fall.

In 2018, the ship operated Viking Ocean's first-ever world cruise (141-day itinerary USA to UK / Miami to London) visiting a total of visiting 64 ports (35 countries) on 5 continents. World Voyage 2018's itinerary started on December 15, 2017, ending on May 5, 2018 (see more in the wiki-section below). The ship's "World Voyage 2019) will have a 128-day Miami-London itinerary.

in 2018, the liner also made an inaugural visit to Australia. The vessel was booked into White Bay Cruise Terminal (Sydney NSW) on January 12, 2018, for an overnight stay. The ship was also booked to return to Sydney Harbour (February 10) mooring overnight at Point Piper Buoy.

In May 2018, Viking OCEAN announced the company's new (world's ever-longest continuous) "Ultimate World Cruise 2019". The 245-day itinerary visited 113 ports (59 countries, 6 continents) and featured 22 overnights and a full circumnavigation of the globe. Departing from London-Greenwich (August 31, 2019), the 8-month-long cruise marked the company's 3rd "Around the World" voyage. Read more in the ship's "wiki" section.

In September 2023 was announced a new itinerary - 8-day "South China Sea Cruise" roundtrip from Shenzhen/Shekou. The first voyage was scheduled to leave Shenzhen on December 3rd, visiting Vietnam (Ha Long Bay and Da Nang/Hue) and China (Hong Kong).

In December 2023, Viking OCEAN opened for international booking voyages for the ship (marketed as "Viking Yi Dun") scheduled for 2024. The special itineraries were themed as:

• 9-night/10-day "NEW! China Discovery" between Hong Kong/Shenzhen and Shanghai (overnight), visiting Xiamen, Pingtan Island (aka Haitan Island/Fuzhou City, Fujian), Dongtou/Wenzhou (Zhejiang), and Zhoushan.Shenzhen.
• 14-night/15-day "NEW! Classic China & the Coast" from Beijing (2-night/3-day overnight pre-cruise hotel stay) to Hong Kong/Shenzen, visiting Xian (overnight), Shanghai (overnight), Zhoushan, Dongtou, Pingtan Island, Xiamen, Shenzhen, and ending in Hong Kong (from Shenzen).
• 19-night/20-day "NEW! Wonders of China" (cruisetour with included domestic flights and land transfers) leaving roundtrip from Beijing (2-night/3-day overnight pre-cruise hotel stay) departure from Shanghai, visits Zhoushan, Dongtou, Pingtan Island, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Chengdu (Jin River/Yangtze, flight to Lhasa Tibet (overnight), flight to Xian (overnight) and back to Beijing.

Viking Yi Dun's cruisetour prices per cabin started from US$4500 (China Discovery), US$7000 (Classic China & the Coast) and US$11000 (Wonders of China).

In April 2024, Viking introduced the "Spirit of Mongolia" cruisetour extension. The 5-night (pre- or post-cruise) guided land tour to Mongolia offers a visit to the Gobi Desert out of Ulaanbaatar (aka Ulan Bator). Other ex-China cruise extensions included departures/tours from Hong Kong and Beijing.

The vessel (Fincantieri Trieste yard/hull number 6246) has volume 47842 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 4797 tons, max draught 6,3 m. The powerplant is based on MAN marine diesel engines (model 12V32/9L32/44) with combined output 23,52 MW (22000 hp). The registered shipowner and manager is currently CHINA MERCHANTS VIKING CRUISES (previously, respectively, VIKING OCEAN CRUISES SHIP IV, and VIKING OCEAN CRUISES LTD).

Viking OCEAN ships offer destination-rich itineraries featured with the line's new "small ship cruise" tour and onboard experience. Compared to similar class ships operated by other lines, Viking Ocean itineraries feature fewer sea days and longer port days, with many overnight ports' stays.

Among the vessel's innovative marine technologies are its energy-saving hybrid engines, top-deck solar panels, pollution-minimizing exhaust system. This ship also uses seawater as a lubricant for its propeller shaft bearings. This technology lowers the vessel's maintenance costs and also the risk of pollution. Replacing the biodegradable oils, the water is being directly discharged into the ocean.

Viking Ocean ships deliver a brand new-style vacation cruising experience. These vessels represent a "smaller ship" concept. The relatively shallow draft (21 ft / 6,3 m), design (hull and superstructure) and technology allow the ship to directly access even small ports. The ship's smaller size also guarantees an easy and faster passenger embarkation/debarkation process. Another unique feature for the "affordable luxury" ocean cruising market is that regardless of cabin categories, all Viking Ocean deals are price-inclusive of the shore excursions in all ports in the cruise ship itinerary.

All passenger cabins are with a private veranda and ~1/5th larger than average standard staterooms on the ocean cruising market. An interesting feature of the ship is the dining room. This venue could be transformed into an outdoor casual dining place thanks to its floor-to-ceiling sliding windows. For Viking Ocean ships' interiors were contracted SMC Design (London-based interior design company) and Rottet Studios (LA-based hotel design company).

Viking Cruises deals (on all river and ocean ships) are inclusive of shore excursions (land tours), onboard entertainment and dining (including at specialty restaurants), drinks and alcohol (beer, wine /at lunch and dinner), 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi.

On April 7, 2016, at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard was held the official keel-laying ceremony that started the vessel's physical construction. During the ceremony, a 280-ton block was lifted by a large crane and put into place.

On December 15, 2016, the vessel was floated out. The ceremony was attended by Viking Cruises' chairman Torstein Hagen and Fincantieri Ancona shipyard's director Giovanni Stecconi. Just before the actual launch, a silver dollar coin was welded into the ship's top deck. The launching godmother was Ms Yi Lou (China Merchant Bank).

The ship was delivered to Viking Ocean on September 25, 2017, at Ancona shipyard.

The christening ceremony was held on March 8, 2018, in Shanghai China. The event was held at Shanghai International Cruise Terminal during the ship's inaugural world cruise (141-day itinerary from Miami to London England). his was also the first-ever Viking Ocean call at a Chinese port. The ship arrived in Shanghai navigating into Yangtze River, then up Huangpu River into the city.

Ahead of the visit, Wallem Ship Agency China (Viking Ocean's port agent for China) helped to coordinate a meeting between Viking Cruises and SIPG (terminal's operator) resulting in an event space hire price reduction. Wallem China also took care of the logistics, vessel's freshwater supply, customs, crew changes, passenger disembarkation/embarkation.

The ship's godmother is Mrs Yi Lou (Vice President of CMBFL / "China Merchant Bank Financial Leasing"). The naming ceremony in China featured a high-tech light show (animation projected on a giant wave-like screen) and musical concert performances (from Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra. the Chinese tenor singer Dai Yuqiang and the Norwegian soprano singer Sissel Kyrkjebo). The master of the ceremony was the local TV celebrity, Michelle Wang. The ceremony was attended by Nicolai Skogland (Viking's Senior Operation Manager).

The boat's first Captain was Olav Soevdsnes.

On June 26, 2021, Viking Sun was officially renamed "Zhao Shang Yidun" (早上 猗顿) meaning/translated as "China Merchants Eden". The naming ceremony was held at homeport Shenzhen, led by godmother Duan Xianghui (China Merchants Group Director).

Inaugural "World Cruise" 2018

Port Sydney cruise ship schedule for 2018 showed Viking Ocean making an inaugural visit to Australia. The port's schedule had MV Viking Sun booked into Sydney's White Bay Cruise Terminal on January 12, 2018 (overnight stay). The ship was also booked to return to Sydney on February 10, 2018 (mooring overnight at Point Piper Buoy).

Australia was part of the ship's (and Viking Ocean's) first world cruise (141-day itinerary USA to UK / Miami to London) visiting 64 ports in 35 countries on 5 continents. The around the world voyage departed on December 15 (2017) from Miami Florida, with disembarkation in London England on May 5 (2018). There were a total of 66 ports along the westbound route (via Panama Canal and Suez Canal), with feature destinations the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, South Pacific, Middle East, Europe. Of all port stays, 12 were overnights in port cities like Havana Cuba, Papeete Tahiti, Shanghai China, Auckland NZ, Sydney AU, Singapore, Laem Chabang (Bangkok Thailand).

Traditionally for Viking Ocean, in each seaport was provided one free shore excursion. Viking Ocean's World Cruise deals were inclusive of business class flights, unlimited Wi-Fi, Silver Spirits beverage package, gratuities, laundry services (self-service launderettes and full-service laundry), shipboard medical services,  dining (except Kitchen Table), 

Prices started from USD 45,000 per person.

Next table shows World Cruise 2018's complete list of call ports and price-inclusive port activities/land tours:

Bookings made by July 31, 2017, received USD 1000 in OBC (onboard credit for paying optional tours), USD 375 Spa Services Credit, USD 375 Shop Credit (onboard boutiques shopping).