It has been reported that China Merchants Shekou and Viking Cruises are to launch a new cruise line focused on the mid-sized luxury market.
This will mark China’s first entry into the high-end luxury cruise market, it was claimed.
Under an agreement, the 2017-built ‘Viking Sun’, will be transferred to a new joint venture company ready to be launched next year.
She will be re-registered in China to meet local regulations requiring coastal cruise vessels to be registered domestically.
The vessel will also be upgraded, including its catering and entertainment to what was described as ‘organically integrate simple Nordic style with Chinese culture, to provide a high-end cruise travel experience and exclusive services.’
In-depth cultural tours are planned for guests who have a strong interest in nature, history, folk customs, and food culture.
According to an announcement, the new joint venture will combine China Merchants Group’s comprehensive strength and Viking Cruises’ rich experience in high-end cruise operations to build the world’s first five-star cruise operation sailing under the Chinese flag.
In addition, this month Viking announced further investments from its existing minority shareholders, TPG Capital and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), bringing in around $500 mill of net proceeds.
