Viking will launch Chinese-language cruises in Northern Europe next year, betting on the growing demand in China for slower-paced and more immersive overseas holidays.
Two ocean itineraries will begin operating in April 2027, being the cruise industry’s first Northern European voyages designed specifically for Chinese-speaking guests.
More than 100,000 Chinese guests have already sailed with Viking.
The expansion follows the company’s launch of Chinese-language Mediterranean cruises on Viking Yidun, which will sail her first Mediterranean season from August this year until March 2027.
The ocean ship offers Chinese-language signage, entertainment systems, hotel services and shore assistance, as well as Chinese electrical outlets, kettles and a mix of Chinese and Western food.
The ship will offer eight- to 22-day regional sailings covering Western and Eastern Mediterranean ports, spanning nine countries including Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, France, Monaco, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia.
The ship is currently sailing her first 60-day transcontinental voyage, which started in Shanghai in early June and will arrive in Barcelona in early August in time to start her maiden Mediterranean season.
The Viking Yidun will continue to operate Chinese-language Mediterranean voyages during the winter of 2027 and offer more than 10 combined ocean voyages, including a 60-day journey from Athens to Stockholm covering 18 countries and 40 cities.
The new itineraries feature a 15-day voyage from Oslo to Stockholm, covering three Nordic capitals, Norwegian fjords, Berlin and destinations along historic Hanseatic trade routes, as well as a 14-day voyage from Lisbon to Oslo along Europe’s Atlantic coast.
Viking China will also introduce land-tour extensions in Oslo, Stockholm and Reykjavik.
Northern European itineraries are as follows:
14-Day Repositioning Cruise from Lisbon to Oslo on 9 April 2027
The itinerary includes visits to nine cities, including Porto (overnight), A Coruna and Bilbao in Spain, Pauillac (Bordeaux, also overnight), Le Havre in France, Zeebrugge in Belgium, Kristiansand in Norway before arriving in Oslo (overnight).
15-day “Viking Nordic Discovery” (Classic Journey)
- Oslo → Stockholm: sailing dates are April 22, June 17, July 15 and August 12, and
- Stockholm → Oslo: sailing dates are May 6, June 3, July 29 and August 26.
15-Day “Viking Nordic Discovery” (Extended Journey)
- Oslo → Stockholm: sailing May 20, and
- Stockholm → Oslo: sailing July 1.
