Viking’s fourth ocean ship, Viking Sun, was officially named during a celebration on The Bund last week, in the heart of Shanghai.
The ship is currently sailing Viking’s sold-out 141-day World Cruise from Miami to London, and its stop in Shanghai marks the first time one of Viking’s ocean ships has called in China.
Viking Sun is also the first-ever cruise ship to be named on The Bund in Shanghai.
Viking’s World Cruise guests and international dignitaries were treated to high-tech show and musical concert on the waterfront that paid tribute to the special friendship between Norway and China. On a giant wave-like screen built alongside the ship, a projected animation depicted the story of silk – the ancient trade that has formed a cultural bond between Norway and China. Shanghai television personality Michelle Wang served as master of ceremony.
On March 9, Viking Sun set sail from Shanghai for Southeast Asia and India, before making its way through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean – essentially following the route of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road or “One Belt One Road” Initiative.
When the ship arrives in London on May 5, it will have visited five continents, 35 countries and 64 ports during its first World Cruise. Viking Sun will continue to sail the globe during the 2019 World Cruise, a 128-day itinerary from Miami to London.