Chinese cruise fanatics will have a new option in the coming years following an announcement from Viking Cruises and China Merchants Shekou; the two will work together to create a cruise line for China.

The partnership will result in a new line offering cruise itineraries all over the world. According to Viking Cruises, it will cover the entire endeavor, from product development to marketing. The line will feature totally new custom-built cruise ships for the Chinese market. China Merchant Group’s shipbuilding subsidiaries will construct the ships.

“China is a dynamic outbound tourism market, and we are pleased to be partnering with China Merchants Group in this joint venture to drive the development of the cruise industry, we see Viking’s way of cruising less as a trip and more as a lifestyle,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman, Viking.

Currently, Viking’s fleet contains 78 ships split between river and ocean itineraries. Viking has offered cruises to China since 2003. In 2016, Viking set up local operations in China in order to better accommodate Chinese-speaking guests on European cruises.

“China Merchants Group treasures this cooperation with Viking. This is a full scale, multi-dimensional cooperation that covers all three main business sectors of China Merchants group,” said Gangfeng Fu, president, China Merchants Group.

Neither firm announced any kind of timeline for the introduction of the new line.

Will you be looking forward to the new cruise line from Viking and China Merchants Group? Do you think China needs an exclusive line? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.