On September 19th, Viking Cruises held the "Natural Europe, Colorful Journey" 2025 European River Cruise Season press conference in Shanghai, unveiling a series of new product highlights. In the 2025 season, Viking Cruises will launch 13 colorful European routes, offering 96 voyages covering 11 European countries and 42 destinations, once again leading a new way for Chinese tourism to Europe.
In addition to the classic Viking River Cruise route, the new season also includes a brand new "River Cruise+Land Tour" route, which extends selected land tours around boarding or disembarking cities before or after the cruise itinerary, delving into destinations such as Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, Brussels, the capital of Belgium, or Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, leading Chinese travelers to unlock the cultural essence of Europe.
In order to meet the needs of more consumers, Viking Cruises has also launched a short holiday travel option - the 8-day river ferry route. In addition, relying on the advantages of its own and self operated fleet, Viking Cruises will further refine its high-quality Chinese services and comfortable experience customized for Chinese guests, allowing guests to enjoy both the sense of security of group tours and the relaxation of independent travel.
From left to right, they are: Wu Zhaohong, Vice Chairman of the European Tourism Commission China, Franka Gulin, Chairman of the European Tourism Commission China, Tang Bowen, Managing Director of Viking Cruises China, Chen Weiyun, Senior Vice President of Viking Cruises Product Development and Marketing, and Gao Liying, Deputy Director of the Swiss National Tourism Administration China
European tourism trend: niche destinations become 'new bestsellers'
The "2023-2024 Cross border Tourism Consumption Trend Research Report" points out that Chinese tourists' preference for outbound destinations is gradually releasing from near to far, and the popularity of tourism to Europe is beginning to rise. Meanwhile, more niche destinations have become the "new bestsellers" among Chinese travelers. Mr. Wu Zhaohong, Vice Chairman of the China Division of the European Tourism Commission, shared on site that "China has always been one of the most important source markets for the European tourism industry. Chinese tourists are gradually turning their attention to niche European countries such as Serbia, and are no longer satisfied with checking in scenic spots, but more eager to immerse themselves in local culture. Viking's European river tour leads tourists to explore multiple European countries, delve into local culture, and cover many niche towns. We believe it will attract more Chinese tourists
Mr. Brendan Tansey, Managing Director of Viking Cruises China, also stated in his speech: "In the 2025 season, there will be more European river vessel product choices in the Chinese market, and one of Viking's advantages is its own and self operated fleet - which allows us to enjoy more autonomy, continuously polish high standard service details, provide a more 'silky' one-stop guest experience, and bring Chinese guests a truly customized new way of European travel. Our other advantage is the combination of the sense of security of group tours and the relaxation of independent travel, providing choices for guests who want to have both guided tours and free activities. Since the launch of the new airline season in early September, the enthusiastic response from the market indicates that with the maturity of China's outbound tourism market, we believe that this type of travel is what more and more Chinese tourists want
Unlock the true colors of Europe and embark on a colorful journey
Europe is not just about the well-known cities of Paris, Milan, and London, but also about the treasure towns along the river. To unlock Europe's true colors, besides visiting castles, churches, museums, and other attractions, you can also experience local life and customs, taste authentic cuisine, and step behind the scenes of local specialties or crafts, "said Ms. Chen Weiyun, Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing at Viking Cruises.
In the 2025 season, Viking Cruises will launch 13 8 to 15 day river ferry routes targeting the Chinese market, with a total of 96 voyages covering 42 destinations in 11 countries, providing passengers with richer and more diverse choices.
7 new "river wheel+land tour" routes. Before or after the cruise itinerary, we have extended our selection of land tours around the boarding or disembarking cities, delving into destinations such as Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, Brussels, the capital of Belgium, or Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, leading guests to discover more exciting cities and towns.
Two 8-day short routes, selected from classic destinations along the Rhine and Danube rivers, to meet consumers with short holiday travel needs. 4 optimized and upgraded pure river ferry routes, "11th Danube Colorful Tour", "11th Rhine Charm Tour", "15th European Ancient and Modern Style Tour" spanning the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, and "11th Eastern European Discovery Tour" along the Danube River.
The biggest highlight of Viking Cruises is its focus on destinations. In addition to checking in at iconic attractions, there are also opportunities to experience local cultural projects. For example, enjoying a classical concert in Vienna in Austria, watching equestrian performances in Hungary, experiencing cheese making in Switzerland, and so on.
If you want to have a deeper experience of Europe's "true colors", you can also choose to upgrade the project - do as the Romans do, discover French street food and German beer culture; Unlock local lifestyles or crafts, visit Austrian farms to learn how to make bread, experience glass blowing in the Czech Republic, and more.
Truly achieving 'all Chinese service' from shore to ship
Viking Cruises is fully committed to creating a truly "all Chinese service" for the Chinese market. Not only does it provide Chinese guides or translators, but the hotel service team of over 50 people on board is also composed of Chinese speaking employees.
From the ship's signage, materials, facilities to catering and leisure experiences, all details are customized for Chinese passengers, creating a comfortable environment like "home" for them and helping them explore Europe without barriers.
At the same time, on the Viking ship, we will provide freshly cooked noodles that meet the "Chinese stomach" and classic Chinese breakfast including soybean milk, deep-fried dough sticks, pancakes and fruits. The guest rooms are equipped with national standard sockets and hot water kettles. The public areas have mahjong tables and a reading area with carefully selected Chinese books, creating a familiar and comfortable feeling of 'home'.