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It’s early days, but Viking’s venture into China ocean cruising appears to be paying off and that’s in part because the People’s Republic of China needs foreign tourists and Viking is helping to bring them in by the boatload.

On board the inaugural sailing of Viking Yi Dun from Shanghai to Hong Kong last week, LATTE overheard an American passenger say “China doesn’t seem to be the big bad boy of old”.

You see that as soon as you arrive at Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport. It’s no longer a closed society, the welcome mat is out for western tourists.

At the immigration counter where you were once viewed with suspicion, the female officer looked at my entry form and asked: “Are you here as a tourist on the 15-day visa-free waiver”? I said yes, with that she straight away stamped my passport, smiled and I was on my merry way.

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So what can passengers expect on Viking’s China ocean voyages? Here’s LATTE’s first-hand take.

The highlights of this nine-night voyage are indeed many, and perhaps top of the list is the ship itself. Like all of Viking’s ocean fleet, the 930-passenger Yi Dun is luxury from stem to stern with its ultra-modern Scandinavian design, light wood, exquisite art work and Nordic décor throughout.

It is also staffed by some of the friendliest crew I’ve encountered on a cruise line. All 438 are English-speaking Chinese who are forever smiling and go that extra mile all the time.

If you love Chinese cuisine, get your chopsticks ready, every day you’ll chow down to some of the best prepared by a bevy of skilled Chinese chefs who know a thing or two about Peking Duck, stir fries, dumplings, tasty noodles and much more.

Western favourites are on the menu at the two complimentary speciality restaurants, Manfredi’s serving up authentic Tuscan cuisine and The Chef’s Table which offers a multi-course Asian set menu that changes nightly. A sommelier pairs the wines with your dinner.

Many guests gravitate to the World Café on deck 7 which has an impressive layout of mouth-watering hard-to-resist temptations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The sushi and seafood buffet is superb, or if you want a good old American burger head to the Pool Grill. Beer, wine and soft drinks are complimentary at lunch and dinner. They don’t nickel and dime you on Viking.

And it’s hard to beat sitting outside on the Aquavit Terrace to dine al fresco on a balmy evening. But do try Mamsen’s, a Scandi-deli located in the Explorer’s Lounge at the front of the ship. The waffles are amazing, as are the ocean views.

If you just want to relax in your Stateroom, there’s complimentary room service 24-hours a day and plenty of room to lay it all out. When finished, contact Room Service to have your tray removed. This is for safety reasons, no need to place it outside your cabin.

Make sure you visit the Nordic Spa & Fitness Centre to enjoy luxury pampering and an array of treatments which can be combined with a manicure, massage or soothing facial. A modern well-equipped gym might help curtail some of those cruise kilos.

There’s free wi-fi, no casino and no kids. No wonder Viking has built a strong following in its 27-year history.

Shore excursions: There is one included in each of the six ports, starting in Shanghai where you see the highlights of this dazzling city, home to 24-million people. Take in an evening Acrobatic Show, a visit to the soaring Shanghai Tower, or a home-hosted dinner to name a few. Don’t forget to stroll along the iconic Bund.

If you want to immerse yourself in 4,000 years of Chinese culture brimming with history, you’re in for a treat. There is a strong fishing tradition in the East China Sea and you’ll cruise past many of its coastal villages, home to colourful boats anchored offshore.

In Xiamen near the Taiwan Strait, the city boasts picturesque architecture and a sacred Buddhist Temple dating to the Tang Dynasty, one of China’s most revered sites.

Viking has a number of China experts on board who deliver interesting lectures such as “Mao Zedong & the Making of Modern China”, and “ China’s tourist Hotspots”.

On the second last day of the voyage, I am blissfully sitting outside my lovely Stateroom on my balcony as the Yi Dun sails smoothly along the South China Sea at sunset wishing it would never end. It couldn’t be more relaxing.

As the line says: You’re on a Viking cruise. Hurry and stress are against the rules.

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