Chinese guests and the crew of the Viking Eistla cruise ship pose for a group photo in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, June 1, 2023. The multinational travel company Viking Cruises has resumed its European river cruise operations catering to the Chinese market. (Viking Cruises/Handout via Xinhua)
AMSTERDAM, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The multinational travel company Viking Cruises has resumed its European river cruise operations catering to the Chinese market.
On June 1, more than a hundred guests from China embarked on the Viking Eistla cruise ship, which was anchored in Amsterdam, commencing their 11-day "Rhine Charming Journey."
"Welcome 'home,'" Captain of Viking Eistla Marius Valencia Andries led the crew in extending a warm welcome to each Chinese guest, expressing their greetings in Chinese.
The crew took a group photo with the Chinese guests holding a banner with the words "Welcome Chinese Guests 'Home.'"
"After three years, it's really nice to welcome Chinese guests back on board," Andries told Xinhua.
Viking Cruises has officially returned to serving the Chinese market after a hiatus of three years, he said. "We're glad to have Chinese guests on Viking cruise ship to not only enjoy the real Europe but also rediscover the world in comfort."
Liu Xiaowen, a manager of Viking Eistla, said the crew was overjoyed to welcome the Chinese guests boarding the ship.
"We are fully prepared to extend our warm all-Chinese service and offer a comfortable travel experience. We welcome our Chinese guests back 'home' with open arms," she said.
Brendan Tansey, managing director of Viking Cruises China, told Xinhua in a written interview that the company is optimistic about China's economic prospects and market potential.
"The resumption of European river cruise operations for the Chinese market reflects Viking Cruises' unwavering dedication and a strong commitment to investing in China," Tansey said.
Viking Cruises initially entered the Chinese market in 2016 by launching European river cruise operations catering to Chinese visitors. ■
Chinese guests board the Viking Eistla cruise ship in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, June 1, 2023. The multinational travel company Viking Cruises has resumed its European river cruise operations catering to the Chinese market. (Viking Cruises/Handout via Xinhua)