The former Zhao Shang Yi Dun, once celebrated as China’s first luxury cruise ship, has been officially renamed Viking Yi Dun, with the new name painted on at Shekou International Cruise Home Port on March 24, 2026.

The vessel has also been reflagged to Norway, marking what appears to be a return to the Viking Cruises fleet.

The ship’s original identity was Viking Sun. In 2021, China Merchants Group and Viking Cruises acquired the vessel through a joint venture, renaming it Zhao Shang Yi Dun and registering it under the Chinese flag as a tribute to the first merchant ship of China Merchants Group in 1872 . It was positioned to fill a gap in China’s high-end cruise market.

In addition to the new name, China Merchants’ branding was also removed from the vessel.

Originally intended to sail from Chinese homeports with Chinese guests, the joint venture’s strategy changed, with some departures sold into English-speaking markets. With the renaming, the ship is expected to return to Europe this summer and offer Mediterranean cruises to Chiense guests. Viking also operates a number of riverboats in Europe exclusively for the Chiense market.

According to information previously disclosed by Viking’s sales agents, the renamed Viking Yi Dun is scheduled to make its maiden voyage under its new identity from Barcelona, Spain, on August 3.

Viking had earlier announced preparations to introduce eight Mediterranean cruises with Chinese-language services for the summer season, ranging from 8 to 22 days . The adjusted itineraries are reportedly aimed at culturally curious, educated travelers, with positive market feedback noted particularly from regions like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.