The Viking Yidun docked in Male’ on Tuesday, carrying more than 700 passengers – signifying the inaugural visit of a Chinese cruise ship to the Maldives.

The prestigious luxury cruise ship arrived at the Izzuddin Jetty at approximately 07:00 am on Tuesday.

Visit Maldives and the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA) organized a special event at the jetty to greet the passengers, offering them a memorable initial experience of the Maldives through genuine cultural interactions and friendly local hospitality.

As stated by Immigration, the vessel reached with 732 passengers and 486 crew.

The travelers were welcomed with a lively Boduberu cultural show by the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Estate Boduberu Team, highlighting the Maldives' rich customs and cultural legacy.

Visit Maldives highlighted that the trip was part of continuous efforts to promote the Maldives as a top choice for cruise travel, aiming at high-value international source markets and expanding visitor arrival avenues beyond conventional segments.

“The arrival marks progress in the ongoing diversification of the Maldives’ tourism portfolio and the growth of cruise tourism as an additional aspect of the Maldives’ broader tourism offerings,” said the tourism promotion board.

Visit Maldives states that the initiative is part of its extensive partnership with MAYA, designed to enhance the Maldives as a premier location for yacht and cruise tourism in the Indian Ocean.