Overseas tourists from Europe and the United States disembark the Viking Sun to visit Haikou. [Photo by Zhang Mao/Hainan Daily]

The Viking Sun, a passenger liner, berthed at Xiuying Port in Haikou on March 14 for a short visit by 869 tourists from Europe and the United States.

The cruise began in Miami on Dec 15 last year. On its first journey around the world, the Viking Sun will travel 141 days to end its voyage in London after passing through 35 countries in five continents and berthing at 64 harbors. Built in 2017, the luxury liner with an aggregate 47,800 tonnage can accommodate 930 tourists in 465 passenger cabins.

The Viking Sun arrives in Haikou on March 14. [Photo by Xiong Li/WeChat account: Haikou Tourism] 

Haikou in Hainan province is its third stop in China after Shanghai and Hong Kong. Passengers were impressed by the local natural scenery and cultural customs at scenic spots such as Qilou Old Street, the Hainan Museum, Baisha Gate Park, Volcano Park and Guanlan Lake Resort. 

Haikou pays a lot of attention to developing the cruise industry. It has released several support policies, upgraded service facilities and improved staff reception skills to encourage more cruise companies to seek cooperation. Two new cruises from Haikou to Vietnam and the Philippines had put to sea 34 times as of March 13, carrying 17,633 travelers.

Two overseas tourists of the Viking Sun take a selfie at the Qilou Old Street in Haikou. [Photo by Xiong Li/WeChat account: Haikou Tourism]