Chinese cruise ship Viking Yidun has arrived in the Maldives, becoming the first Chinese cruise vessel to visit the country.

The cruise ship arrived in Malé on Monday and was welcomed with a special reception at Jetty 1 organised by Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) in collaboration with the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).

Arriving passengers were greeted with a traditional Boduberu performance by the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Estate Boduberu Team and presented with promotional tote bags containing destination information and branded souvenirs.

VMC said the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to position the Maldives as a leading cruise destination in the Indian Ocean while supporting national tourism growth targets.

The reception was held under VMC's partnership with MAYA, through which the two organisations are working to strengthen yacht and cruise tourism and increase the Maldives' international profile as a destination offering luxury, culture and natural beauty.