stowaway2k

March 4, 2017 Volendam departing from The Bund in Shanghai, China

From Wusongkou Cruise Terminal in Baoshan, there is usually a shuttle bus running to the nearest subway station which is Baoyang Road on Line 3.

Or, there are usually plenty of taxis at the port to take you to the subway (a couple of miles) or directly to Disneyland. If traveling by taxi in Shanghai be sure to show your destination to the driver in Chinese characters or have it marked clearly on a map.

From Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Disneyland, depending on the route, is 46 to 54 km. Travel time without traffic about an hour. But of course there will be traffic. Fare around 155 rmb depending on route and traffic.

By subway, the most direct route to Disneyland would be:

Line 3 from Baoyang Road in the direction of Shanghai South Railway Station.

Go 10 stops.

Transfer to Line 8 at Hongkou Football Stadium. Take Line 8 for 13 stops in the direction of Shendu Highway.

Transfer to Line 11 at Oriental Sports Center

Take Line 11 for 8 stops toward Disney Resort which is the end of Line 11

Travel time about 101 minutes.

Navigation through the subway system is easy, just follow the signs and arrows. Ticket machines in the stations have an English option. Fare I'm guessing would be about 9 rmb for this distance.

Reverse direction (returning to the cruise port)

The Shanghai Metro System shuts early. Be aware.

Last train departing Disney Resort Line 11(direction: North Jiading) at 22:30

Travel time from Disney to Oriental Sports Center is 34 minutes.

Last train departing Oriental Sports Center Line 8 (direction: Shiguang Road) at 22:47

Travel time from Oriental Sports Center to Hongkou Football Stadium is 27 minutes.

Last train departing Hongkou Football Stadium Line 3 (direction: North Jiangyang Rd) 23:06

So, travel in the reverse direction returning to the cruise port be sure to not wait for the last train as you will not make the connections in time.

Taxi returning to the cruise port from the subway station may be difficult to get. There probably won't be a shuttle bus.

I would opt for Option 2. Fewer people is always a plus. Plus, You will drive into the city and stay in the city for the rest of the day, rather than drive in to the city for lunch and then drive out of the city which seems like a waste of time and needlessly tiring to me. Option 1 sounds like you'll spend too much time sitting in a car/van rather than enjoying the sites. Beijing traffic can be horrific, so why subject yourself to it more than is necessary.

A couple of photos at the Wusongkou Cruise terminal in Baoshan.

Your experience may be different, but this scene was in March of this year.

We planned on getting to the port around 10 - 11am to try and beat the crowds. I've heard it turns into a bit of a crush trying to get into the terminal.

I haven't embarked, but I've gone out there to see people off for a Costa cruise.

Yes, there was quite a crush at the terminal. Sorry, I can't offer more than that. ;)

I have a couple of photos I can upload later if you wish.

Hi DO you think we are making a good decision to stay at Sofitel Hyland Hotel for 3 days after our Cruise - area and things to do and see?

 

Many Thanks :)

Yes.

Fine hotel, convenient location on East Nanjing Road pedestrian shopping street clost to the subway, walk to The Bund and walk to People's Square.

Hi Thank you again - we want to be quite central for plenty to do but also do not mind having to walk to get to places - although Radisson Blu is opposite People's Square, do you think you would favour Sofitel for much more to do around that area? many thanks :)

I'm not sure about rates you have been quoted, or how focused you are on budget which may help you decide. Sofitel Hyland is my choice for family members and friends visiting Shanghai as they have agreed that the rates are very fair for such a good hotel in a good location.

As you don't mind walking, Sofitel Hyland is close enough to People's Square and all the attractions in that area so as to not be an inconvenience at all in that respect.

As for stepping out the door and having more to see and do close by, that would be the Radisson Blu, though Sofital Hyland is directly on the lively East Nanjing Road pedestrian street about midway between People's Square and The Bund.

You may get better city views from your room at the Radisson Blu, which is also a larger and taller hotel, and with the landmark "Blu" glass-domed lounge on the roof providing spectacular city views.

It's a close call.

New World is a very nice hotel but, in my opinion, in kind of a dull neighborhood. The plusses are it's across from a large park, next to a mall (what in Shanghai isn't next to a mall) and convenient to Line 2 subway.

Radisson Blu is adjacent to People's Square and at the foot of the famous East Nanjing Road shopping street. Very nice hotel. There is lots to do and see around here. The Bund is about a 20 minute walk or take nearby Line 2 one stop and walk from there. Also close to subway lines 1 and 8 People's Square stop.

Sofitel Hyland, also very nice, is right on the lively East Nanjing Road shopping street, about midway between People's Square and The Bund, 10 minute walk to them both in opposite directions. Close to subway Line 2 and 10

They're each really nice places. What do you want in a hotel location? Plenty to do withing walking distance? Then New World doesn't fit the bill. Radisson Blu being adjacent to People's Square is a big plus, and Hyland Sofitel being a 10 minute walk to the Bund is a big plus.

You're sure to enjoy Shanghai at any of the three.

For those concerned about air pollution in China, I recommend the "Air Quality China" app for your smartphone. You can received hour-by-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) readings for cities throughout China.

You can then make a sensible judgement on whether or not to wear a mask.

For example, at this moment in Shanghai the reading is, amazingly, "46", or "Healthy" which we don't see all that often here. I think I'll step outside and take a nice deep breath.

Hello Sansterre

Yes, Volendam does dock in the city center at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal.

Attached is a photo I took of her on a previous Shanghai call.

The Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, located at what is known as the "North Bund" (500 Dongdaming Rd, Hongkou district) cannot take vessels much over 70 thousand tons.

The Hop-on Hop-off bus does not go to this location. If you dock here, it is about a 20 minute walk to the north end of The Bund and a little further to where you can catch the Hop-on Hop-off across from the Peace Hotel.

Otherwise, you will dock at the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan District, about a 40 minute drive to The Bund or People's Square depending on traffic.

Stowaway2K, I have been looking at the Marriott near the river, the Marriott across from a garden, and one downtown (which seems to be less interesting to me)

The Marriott at Tomorrow Square, adjacent to People's Square, is a great location.

You can walk to the Bund from here via the famous East Nanjing Road shopping street, and quick access to a few different subway lines. Plus this futuristic high-rise will give you amazing views over the city.

As for Hop on Hop off, there are two companies, City Sightseeing which begins its route at People's Square and the Big Bus, which also stops at People's Square. I can't tell you which one is better, maybe your concierge can make a recommendation.

Then by land/ferry to Phu Quoc Isand in Vietnam for five days on a fabulous beach....We are now on the bus to HCMC.

Cool! I'm planning this for June.

Any tips/recommendations?

Plus, please tell us about HCMC when you can find the time, and how you found the bus experience. I was advised to fly from Phu Quoc to HCMC.

Fog closes it

As it would any port, but I don't see reason why to single out Shanghai. Shanghai isn't prone to thick fog to such an extent that one need worry about a call being cancelled.

QM2's berth at Wusongkou is a big-ship deep-water port in the Yangtze estuary, not far from the massive container port. It would take quite a typhoon to close the port to big-ship traffic.

Anyway, it is far enough from the city center that it's practically unthinkable that there would be no shuttles provided, leaving passengers with no option to ship tours but taxis.

Personally, as this is your only port day in Mainland China, I would opt for the tour to Zhujiajiao/Shanghai Highlights.

Zhujaijiao is a very attractive and historic "Water Town". It's bound to be a very enjoyable visit. If you can see this and "Shanghai Highlights" on your one day on Mainland China, it sounds like the best of both worlds.

Cruise ship shuttles generally disembark/embark passengers at the small Huangpu Park, on the north end of The Bund. "Generally"....

From here it's just a few steps to the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, on the same side of the street you are on, across from the landmark Bank of China building. You can't miss it.

This time of year the buildings along The Bund and across the river turn on their exterior lighting at 6:30.

The river cruise boats are kind of at the middle of The Bund, about a ten minute walk south from Huangpu Park. Again you can't miss them, just follow the signs to ticketing. You will also find the cross-river ferry in this area.

I have stayed at the Ramada at Pudong airport.

In every way up to high standards, friendly English-speaking staff and just a quick hop to the airport terminals.

As others have mentioned, often the only western toilet will be the designated handicapped stall. Often the door will be locked. Just ask the attendant to open it for you. Say "kaimen" ("Open the door" in Mandarin). They'll understand, you're a westerner who wants the western toilet.

Many of the stall doors will have a easily-recognized symbol showing whether the toilet in the stall is squatty or western.

My protip: In addition to bringing tissues or a toilet roll with you (absolutely necessary) and hand-sanitizer, also bring a hook to hook over the door. Very often there isn't one, and of course you don't want to have to leave your bag on the floor, and what about your coat? :)

Hi

I am in Boracay right now.

It seems there is only one location where a tender can dock. No, it's not a particularly nice area. It's a working "port", not a tourist spot.

But, there are nice beaches all over the island. The main one is White Beach. Very nice, commercial, lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. It's a busy but lovely beach. Lots of restaurants with tables on the beach.

There are touts all over the place wanting you to book an island boat tour. I did one today, private, just me, for three hours on an outrigger to go around the island an with a snorkeling stop. I paid 1500 PHP... fair, considering it was just me. I went with someone who approached me as I was walking on the beach. No problems, nice guys, had a lovely time. If I had tried I probably could have haggled them down more.

The tour quoted above sounds like a fair deal judging by what I've seen here. You won't have a problem doing things on your own here.

Tianjin cruises unaffected by blasts

Shanghai Daily:

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/national/Tianjin-cruises-unaffected-by-blasts/shdaily.shtml

As a long-time resident of Shanghai, I want to say that I found your criticisms of certain "customs" :rolleyes: to be quite fair.

As a cruise-enthusiast I've been itching to get back out to sea. As convenient as it would be for me, I will not consider a Shanghai-Shanghai cruise. I have traveled though to Japan and back by ferry.

To those who would say that certain behaviors are not considered rude in China, let me tell you that is not at all true. As my Chinese friends themselves say, many just simply don't know how to behave so they are ashamed and deeply embarrassed. But then, there are those who will say "We are Chinese and this is how we are."

The cruise market is new to China, and for many who find themselves on a cruise ship, it's not only their first cruise but their first venture outside of China.

My experience here has taught me that a smile and a nod is always returned. As uncouth as some may sometimes be, the Chinese are a warm and friendly people and welcome the opportunity to expand their world. So, smile, nod and "ni hao" and you've made a new friend. :)

Wonderful, thank you. :)

In the past Sun Princess has docked downtown at the International Cruise Terminal.

Very helpful lesson on spotting counterfeit RMB notes:

http://www.theworldofchinese.com/2013/04/counterfeit-100-rmb-bill-how-to-tell/