icemom5120

Not cruising until October, Viking cruise included air, Buffalo is not a hub, but Viking included it at no extra cost, I didn't like the return trip, and for $50 changed to a better return, of course this was done before the flights were ticketed. Asked for them to be ticketed after the return flight change and got Delta comfort thru the airlines web site, both ways for just $200. Again TA did the change of return flight, I did the up grade myself.

Wow, I just came back to the forums to see what is being said about the Viking trips, My travel buddy and I did the 18th Cultural Delights leaving on March 30th. We started in Shanghai with rainy weather for 5 days, but being I have done the Imperial Jewels 10 years ago with Viking, I can only say how much I enjoyed both trips. The weather is not something you can control, so just go with it, as far as traffic, well any big city has jams. The food, I ate everything and tried many new things, like 100 yr eggs, and enjoyed the different foods, my buddy had a hard time with the meals, but she is fussy about what she eats even at home. Everyone is different. As far as tips, I know that Canadians and the British don't tip, but it is what people do do all over the world for great service, and all of our drivers, guides and leader did a fabulous job and eared every cent I gave them above the amount Viking suggested. As far as getting on and off the ship, and stairs, the info on cruise critic tells you that the trips are for people fit and willing to put up with some inconveniences, like stairs, toilets. This leads me to say that you should not only bring toilet paper, but good hand wipes, and if you wants large napkins take your own paper ones. The Chinese do not use napkins and use small plates, We westerns eat too much off too large of a plate. Please don't take offense at these statements, it is given to make your trip more enjoyable.

Is any one posting here on the Cultural Delights starting on March 31st?

Does any one travel with a CPAP ? I need distilled water for my machine, I have just gotten my and haven't been able to find out if distilled water is available on the ship or the hotels.

Some people have had their luggage and clothes get wet when on the cruise in China, but I do this for any and all trips. It's called Space Travel Bags, they are wonderful and add very little weight, or you can use zip lock bags. I have had my luggage left out in the rain as the ground crew got called in at the airport in JFK. The airport was shut down for several hours, a electrical storm was moving up the whole east coast. Our suit cases were soaking wet, but everything else inside the bags were dry. Also when TSA check your luggage they don't make a mess, the bags might shift around a little but the clothes stay as neat as you put them in there. I hope you give this a try, it really works.

We are looking to go on the Sept. 15th, Canada/New England Cruise, and my friend isn't into dressing up for dinner. Do the people still dress for dinner in the main dinning room? For formal nights are everyone still in formal dress? We are interested in the cruise mainly, but enjoy eating in the main dinning room. The last time I cruise with her in 2006 everyone dressed up for the MDR,everyone worn formal dresses/tuxes for the formal nights.

A big Thank You Gwen, My friend and I will be on the Royal Princess for the June 3rd cruise and really enjoyed your daily updates. This will be our second time on the Royal Princess so we don't have to spend time finding our way around. All the info on the land portion has been most informative. I'm taking my hiking shoes for sure. Thanks again.

Wonderful that you got to keep your up grade. Thanks for the great pics of the ship in Oslo. Enjoy another glass of wine, you sure do deserve it.

Thanks GweninTX , I have been following your posts, now that you're starting the portion that I will be doing on June 3rd, I'm looking forward to hearing about the tours and entertainment on board. Thanks again for taking the time to do this.

I'll only be doing a segment of a Princess world cruise, and I'm wondering of they do the Captains circle party. Is there anything else that's normal on a shorter cruise that isn't included on the segments.