Viking China (Part 2)

[Peregrina651]

OK two questions: what were the inter-city flights like? I know the longest of them is only 2 hours, but did you feel safe on the planes? comfortable? squeezed in like sardines?

 

Turtles had trouble on one of her flights but I have to say that our flights were unremarkable. The cabin temps were fine. We did not feel any more like sardines than we do when flying coach in the US. BTW, to keep your group together, everyone is seated together in coach; there is no first-class option on the intra-China flights. And, yes, we felt perfectly safe in the planes. But, just like there are differences between airplanes and flights in the US or Europe, there are difference among airplanes and flights in China--and that is why Turtles can tell you of her horrible experience while I sit back and say, "No problems."

[Turtles06]

Turtles had trouble on one of her flights but I have to say that our flights were unremarkable. The cabin temps were fine. We did not feel any more like sardines than we do when flying coach in the US. BTW, to keep your group together, everyone is seated together in coach; there is no first-class option on the intra-China flights. And, yes, we felt perfectly safe in the planes. But, just like there are differences between airplanes and flights in the US or Europe, there are difference among airplanes and flights in China--and that is why Turtles can tell you of her horrible experience while I sit back and say, "No problems."

 

I think that's a fair assessment. I was only reporting our one single "bad" experience, not suggesting it was common, just our experience.

 

As far as groups being kept together, yes, the Viking groups will be together, but actual seat assignments in China are done randomly since 9/11 (that's what we were told), and so it's quite likely you won't be sitting with your traveling companion. You are free to switch seats once on board, but on a couple of the flights, my partner and I were seated so far apart and the planes were so crowded we couldn't pull off a switch. This wasn't a big deal, as the flights weren't that long, I'm just noting it for non-Chinese who are not likely to be familiar with this system.

[Hydrokitty]

I think that's a fair assessment. I was only reporting our one single "bad" experience, not suggesting it was common, just our experience.

 

As far as groups being kept together, yes, the Viking groups will be together, but actual seat assignments in China are done randomly since 9/11 (that's what we were told), and so it's quite likely you won't be sitting with your traveling companion. You are free to switch seats once on board, but on a couple of the flights, my partner and I were seated so far apart and the planes were so crowded we couldn't pull off a switch. This wasn't a big deal, as the flights weren't that long, I'm just noting it for non-Chinese who are not likely to be familiar with this system.

 

It sounds very much like our Egyptian flight from Cairo to Aswan....DH and I were sitting several rows apart..funny thing is he was sitting with the wife of the man I was sitting with! We're married 50 years, I can handle two hours apart!!:D

[rhskls]

We are thinking of opting out of Viking's air and going on our own. Does anyone know how much it would cost to take a taxi to or from the airport both in Shanghai and Beijing? I know we can buy transfers from Viking but wanted to compare costs.

[Tom2]

We are thinking of opting out of Viking's air and going on our own. Does anyone know how much it would cost to take a taxi to or from the airport both in Shanghai and Beijing? I know we can buy transfers from Viking but wanted to compare costs.

 

We booked our own air and used the Shanghai Car Service to get from the airport to the Pudong Shangri-la and the cost was $110. They met us in arrivals with a sign with our name on it, handled our luggage and took us directly to the hotel. Here is the web site: http://www.shanghaicarservice.com/online-booking.html . We arrived Shanghai a day early and also rented a car for a half a day of touring from them and split the cost with another couple we met on Cruise Critic. We took the extension so we left from Hong Kong and were able to get a ride to the airport from the Hotel Concierge. If you are interested here is a link to the daily blog we posted while on the China Trip: http://www.tomjed.com/index.php/china

Tom

[Turtles06]

We are thinking of opting out of Viking's air and going on our own. Does anyone know how much it would cost to take a taxi to or from the airport both in Shanghai and Beijing? I know we can buy transfers from Viking but wanted to compare costs.

 

I'm not sure you can buy transfers from Viking if you haven't booked your air with them, you should check into that. In fact, when I researched our 2011 trip back in 2010, you couldn't even use a Viking transfer WITH Viking Air if you were "deviating" from the Viking arrival or departure schedule.

 

We booked our own air and decided to splurge with a hotel car pickup in Beijing, where the airport is a good distance from the city. I can't recall exactly how much it was (perhaps around $140), but it was worth it after flying for half a day and being met literally at the gate and escorted over to immigration, baggage claim and a waiting car with water and hot towels. (And no need to worry about whether a taxi was taking the wrong route, etc.) Yes, a total splurge. I don't regret it for a second.

 

On the back end in Shanghai, we took a taxi from our hotel to the airport. I don't recall the cost, but taxis are pretty cheap in China.

[travelfirst]

We are thinking of opting out of Viking's air and going on our own. Does anyone know how much it would cost to take a taxi to or from the airport both in Shanghai and Beijing? I know we can buy transfers from Viking but wanted to compare costs.

 

If you take Viking's air your transfers are included.

We did that when we went.

 

There is a lot of traffic there so the price for a cab would depend on how long you are stuck in traffic on the way to and from the airport.

It is very chaotic there, cars making their own lanes, etc..

[Turtles06]

If you take Viking's air your transfers are included.

We did that when we went.

 

 

When I looked into this for our 2011 trip, I was told the transfers are only included if you arrive and depart on Viking's schedule. If you want to fly in a day or so early, for example (or leave later on the other end), not only will you have to pay an "air deviation fee" for this "privilege," but you will not get a Viking transfer, since you won't be with a Viking group. For those using Viking air, I recommend checking all of this out to see what the situation is currently.

[HMK8273]

We are traveling in April 2014 on the Cultural Delights trip - Beijing to Shanghai with Hong Kong extension. When deciding on airfare, we were told by our TA that we could book the transfers if we didn't go with Viking Air. We are going with Viking air as their business airfare was 2/3 the price of business air that we could find for similar flights. We even confirmed that if we decided at some point - and that point has passed - that we could cancel our Viking air, get the Viking air money back, buy our own air and book the Viking transfers at that point too. If you want the transfers, they might be a deal - don't remember how much they were because in the end it wasn't something we had to separately pay for.

[Kohola]

We are thinking of opting out of Viking's air and going on our own. Does anyone know how much it would cost to take a taxi to or from the airport both in Shanghai and Beijing? I know we can buy transfers from Viking but wanted to compare costs.

 

The travel documents provided by VRC state to expect taxi fares to run about $35. In 2012 we took a cab from the secondary airport in Shanghai to the Ritz Carlton for 100RMB or $16...actual cost on the meter was $13. It was after midnight so traffic was extremely light; the trip duration was 20 minutes. Cost of a transfer without air is around $100/person. We have compared booking our flights versus using VRC air for six cruises thus far. In 5 of the 6 VRC airfare was cheaper and we selected the airline to accumulate FF miles.

 

A comment about using a TA...you can't put a price on having a great TA when there is a problem. The TA should have a personal relationship with the regional manager of VRC which makes it much easier and far more likely you will be compensated in a way to ensure your loyalty to VRC. I have experienced two issues with VRC, one using a TA and one where I booked the trip myself.

First the trip I booked...China bought the transfer, but needed to use a cab; I was reimbursed the cab fare. For Ukraine I used a TA...needed to buy a VISA in Turkey for the return flight to retrieve our luggage; I was not only reimbursed for the VISA, but also given a travel credit sufficient enough cover the cost of plane fare for one person on our next trip because my TA had a great working relationship with the regional manager.

[milling73]

I've been comparing these 2 and trying to decide which one to take. The itinerary is similar. Cultural has the extra stops / days on the river. But more seem to take Jewels of China trip.

 

Anyone have insight, or by any chance taken both trips? Cultural offers fewer sail dates. Blue Devil your review is awesome, and very helpful!!!

 

How hot / humid did you find the August weather to be?

 

Thanks for any suggestions..

[Turtles06]

I've been comparing these 2 and trying to decide which one to take. The itinerary is similar. Cultural has the extra stops / days on the river. But more seem to take Jewels of China trip.

 

Anyone have insight, or by any chance taken both trips? Cultural offers fewer sail dates. ...

 

Thanks for any suggestions..

 

Not sure if you'll find anyone who has done both. I am sure, though, that Peregrina will tell you she loved Cultural Delights, and those of us who have done the Imperial Jewels itinerary will tell you how much we loved that.

 

Let me throw out some things that you might want to consider to help you decide, as only you will be able to make this decision. How much time do you have? Do you really want to spend as much time on the river as you would to do Cultural Delights? And, if so, will that take away some pre- and/or post-Viking time in China? (For example, we flew into Beijing several days early, and really, really loved our extra time there. It's an amazing city.)

 

Not knocking Cultural Delights, but five nights on the Emerald seemed just about right to us. Our reaction then was that it would be hard to imagine doubling that time. Among other things, all meals on the Emerald are served at big round tables for 8-10 (I can't recall the size). And as much as my spouse and I enjoyed the company of the others on our tour, after nearly a week, that kind of group dining for every meal gets old. Sometimes, you'd just like to have dinner (or breakfast) with your spouse.

 

You mentioned August. If your schedule permits, I would stay away from the hot, humid summer in China.

 

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!

[milling73]

Good and valid points, thank you!! We are booked on Jewels next year, but after reading the great review written, was considering trading. But will stick with Jewels and take extensions on both sides.

[Peregrina651]

Not sure if you'll find anyone who has done both. I am sure, though, that Peregrina will tell you she loved Cultural Delights, and those of us who have done the Imperial Jewels itinerary will tell you how much we loved that.

 

Turtles is right; I LOVED Cultural Delights. I would do it again at the drop of hat--and in spite of the downsides that Turtles has pointed out. In fact, for the most part, I don't disagree with her observations.

 

One reason that so many people have done Jewels and not as many have done Delights is that the Delights trip only sails 6 times per year (March, August and October) while the Jewels trip sails 42 times (in 2014) from the end of February to the middle of November. A new tour starts every five days. The shorter trip is a better fit with more people (those who can't take the almost three weeks of vacation time).

 

There is no right or wrong choice. It all depends on what you want to see. I was glad to have the choice of itineraries--and that Delights was scheduled at a time of year when I could travel.

 

 

Let me throw out some things that you might want to consider to help you decide, as only you will be able to make this decision. How much time do you have? Do you really want to spend as much time on the river as you would to do Cultural Delights?

 

Yes, I really did want to spend that much time on the river! In my mind, I was on a cruise, not a tour, and that mean the more days cruising, the better. I loved seeing places that many people don't get to see when they travel to China--the Buddhist monasteries and temples on Mt. Jiuhua, the Porcelain History Museum, the Yueyang Tower and even the drives through the countryside were fascinating. It all depends on what you want to see! I wasn't as much interested in the large cities but wanted to see what the rest of the country was like beyond the city limits.

 

 

 

Not knocking Cultural Delights, but five nights on the Emerald seemed just about right to us. Our reaction then was that it would be hard to imagine doubling that time. Among other things, all meals on the Emerald are served at big round tables for 8-10 (I can't recall the size). And as much as my spouse and I enjoyed the company of the others on our tour, after nearly a week, that kind of group dining for every meal gets old. Sometimes, you'd just like to have dinner (or breakfast) with your spouse.

 

Good point. Definitely something to consider.

 

We were traveling with another couple, so a quiet meal for two was never going to happen no matter how many days we were on the river.

 

 

.

[graham44]

I'm pleased to see recent comments on Cultural Delights, which have brought back great memories of our trip in August 2012, exactly a year before BlueDevil75.

We had a wonderful holiday, and my response to a couple of points raised recently are:

- we do like it hot on holiday and Shanghai was certainly very hot and humid (temperature in 90s) but bearable, and after Shanghai it was pleasantly hot and sunny in 80s for almost the whole time, and we were very lucky that skies were clear with little smog;

- we greatly enjoyed the longer more relaxing cruise on the Yangtze and all the additional sights (Suzhou, Jiu Hua, Jingdezhen, Yueyang, Fengdu), plus lots of countryside as Peregrina has said.

This thread has also given me an excuse to revisit my photos of the trip, at

https://plus.google.com/photos/107911234663474075270/albums/5792984059321107825.

 

Graham.

[MrsTiggywinkle]

Just returned this morning from the Imperial Jewels of China cruise which began in Beijing on October 2nd. Still very tired and trying to get unpacked but wanted to say how much my husband and I enjoyed the efforts of our Viking Tour Guide, Patrick. He did a great job under difficult circumstances, i.e., there were massive crowds everywhere due to China's weeklong National Holiday. While we didn't see China the way we had hoped to see it (like in the TV ads that feature a deserted Great Wall), Patrick's calm approach saved the day and we wound up seeing what we wanted to see just in a different way, right alongside vast numbers of Chinese citizens who may have traveled many miles to see their own cultural treasures, often for the first time. They were always gracious and friendly to us.

 

That said, there were more than just a few passengers (myself included) who felt that Viking should have been forthcoming about the impact of the Holiday. So any future China cruisers should research the dates of China's two big holidays (Spring Festival and the October holiday) and plan accordingly.

 

Other than that, we feel the trip (our first river cruise) was successful when measured against the following criteria:

1) we didn't lose our passports

2) we only had occasional twinges of Chairman Mao's revenge, never enough to keep us down, and stayed quite healthy in all other respects as well

3) I stayed upright and didn't fall down even once

4) my husband hung on to his glasses

5) all five flights were on time

6) we stuck to the budget

 

Still processing all the other data points but really it has all been said here before:

1) don't drink or rinse with the tap water...ever

2) good walking shoes (already broken in) are a must

3) be prepared to walk, walk, and then, walk some more

 

Perhaps I will post more later when the jet lag subsides a bit. Until then, I also want to post a big hello to my fellow cruiser and Cruise Critic poster rahrah50 and her wonderful cruising buddies...it was great fun meeting all of you!

[Osnab]

Just returned this morning from the Imperial Jewels of China cruise which began in Beijing on October 2nd. Still very tired and trying to get unpacked but wanted to say how much my husband and I enjoyed the efforts of our Viking Tour Guide, Patrick. He did a great job under difficult circumstances, i.e., there were massive crowds everywhere due to China's weeklong National Holiday. While we didn't see China the way we had hoped to see it (like in the TV ads that feature a deserted Great Wall), Patrick's calm approach saved the day and we wound up seeing what we wanted to see just in a different way, right alongside vast numbers of Chinese citizens who may have traveled many miles to see their own cultural treasures, often for the first time. They were always gracious and friendly to us.

 

That said, there were more than just a few passengers (myself included) who felt that Viking should have been forthcoming about the impact of the Holiday. So any future China cruisers should research the dates of China's two big holidays (Spring Festival and the October holiday) and plan accordingly.

 

Other than that, we feel the trip (our first river cruise) was successful when measured against the following criteria:

1) we didn't lose our passports

2) we only had occasional twinges of Chairman Mao's revenge, never enough to keep us down, and stayed quite healthy in all other respects as well

3) I stayed upright and didn't fall down even once

4) my husband hung on to his glasses

5) all five flights were on time

6) we stuck to the budget

 

Still processing all the other data points but really it has all been said here before:

1) don't drink or rinse with the tap water...ever

2) good walking shoes (already broken in) are a must

3) be prepared to walk, walk, and then, walk some more

 

Perhaps I will post more later when the jet lag subsides a bit. Until then, I also want to post a big hello to my fellow cruiser and Cruise Critic poster rahrah50 and her wonderful cruising buddies...it was great fun meeting all of you!

 

Mrs. Tiggywinkle:

This was a great post. You reminded me of a few things when I took the Viking China tour. It was the most physical cruise I've ever taken. Lots and lots and lots to see! When I was there, it wasn't a holiday for the Chinese, but there were still a lot of Chinese tourists. On the Great Wall, many wanted to have their photo taken with me. :)

 

I really laughed, even though I don't think you intended it to be funny, when you said what you thought was successful about the trip. You just worded the things we all think. I wish I could say that I didn't fall on my last cruise, but unfortunately, my behind still shows the bruise from such fall. I'm grateful I didn't break anything. I guess I should be grateful I have some extra padding back there. LOL

 

As you get caught up on your sleep and back in your time zone, I bet you will be even more enthusiastic about the trip. I hope you took good detailed notes because I would like to see your trip report.

 

Thanks.

Felicia

[Osnab]

 

 

Still processing all the other data points but really it has all been said here before:

1) don't drink or rinse with the tap water...ever

2) good walking shoes (already broken in) are a must

3) be prepared to walk, walk, and then, walk some more

 

 

I replied to this post earlier, but I wanted to add something about the drinking and rinsing with tap water. Also, keep your mouth closed when you take a shower! I know that sounds weird, but it's not as easy as you think. But it only takes one drop to make you sick.

Felicia

[MrsTiggywinkle]

Also figured out in advance that washing one's face with bottled water might be a challenge...actually it isn't the washing, it is the rinsing off that is a challenge. Can't get enough water pressure from pouring a bottle of water over your face to do a really good job (I'm used to washing my face in the shower instead of at the sink. I know, TMI!).

 

So my brilliant cousin suggested that I bring along a couple of packages of facial cleansing cloths to use instead of my trusty clinique face soap. Worked like a charm, felt cool and refreshing every time I used one.

 

It is important to keep your face clean in the heat and the pollution and these cloths did the trick. Easy to pack, you don't have to worry about any spillage in your suitcase with these guys. And I wasn't forced to use the bottled water to sluice off the face soap from my face. Used it to sluice off the toothpaste foam from my toothbrush instead!

[rahrah50]

I am slowly recuperating from our Imperial Jewels of China trip. We had a fabulous trip with great weather. Our guide, Bill, truly made a dream come true. His knowledge of Chinese history added so much to our trip. The only negatives were it was Golden Week in China, which was not Viking's problem and this is a very exhausting trip. I know the Viking information says it is strenuous and they are not kidding, but it was worth it!!!

[Peregrina651]

Time to get this thread back on page one.

 

[Jobabe13]

we took the cruise the opposite way on the National Holiday, so we spent 6 of the 7 seven days of the National Holiday on the Cruise boat. I understand this made a huge difference. My husband had researched it. So we went from Shanghai to Beijing embarking on Sept 28th. So he made sure that during the National Holiday just make sure you are on the Boat during the Holiday....We heard about the crowds on your cruise from our tour guides...they were communicating with your tour guides about crowds and smog...we got reports of the pictures from your cruise...We had much less problem...But, it was wonderful!!!!!! while certainly more demanding than other cruises....

[Jobabe13]

we too Jewels with Hong Kong excursion you will love it...

[Debbie4a]

Okay Everyone, I leave November 8th. Give me your best tips for a wonderful trip=))

[Jobabe13]

Debbie4a, be sure to listen to your Guide...They tell you what each day will bring...this is really important so you know what to expect...If you have limitations just communicate with them. It will be getting cooler in Beijing but still hot in the south...Layering the best (knits)...the Laundry was great (didn't harm any of my clothes will even iron you underwear)...take some Imodium, cipro, cough drops, pain reliever, just in case...you will love everything...it is a wonderful trip...but know it is still a third world country (not Europe) not every where is going to have a western toilet...but they will be clean...the toilet paper is usually on a roll on the wall before you go into the stall (like paper towels)...Food is good...Loved the Peking Duck...The Tang Dynasty show is beautiful (even if food is not great it is worth it)...the Flights were harder on my knees than the actual trip but if you are limited you can get wheel chairs to ride you around. There will be some smog but it is China...the Hotels are wonderful...The crew and guides are lovely....I wish I had bought more Jade Chinese Zodiac Pendants at the XIAN Museum gift Shop as presents...the guides will help direct you to shops....