Viking China (Part 2)

[roothy123]

Fall Colors and Live Report: Well, I am now in Beijing, at the Westin Chaoyang Hotel, which is the nicest hotel I've ever been in. This morning we were in Xi'an and saw the terra cotta warriors - pretty amazing. We were the first people in, before the gates opened, so we had the place to ourselves for the first 15 minutes or so. Then we flew to Beijing. Tomorrow is Great Wall and Ming Tombs day. Beijing is a much more attractive city so far than any we've been in.

 

Our tour escort, Shan Shan, is beyond fabulous. My husband has bad feet and can't walk long distances. She keeps arranging wheelchairs at the airports and had one waiting for him at the terra cotta museum. In the airport, we have been tipping (around $10, I think) and today at the warriors the price was $42. In Chongqing airport, which serves a huge population of people, there are only 2 full-sized wheelchairs for use, so that was a bit tricky as they were both in use when we needed one, but we made it on time to the flight. By the way, the internal flights have been on China Eastern (2 flights) and Sichuan Airlines. All have been fine. People are bringing fairly large carryons on board these flights, and nobody has said a word, but you might want to keep in mind that you're going to have to cart the stuff a ways through the airports and often through the parking lots to a bus. Viking, of course, takes care of the checked bags. You don't need to worry about taking small amounts of liquids in carry-on bags - they ARE allowed.

 

Viking has done a fabulous job, and with all the advice here on cruise critic, I've been prepared, almost too much so. We haven't used the converter or adapter plug, have only used my toilet paper a few times for "happy rooms" without paper, and haven't used any of the drugstore yet (Cipro, immodium, etc.) Nobody has gotten sick as far as I know, and nothing but good has happened. My traveling companions are great, the local guides are great, and the accomodations have been great. Food is almost always good. Feedback on the Tang Dynasty show was very positive; the group has not been to the opera yet. That's tomorrow night, and we are passing on that. Today we visited the Bird's Nest, and got out of the bus for a walk to see it, plus the Water Cube. That isn't really on the program, but our wonderful tour escort took us there on the way from the airport to the restaurant and hotel.

 

As to the fall colors, I haven't seen any, but Shan Shan mentioned that we may see some tomorrow t the Great Wall. However, she says they only last a few weeks.....

Edited October 17, 2011 by roothy123

[recyclelady]

Fall Colors and Live Report: Well, I am now in Beijing, at the Westin Chaoyang Hotel, which is the nicest hotel I've ever been in. This morning we were in Xi'an and saw the terra cotta warriors - pretty amazing. We were the first people in, before the gates opened, so we had the place to ourselves for the first 15 minutes or so. Then we flew to Beijing. Tomorrow is Great Wall and Ming Tombs day. Beijing is a much more attractive city so far than any we've been in.

 

Our tour escort, Shan Shan, is beyond fabulous. My husband has bad feet and can't walk long distances. She keeps arranging wheelchairs at the airports and had one waiting for him at the terra cotta museum. In the airport, we have been tipping (around $10, I think) and today at the warriors the price was $42. In Chongqing airport, which serves a huge population of people, there are only 2 full-sized wheelchairs for use, so that was a bit tricky as they were both in use when we needed one, but we made it on time to the flight. By the way, the internal flights have been on China Eastern (2 flights) and Sichuan Airlines. All have been fine. People are bringing fairly large carryons on board these flights, and nobody has said a word, but you might want to keep in mind that you're going to have to cart the stuff a ways through the airports and often through the parking lots to a bus. Viking, of course, takes care of the checked bags. You don't need to worry about taking small amounts of liquids in carry-on bags - they ARE allowed.

 

Viking has done a fabulous job, and with all the advice here on cruise critic, I've been prepared, almost too much so. We haven't used the converter or adapter plug, have only used my toilet paper a few times for "happy rooms" without paper, and haven't used any of the drugstore yet (Cipro, immodium, etc.) Nobody has gotten sick as far as I know, and nothing but good has happened. My traveling companions are great, the local guides are great, and the accomodations have been great. Food is almost always good. Feedback on the Tang Dynasty show was very positive; the group has not been to the opera yet. That's tomorrow night, and we are passing on that. Today we visited the Bird's Nest, and got out of the bus for a walk to see it, plus the Water Cube. That isn't really on the program, but our wonderful tour escort took us there on the way from the airport to the restaurant and hotel.

 

As to the fall colors, I haven't seen any, but Shan Shan mentioned that we may see some tomorrow t the Great Wall. However, she says they only last a few weeks.....

Roothy--

I love your reports. Keep them coming!!

[Kodi'smom]

Fall Colors and Live Report: Well, I am now in Beijing, at the Westin Chaoyang Hotel, which is the nicest hotel I've ever been in. This morning we were in Xi'an and saw the terra cotta warriors - pretty amazing. We were the first people in, before the gates opened, so we had the place to ourselves for the first 15 minutes or so. Then we flew to Beijing. Tomorrow is Great Wall and Ming Tombs day. Beijing is a much more attractive city so far than any we've been in.

 

Our tour escort, Shan Shan, is beyond fabulous. My husband has bad feet and can't walk long distances. She keeps arranging wheelchairs at the airports and had one waiting for him at the terra cotta museum. In the airport, we have been tipping (around $10, I think) and today at the warriors the price was $42. In Chongqing airport, which serves a huge population of people, there are only 2 full-sized wheelchairs for use, so that was a bit tricky as they were both in use when we needed one, but we made it on time to the flight. By the way, the internal flights have been on China Eastern (2 flights) and Sichuan Airlines. All have been fine. People are bringing fairly large carryons on board these flights, and nobody has said a word, but you might want to keep in mind that you're going to have to cart the stuff a ways through the airports and often through the parking lots to a bus. Viking, of course, takes care of the checked bags. You don't need to worry about taking small amounts of liquids in carry-on bags - they ARE allowed.

 

Viking has done a fabulous job, and with all the advice here on cruise critic, I've been prepared, almost too much so. We haven't used the converter or adapter plug, have only used my toilet paper a few times for "happy rooms" without paper, and haven't used any of the drugstore yet (Cipro, immodium, etc.) Nobody has gotten sick as far as I know, and nothing but good has happened. My traveling companions are great, the local guides are great, and the accomodations have been great. Food is almost always good. Feedback on the Tang Dynasty show was very positive; the group has not been to the opera yet. That's tomorrow night, and we are passing on that. Today we visited the Bird's Nest, and got out of the bus for a walk to see it, plus the Water Cube. That isn't really on the program, but our wonderful tour escort took us there on the way from the airport to the restaurant and hotel.

 

As to the fall colors, I haven't seen any, but Shan Shan mentioned that we may see some tomorrow t the Great Wall. However, she says they only last a few weeks.....

Thanks so much, I'm loving these live reports keep them coming.

[NivCruise]

I agree with all previous comments about the great Job Viking tours does in China. The hotels were great , the Emerald was a very nice ship and our assigned trip tour guide was superb and provided a lot of local knowledge. Our guide was invaluable when folks got sick in Tibet and when there were problems that were not the fault of Viking.

 

Comments:

 

There were excursions which were just shopping opportunities. Very high pressure shopping at that. In this I would include the carpet factory in Beijing. The Jade factory. The flying tigers art gallery and the silk embroidery exhibit in Shanghai. I will say that the quality of the goods offered for sale was excellent but the prices seemed on the high side. I would have not comment on these particular side trips if we were given sufficient time at the excellent museums in Tibet , Wuhan and in Shanghai. We were rushed through. The Wuhan exhibit on the relics from a 430BC tomb was amazing.

 

 

If you go to Tibet use altitude pills and take Dukeral in advance. Take plenty of Immodium and Gravol with you as well as Ciprox. A number of folks got sick in or after Tibet. The altitude pills had unpleasant side effects and the first night in Tibet was a hardship for most us on tour.

 

The whole Chinese tour but particularly in Tibet requires the ability to walk long distances sometimes on uneven surfaces and even climb stairs so steep that they are better described as ladders.

 

We enjoyed all of the various shows free or optional. If you want Peking duck go out on your own and find a better restaurant than the one connected to the theatre.

 

All of us tired of the Chinese food. This is not the same Chinese food served in North America. Take advantage of the optional steak, salmon and chicken meals offered on board the ship. There were no optional western meals at lunch while on excursions. The food offered by the hotels and on board was pretty good.

 

One suggestion I have is for Viking to offer a tour of a typical factory that supplies goods to Walmart . That would have been fascinating.

 

The Regent hotel in Beijing is 5 star and the Peace hotel in Shanghai is the most elegant hotel that we have ever stayed in.

 

The majority of travellers took their Ipads or laptops and or smart phones. Some used Skype regularly.

 

Don't get me wrong, we really enjoyed the tour and would not hesitate to use Viking again.

Edited October 18, 2011 by NivCruise
Edit

[recyclelady]

I agree with all previous comments about the great Job Viking tours does in China. The hotels were great , the Emerald was a very nice ship and our assigned trip tour guide was superb and provided a lot of local knowledge. Our guide was invaluable when folks got sick in Tibet and when there were problems that were not the fault of Viking.

 

Comments:

 

There were excursions which were just shopping opportunities. Very high pressure shopping at that. In this I would include the carpet factory in Beijing. The Jade factory. The flying tigers art gallery and the silk embroidery exhibit in Shanghai. I will say that the quality of the goods offered for sale was excellent but the prices seemed on the high side. I would have not comment on these particular side trips if we were given sufficient time at the excellent museums in Tibet , Wuhan and in Shanghai. We were rushed through. The Wuhan exhibit on the relics from a 430BC tomb was amazing.

 

 

If you go to Tibet use altitude pills and take Dukeral in advance. Take plenty of Immodium and Gravol with you as well as Ciprox. A number of folks got sick in or after Tibet. The altitude pills had unpleasant side effects and the first night in Tibet was a hardship for most us on tour.

 

The whole Chinese tour but particularly in Tibet requires the ability to walk long distances sometimes on uneven surfaces and even climb stairs so steep that they are better described as ladders.

 

We enjoyed all of the various shows free or optional. If you want Peking duck go out on your own and find a better restaurant than the one connected to the theatre.

 

All of us tired of the Chinese food. This is not the same Chinese food served in North America. Take advantage of the optional steak, salmon and chicken meals offered on board the ship. There were no optional western meals at lunch while on excursions. The food offered by the hotels and on board was pretty good.

 

One suggestion I have is for Viking to offer a tour of a typical factory that supplies goods to Walmart . That would have been fascinating.

 

The Regent hotel in Beijing is 5 star and the Peace hotel in Shanghai is the most elegant hotel that we have ever stayed in.

 

The majority of travellers took their Ipads or laptops and or smart phones. Some used Skype regularly.

 

Don't get me wrong, we really enjoyed the tour and would not hesitate to use Viking again.

Thank you. I appreciate ALL comments.

[roothy123]

I agree there is too much shopping, but a lot of people like to shop, as some people have bought something at every stop. Two people bought rugs, for example. I think Viking tries to balance the shopping time with non-shopping time, and in the grand scheme of things, at least on Imperial Jewels, the shopping time isn't too terribly much. Yes, the clerks are pushy, but if you just say no, you'll be fine!

 

Great Wall yesterday was amazing. We had 2 hours there. Most of us took the south part - steep in places and less high, but fewer people. However, as a photographer I give the north part a little bit of an edge as there was more sun there. Of course, I (hopefully) got some good pictures of the north wall from the south wall, so it's ok. There is a group shot, with book, signed by our tour escort, offered for $15 at the end, but you'll need to tell your tour escort up front and not later. Don't worry, she/he will tell you....

 

Just a heads up for people like me who don't like to spend money for internet: The westin Chaoyang doesn't charge if you use wifi on your netbook on the first 5 floors, but it you use it in your room upstairs, they do. I paid $20 for a cruise critic message and an email or two. Of course, most of you will say that's a drop in the bucket, and it is, but I just thought I'd pass that on. Westin does NOT tell you that when you check in and give you your password for the wifi.

 

Last night we broke from the crowd (yes, I'm tired of Chinese food, too) and went to a peking duck place a few blocks from the restaurant. My husband loves duck, so wanted to go....it was fairly good. He loved it, but then he always loves duck.....

 

Today we have the all day tour of Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace. My husband has ordered a wheelchair and pusher ($80). The dinner tonight (our last night in China) is at the hotel, as a group. (I guess Viking had a good number of people say they were disappointed that the last night there was no organized activity, so they have made this change. Of course, I don't think you HAVE to go, or HAVE to go at the appointed time, so I'm sure some folks will do their own thing. At least the hotel has western and eastern foods for those of us who are craving a steak.....breakfast is quite mixed.....sushi to omelets!

 

We have had an awesome trip so far......

[roothy123]

I meant to add that yes, the leaves are beginning to turn here around the Great Walll. Don't expect the Northeast, and you'll enjoy a little bit of color in your great wall pictures! They are mostly reds, and seemed to be on the part of the mountain away from the wall parts - but I think it's still a bit early, so you may see more!

[ChinaCruiser14]

We are currently on the Viking Emerald, Imperial Jewels Beijing to Shanghai direction. Great so far, will report in detail when we finish. Thanks everyone for all your posts and info.

[5326jan]

We are currently on the Viking Emerald, Imperial Jewels Beijing to Shanghai direction. Great so far, will report in detail when we finish. Thanks everyone for all your posts and info.

 

Safe travels!

[Peregrina651]

I meant to add that yes, the leaves are beginning to turn here around the Great Walll. Don't expect the Northeast, and you'll enjoy a little bit of color in your great wall pictures! They are mostly reds, and seemed to be on the part of the mountain away from the wall parts - but I think it's still a bit early, so you may see more!

Umm, the Northeast is have a terrible year color-wise, so you might be getting the better show. We seem to be going from green to bare and skipping the color. :(

[Peregrina651]

For those of you who missed Ruth's paragraph about wi-fi fees at the Westin, it bears repeating.

 

Just a heads up for people like me who don't like to spend money for internet: The westin Chaoyang doesn't charge if you use wifi on your netbook on the first 5 floors, but it you use it in your room upstairs, they do. I paid $20 for a cruise critic message and an email or two. Of course, most of you will say that's a drop in the bucket, and it is, but I just thought I'd pass that on. Westin does NOT tell you that when you check in and give you your password for the wifi.

 

 

Ruth, it is not a drop in my bucket and I hope that you will say something about it on the passenger survey. Most hotels we deal with have an opt put screen that tells you that you will be incurring a fee. Since this doesn't seem to be the case here, it is something that the Viking guides should be talking about before checking in at the hotel.

[roothy123]

In fairness to Westin, it's possible there was a notice about the charge when I agreed to their terms. However, I didn't read everything there, as the terms I read before i other hotels dealt mainly with the whole "you may be monitored or may not have access to all sites" thing that you have in China. Also, it's possible our tour escort mentioned there was free wifi in the lobby - not sure. In any case, I was only glad that my husband just happened to check the bill, or charge something to the bill, and discovered the charge the first day we were in Beijing. At least I then knew about it and went downstairs the next day to use my netbook!

 

I'm now back in the U.S., after the long flight from Beijing. Boy, I've found a new record for number of times being scanned, wanded, photographed, and "carry-on checked!" I didn't think I'd ever get on the plane in Beijing! I had to take my camera out as well as the netbook, and everyone was photographed twice at two security checkpoints. Then when we were on the jetway, ALL carryons had to be checked - although they did not go through every inch of every bag. They had 10 people doing inspections! It then took a very long time to get luggage in SFO - so very, very much luggage coming off of that big plane!

 

I feel so stupid - back in May I made my car, hotel and Southwest Airlines reservations for returning from SFO to Baltimore, since we wanted to spend a night in SF to break up the long travel time from Beijing to Baltimore. Back then, I didn't realize that we'd be going back in time, and made all reservations for tomorrow instead of today! What a dumbo I was! Fortunately, Southwest doesn't charge to make changes, and Hertz and the Hayes Valley Inn in SF were great about changing the reservations without charge. There's only one flight with empty seats, and it's an early one, so we're good to go.

 

China was great, but I have to admit, I'm happy to be back in a country which allows a lot more freedom. The crowds, cameras, security personnel, and traffic jams were really eye-openers to me!

Edited October 20, 2011 by roothy123

[Peregrina651]

Welcome home! Glad you had a great trip. Can't wait to see your photos and read your review.

[recyclelady]

In fairness to Westin, it's possible there was a notice about the charge when I agreed to their terms. However, I didn't read everything there, as the terms I read before i other hotels dealt mainly with the whole "you may be monitored or may not have access to all sites" thing that you have in China. Also, it's possible our tour escort mentioned there was free wifi in the lobby - not sure. In any case, I was only glad that my husband just happened to check the bill, or charge something to the bill, and discovered the charge the first day we were in Beijing. At least I then knew about it and went downstairs the next day to use my netbook!

 

I'm now back in the U.S., after the long flight from Beijing. Boy, I've found a new record for number of times being scanned, wanded, photographed, and "carry-on checked!" I didn't think I'd ever get on the plane in Beijing! I had to take my camera out as well as the netbook, and everyone was photographed twice at two security checkpoints. Then when we were on the jetway, ALL carryons had to be checked - although they did not go through every inch of every bag. They had 10 people doing inspections! It then took a very long time to get luggage in SFO - so very, very much luggage coming off of that big plane!

 

I feel so stupid - back in May I made my car, hotel and Southwest Airlines reservations for returning from SFO to Baltimore, since we wanted to spend a night in SF to break up the long travel time from Beijing to Baltimore. Back then, I didn't realize that we'd be going back in time, and made all reservations for tomorrow instead of today! What a dumbo I was! Fortunately, Southwest doesn't charge to make changes, and Hertz and the Hayes Valley Inn in SF were great about changing the reservations without charge. There's only one flight with empty seats, and it's an early one, so we're good to go.

 

China was great, but I have to admit, I'm happy to be back in a country which allows a lot more freedom. The crowds, cameras, security personnel, and traffic jams were really eye-openers to me!

But unless I am mistaken, although Southwest does not have change fees, they will charge you the difference in price for your flight (which most of the time is much higher at the last minute.)

[NivCruise]

Really ? Arrival and departure for us was no more bothersome than our recent trips to the USA by plane. Try driving into the USA some time if you want the third degree treatment.

 

Viking has really excellent drivers. I could never drive in China. Didn't see many accidents though.

Edited October 21, 2011 by NivCruise

[Viking Cruises]

For those of you who missed Ruth's paragraph about wi-fi fees at the Westin, it bears repeating.

 

 

 

 

Ruth, it is not a drop in my bucket and I hope that you will say something about it on the passenger survey. Most hotels we deal with have an opt put screen that tells you that you will be incurring a fee. Since this doesn't seem to be the case here, it is something that the Viking guides should be talking about before checking in at the hotel.

 

Dear ruthy123,

 

We too have enjoyed reading your posts from China! We’re so happy to hear that you had a wonderful trip. Regarding the variation in wi-fi charges at the Westin Beijing Chaoyang, we will pass along your feedback within our organization. As Peregrina651 said, welcome back home! Along with her, we can’t wait to read your full review of your time in China — actually, you’d be the first to rate & review Viking Emerald! We hope you’ll do so here: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreviewform.cfm?shipID=641.

 

Kind regards,

 

Viking River Cruises

[recyclelady]

Does anyone else think it is really cool that Viking monitors these boards!!

[Kodi'smom]

Does anyone else think it is really cool that Viking monitors these boards!!

I think it's wonderful that Viking cares so much about customer feedback. Like you I'm very impressed they read this blog. They are smart businessmen if they can read the pulse of their clientele.

[Peregrina651]

Does anyone else think it is really cool that Viking monitors these boards!!

 

 

I do!

 

You should also be aware that they tread a very thin line when they respond to us here in that they must be very careful to stay within the guidelines that Cruise Critic imposes on them (which are different from the guidelines imposed on passengers).

[caribill]

Does anyone else think it is really cool that Viking monitors these boards!!

 

I think all the cruise lines have someone who offically monitors the boards about them and many who unoffricially do so.

 

What is nice is that Viking on multiple occasions has responded to complaints and gone on to inform us that things were changed as a result of posts by passengers on CC.

[roothy123]

OK, to respond to what others have said:

 

Our tickets on the Southwest flights were originally obtained at no cost, except for taxes, as a result of obtaining "free" tickets when we both applied for Southwest credit cards. Therefore, it's possible that the seats we got as a result of my screw-up would have cost more, but if so, they did not charge us for the difference. We were lucky to get them at all, since both planes yesterday were 100% full. Of course, that is not unusual. Traveling is not what it used to be when you could get on a plane and find a third or half of the plane empty!

 

I was relieved that Hertz didn't bat an eye when we asked to change our reservation, as I had purchased the car rental on Priceline using their bidding process, which is totally non-refundable. However, their employee was extremely accommodating, and offered to switch it in their system so we wouldn't have to do a thing. As for the hotel, the person on the desk just went into booking.com and changed our reservation for us.

 

As to the Beijing airport experience, it reminded me of Frankfurt, which has a lot of checkpoints and security - but flying in and out of the U.S. has never been that cumbersome where I live (DC/Baltimore area). I'm not complaining, though - whatever it takes to keep people safe is ok with me, including the controversial body scans in the U.S.!

 

Yes, the drivers Viking used were great, especially the one in Beijing. The traffic there is totally nuts, and that guy had a ton of patience. He certainly deserved the tips he got. By the way, do NOT take the Beijing metro during rush hour. I've been on crowded metro trains in Europe, but my Beijing experience took the cake! I thought I was going to faint - but at least if I had, I would not have fallen anywhere, as there was no room to fall!

 

I'm now going through pictures. I will post them on my pbase site when done, and post a link here. However, I'm not planning to post a formal blog of my journey - although I may review the Emerald, since apparently nobody has so far! It was a beautiful ship, with a wonderful crew. The food was generally pretty good - some great, and some so-so. As someone above mentioned, keep in mind the "always available" food if you get tired of Chinese food served family style. The only thing that people really complained about (and someone ALWAYS complains about SOMETHING) was that the wifi and computers were quirky and slow. I'm not a techie, but my guess is that, with all the smartphones people now carry, it's difficult to get fast internet on a ship going down the middle of a river half a world away. I even had slow internet service in the hotels, and verizon email was definitely shaky throughout most of my travels! Once I figured out the Hong Kong google address, I found Google's gmail much easier to use.

 

Viking, thanks for a wonderful trip! Keep Shan Shan Wei happy - she is a national treasure! My husband needed a lot of wheelchair assistance, and she always arranged them without us having to ask. We loved Cities of Light, but think this trip topped that one, and not just because of the difference in ships (Fontane vs Emerald).

Edited October 23, 2011 by roothy123

[Peregrina651]

 

I'm now going through pictures. I will post them on my pbase site when done, and post a link here. However, I'm not planning to post a formal blog of my journey -

 

Why not (asks the procrastinator)? With the posts you've made so far, you already have a good start on some sort of a blog/travelogue. If you gather what you have written and add some photos and then post it someplace like Photoblog or Shutterfly, you're done.

[NivCruise]

Well it is true that sometimes there are connectivity problems for all users on the Ship occasionally, the problems in the Emerald's free computer room were worse.

 

It was very frustrating because you would normally expect that all computers would work or not work at the same time. That was not the case.

 

One computer would work and one next to it would not work. Never the same all the time. Folks would be happy surfing the internet and you might be stuck in front of the one machine not working. I do not recall seeing all of the machines operating well at the same time.

 

The instructions to sign on and sign off were very unclear. I think the problems stem from improperly signing on and off. No doubt an occasional reboot was probably needed.

 

Considering that number of employees on ship... it would be nice if a staff member could check in at the computer room occasionally to get a stalled machine going again.

 

Perhaps the computers should use the same technology as Hotels to sign on ( but of course be free). Moral of the story is to take your own Tablet.

 

Thanks

[recyclelady]

Well it is true that sometimes there are connectivity problems for all users on the Ship occasionally, the problems in the Emerald's free computer room were worse.

 

It was very frustrating because you would normally expect that all computers would work or not work at the same time. That was not the case.

 

One computer would work and one next to it would not work. Never the same all the time. Folks would be happy surfing the internet and you might be stuck in front of the one machine not working. I do not recall seeing all of the machines operating well at the same time.

 

The instructions to sign on and sign off were very unclear. I think the problems stem from improperly signing on and off. No doubt an occasional reboot was probably needed.

 

Considering that number of employees on ship... it would be nice if a staff member could check in at the computer room occasionally to get a stalled machine going again.

 

Perhaps the computers should use the same technology as Hotels to sign on ( but of course be free). Moral of the story is to take your own Tablet.

 

Thanks

I'm unclear about the internet access on the Emerald.

 

If I DO take my own netbook, can I access the internet? From my room or a common location? Still free?

Edited October 23, 2011 by recyclelady

[roothy123]

You will not be able to access the internet with a netbook in the cabin. However, if you go to the 4th deck and sit near the computer room, you'll get access there. There are some chairs and small tables near the coffee pot/cookie area, and you can sit there and log in. If access is slow, you can also check out the scenery. I was very annoyed one day while sitting there, as we passed very close to a herd of small goats on the hillside, and I had left my camera in the cabin!

 

I was glad I took my netbook, even though it added more weight, and also had to be taken in and out of my carryon all the time due to the multiple flights involved. I was able to load pictures onto it just in case something happened to my cards, and I used it on the ship as well as in the hotels. The Shanghai hotel had free internet use in its biz center, which was open at night, so I really didn't need it there. Perhaps the hotels in Xi'an and Beijing did too, but if so, I wasn't aware of it. They both did, however, have free wifi in their lobbies, so I was glad I had my netbook and mouse with me.

 

Just FYI, although I was glad I took the netbook, I did take some stuff I didn't use: hand wipes, which were plentiful in China and on the Emerald, a few plastic forks, Immodium and Pepto, Cipro, couple packs of tissue (only had to use one), insect repellent, shampoo, poncho, and an extra converter and adapter set. (We barely ever used the one set.) Of course, I suppose if I hadn't taken this stuff, I would have needed it!

 

I agree with a previous poster in that lack of signing off contributed to the problem on the Emerald, and that rebooting did usually help. The first day or two things were shaky, but seemed to get much better later on. There were numerous times when I walked by and all 8 computers were being used, so maybe they now have someone checking the computers periodically. Of course, when you're going through a lock, you need to sign off and stay off, as you're likely to lose what you're working on during lock transit. I learned that lesson the hard way in Germany last year! On the Shanghai to Beijing trip, you won't be going through many locks unless you stay up late for the "big dam" with its multiple locks, but there IS one lock you'll traverse during the day time.

Edited October 23, 2011 by roothy123