Viking China (Part 2)

[Carol From California]

Yes, I read that.

 

The problem is that Viking says three different things in three different places:

 

a) The link you provided

b) at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/rivercruises/china-yangtze-shanghai-beijing-2015/itinerary.aspx

c) Multiple mailed brochures

 

Of these three, only one meets 100% what you hope will happen.

 

Since all three are from Viking, it is tough to know what the correct one is.

 

Yes, I understand that. That is why Chloe's Mom indicated in her post that she was writing to Viking for clarification. It would seem to me that the link I provided is correct unless there are plans to do further touring in Xian before going to the airport....and I think if there was further touring it would be listed as to what that touring is. Viking has changed the itinerary for 2014 by adding the extra night in Xian which would seem to allow for free time in Beijing. Let's wait and see what the response is.

[Chloe's mom]

The link that Carol provided is for the 2013 itinerary, it is for the 12 day tour, where there was only one night in Xi'an. Viking added the second night in Xi'an for the 2014 itinerary, but they didn't provide on their website information about how the additional time in Xi'an and/or Beijing would be filled, that is why I wrote to them back on November 5. I pointed out in my email that Day 9 begins with the terra cotta warriors tour, and that in 2013 this was followed by lunch and then a flight to Beijing (this is what the link Carol provided says, again it's for the 2103 itinerary). I noted that in the 2014 itinerary, after lunch on Day 9 nothing is scheduled at all. And that Day 10 has nothing scheduled except the flight from Xi'an to Beijing. And I asked whether anything else would be scheduled for Day 10.

 

This is the response I got from Viking on November 6:

"At this point, we do not know which flights will be available to us for each and every single departure. In essence, the extra day in Xi'an allows us exactly what you are suggesting: better spacing. But since we do not yet have each individual piece completely nailed down (flight schedules are available, but allotted seats have not yet been determined), we felt it most appropriate to leave things largely as they were. Once we have every detail we need to provide the picture of how we plan to create better spacing, you will find a change on our website."

 

Carol, in case you are waiting to hear anything further from Viking as a response to my email, I wanted to let you know that I am not expecting Viking to send me an additional response. I'm also not sure that it's a good idea to scrutinize the itinerary details that Viking has written on their website, and then regard it as a sure thing. My view is that things are left somewhat indefinite at this point in order to give Viking some leeway in their planning, but that as the cruise gets closer they will have more specific details.

 

I know that this is not very helpful to you as you try to make arrangements for your dinner. I'm sorry that I can't be of more help.

[Chloe's mom]

I apologize, I was looking at the 2013 itinerary from Carol's link when I composed my message. But I stick by my comment that the details of the 2014 itinerary haven't been fully fleshed out. For example, there is no mention on the Shanghai to Beijing 2014 itinerary of the optional Tang Dynasty Show, although it is listed as an optional excursion for this cruise. I think the itinerary on the website will continue to be updated.

[Carol From California]

I apologize' date=' I was looking at the 2013 itinerary from Carol's link when I composed my message. But I stick by my comment that the details of the 2014 itinerary haven't been fully fleshed out. For example, there is no mention on the Shanghai to Beijing 2014 itinerary of the optional Tang Dynasty Show, although it is listed as an optional excursion for this cruise. I think the itinerary on the website will continue to be updated.[/quote']

 

I wrote to Viking so I will see how they respond.

[C&K2Cruise]

We are going on the April 18th tour starting in Beijing. Like others, we are interested in dining at Black Sesame Kitchen. I e-mailed Michelle at BSK and she replied that they are not yet taking reservations for April. She suggested checking back in February.

[Carol From California]

I wrote to Viking so I will see how they respond.

 

Got a response from Viking. She contacted her co-worker in Beijing and wrote back to me:

"I was able to get you an estimate of arrival will be in the afternoon. You will be able to make your dinner reservations."

[pacheco18]

From today's NY Times

 

36 hours in Shanghai

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/01/travel/36-hours-in-shanghai.html

[Jobabe13]

Our tour escort made reservations at Nobu in Beijing for our first night...She made them while we were in Xian. No problems...they were at 7pm...the only concern was the pollution was so bad in Beijing that our flight was an hour late from XIAN because the air Traffic controls wouldn't let the plane take off...But we had a wonderful time...Have heard that BSK is wonderful but if you can't get a reservation there try NOBU...ask for Dorothy...The Nobu in Hong Kong is wonderful too

[Carol From California]

Our tour escort made reservations at Nobu in Beijing for our first night...She made them while we were in Xian. No problems...they were at 7pm...the only concern was the pollution was so bad in Beijing that our flight was an hour late from XIAN because the air Traffic controls wouldn't let the plane take off...But we had a wonderful time...Have heard that BSK is wonderful but if you can't get a reservation there try NOBU...ask for Dorothy...The Nobu in Hong Kong is wonderful too

 

We are staying in Beijing an additional night so maybe we will eat at Nobu, although since there is a Nobu in Los Angeles we prefer to try something that is unique to Beijing....which is why we want to go to BSK. Thanks for the suggestion though! When you went there was only one night in Xian, the same day that you saw the Terra Cotta Warriors, so you flew out after that. On the 2014 itinerary there are two nights in Xian and we fly to Xian the following day after seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors. I am sure we will get to Beijing in plenty of time to make our reservation. Hopefully the pollution will not be too bad! Thanks again!

[Jobabe13]

BSK was closed for national holiday when we were there, I guess they have limited serving days...by the way, don't missing Peking Duck dinner it was wonderful...But, we have eaten at several Nobu's (not the one in Beverly Hills yet) but each time it is different...In Hong Kong the chef prepared a special 15 course meal for use...Hope you have fun BSK would be on my list!!!!!!

[Peregrina651]

We are staying in Beijing an additional night so maybe we will eat at Nobu, although since there is a Nobu in Los Angeles we prefer to try something that is unique to Beijing....which is why we want to go to BSK. Thanks for the suggestion though! When you went there was only one night in Xian, the same day that you saw the Terra Cotta Warriors, so you flew out after that. On the 2014 itinerary there are two nights in Xian and we fly to Xian the following day after seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors. I am sure we will get to Beijing in plenty of time to make our reservation. Hopefully the pollution will not be too bad! Thanks again!

 

Speaking of pollution, I had a chance to speak with my cousins who were on the cruise in September, 2013. One of them told me that he was changing the filter on his C-pak machine every three days (normally changes it monthly) because it was black that quickly. So, heads up C-pak users: bring extra filters!

 

Also, because of what I told them I had read here, they too, went to BSK and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

[id4elizabeth]

Schedule Warning! We just returned (late Oct to early Nov) from an 18-day tour to China (not with Viking) and for those trying to pin down specific travel times, apparently all domestic Chinese airlines are in process of changing their schedules and it is driving ALL tour operators in China crazy. Our flights inside China were changing day by day, segment by segment. We flew Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Guilin, Guilin to Chongqing (beginning of Yangtze cruise), Yichan (end of Yangtze cruise) to Shanghai, and Shanghai to Hong Kong. On some of these flights we did not find out our flights until the day before we left. To further complicate things, not one flight took off anything near to on-time. The closest we came was 30 minutes delayed and the worst was 2 1/2 hours delayed - and we had perfect weather the whole time we were there, so it wasn't weather related.

 

That being said, I would highly recommend BSK. We had dinner there on our trip, and it was the best food we had on the entire trip and we had some fantastic food!

 

And we had a fabulous time on our trip. You just have to play it by ear and enjoy, whatever happens.

[Kohola]

To those who contribute and read probably the best thread on CC I wish you a:

 

Merry Christmas (圣诞快乐) Shèngdàn kuàilè

Happy New Year (新年快乐) Xīnnián kuàilè

 

Even though it is not a celebrated holiday in China they still wish their friends to the west a Merry Christmas!

[caribill]

To those who contribute and read probably the best thread on CC I wish you a:

 

Merry Christmas (圣诞快乐) Shèngdàn kuàilè

Happy New Year (新年快乐) Xīnnián kuàilè

 

Even though it is not a celebrated holiday in China they still wish their friends to the west a Merry Christmas!

 

And a Happy Holiday to you.

[Going Coastal]

Thank you and greetings to all of you who are responsible for the great information on this thread.

We are booked on Cultural Delights in March, 2015, and this has been invaluable to read ahead, all 200+ pages, what with all the linked blogs and pictures.

Have a wonderful 2014, wherever you travel.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Turtles06]

To those who contribute and read probably the best thread on CC I wish you a:

 

Merry Christmas (圣诞快乐) Shèngdàn kuàilè

Happy New Year (新年快乐) Xīnnián kuàilè

 

Even though it is not a celebrated holiday in China they still wish their friends to the west a Merry Christmas!

 

Happy Holidays to you as well!

[Peregrina651]

Here's a little something to get us through the January doldrums:

 

This is from the Porcelain History Center (on Cultural Delights only). She is working free hand and without a magnifying glass to make this plate.

 

[Going Coastal]

Gorgeous!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[blondemini]

The painting is beautiful, I am of on the imperial jewels in July and I am so looking forward to it. I have been told that I will be staying in the Ritz Carlton in Beijing, is any one else going then?

[Peregrina651]

The painting is beautiful, I am of on the imperial jewels in July and I am so looking forward to it. I have been told that I will be staying in the Ritz Carlton in Beijing, is any one else going then?

 

There is one July roll call on my list for July 17. If that is not your sail date why not start a roll call for it? Here's where to post it; just click on the NEW THREAD button. Once you have started it, post the link here and I will add it to the list of roll calls.

[Bruin Steve]

I've been so distracted by other things going on in my life that I haven't paid the necessary attention to this thread or to my upcoming China trip (Viking June 15) lately...

 

Now that I've finished my most recent cruise earlier this week, I guess it's time to pay more attention here...

 

My China trip is now within five months away...

 

My first concern, I guess, is the "critical" dates in the timeline...

 

As I understand it, I need to acquire China visas at least 90 days prior...So, by March 15? Do they mean to apply by March 15 or to actually have them in hand by March 15? How long does the process take?

 

Then, my understanding is that Viking will notify us as to our flight schedule approximately 75 days prior--so, about April 1, correct?

 

I've already filled out the passenger info forms on the website and our passports are current...I have also paid for the entire package--including air and the Hong Kong post-trip extension--in full...as well as the insurance.

 

Anything else I need to deal with or that I can expect from Viking withing the next five months?

 

Thanks...

[caribill]

I've been so distracted by other things going on in my life that I haven't paid the necessary attention to this thread or to my upcoming China trip (Viking June 15) lately...

 

Now that I've finished my most recent cruise earlier this week, I guess it's time to pay more attention here...

 

My China trip is now within five months away...

 

My first concern, I guess, is the "critical" dates in the timeline...

 

As I understand it, I need to acquire China visas at least 90 days prior...So, by March 15? Do they mean to apply by March 15 or to actually have them in hand by March 15? How long does the process take? I think the requirement is within 90 days of arrival, not before 90 days. Reason is a visa could be valid for entry within a maximum of 3,6,12 or 24 months. You should receive one good for longer than 3 months, but just in case, don't get one too early as a 3 month visa could expire before your trip. So wait until wirthin 90 days to apply. If you do it in person at a local consulate, it will take about a week. If you use a visa service, two weeks.

 

Then, my understanding is that Viking will notify us as to our flight schedule approximately 75 days prior--so, about April 1, correct? Sounds right.

 

I've already filled out the passenger info forms on the website and our passports are current...I have also paid for the entire package--including air and the Hong Kong post-trip extension--in full...as well as the insurance.

 

Anything else I need to deal with or that I can expect from Viking withing the next five months? Hotel assignments if you do not have them already. Also some detailed information about the trip a month or so before it starts.

 

Thanks...

 

Have a great trip.

[Kohola]

I've been so distracted by other things going on in my life that I haven't paid the necessary attention to this thread or to my upcoming China trip (Viking June 15) lately...

 

Now that I've finished my most recent cruise earlier this week, I guess it's time to pay more attention here...

 

My China trip is now within five months away...

 

My first concern, I guess, is the "critical" dates in the timeline...

 

As I understand it, I need to acquire China visas at least 90 days prior...So, by March 15? Do they mean to apply by March 15 or to actually have them in hand by March 15? How long does the process take?

 

Then, my understanding is that Viking will notify us as to our flight schedule approximately 75 days prior--so, about April 1, correct?

 

I've already filled out the passenger info forms on the website and our passports are current...I have also paid for the entire package--including air and the Hong Kong post-trip extension--in full...as well as the insurance.

 

Anything else I need to deal with or that I can expect from Viking withing the next five months?

 

Thanks...

 

Normally you apply for your Visa about 90 days in advance of travel which is good for one year; in your case apply about March 15. If you use the agency suggested by Viking they will ask for a need by date; I always provide a date about week later then if I were paying the expediting fee. In my four cases I had Visa in hand by the date I specified. If you are a US citizen the cost was the same for a one time Visa or a multiple entry the last time I required one in 2012.

 

Notifications of flights is normally made around 75 days prior with applicable travel documentation mailed about 3 weeks prior to departure.

[Chloe's mom]

When I checked the Chinese embassy website the other day it said to apply for a visa one month prior to the date of travel, that if you do it sooner the visa could expire before you enter the country. For those who got China visas recently, how long prior to your trip did you submit the papers, and for how long was the visa?

 

I couldn't get a sense from the website how the embassy determines the length of the visa that they grant, or whether it will be single, double or multiple entry. Do they just grant the visa that you request? In which case I assume that the 2multiple entries for 12 months or more visa makes the most sense, since the price is the same, and it will cover you in case you make another trip in the near future.

 

Finally, the embassy website said that the visa would be ready for pick up in 4 business days from the time you submit the application, assuming that all your papers are correct. Again, for those of you who got visas recently, was that your experience?

[caribill]

When I checked the Chinese embassy website the other day it said to apply for a visa one month prior to the date of travel' date=' that if you do it sooner the visa could expire before you enter the country. For those who got China visas recently, how long prior to your trip did you submit the papers, and for how long was the visa?

 

I couldn't get a sense from the website how the embassy determines the length of the visa that they grant, or whether it will be single, double or multiple entry. Do they just grant the visa that you request? In which case I assume that the 2multiple entries for 12 months or more visa makes the most sense, since the price is the same, and it will cover you in case you make another trip in the near future.

 

Finally, the embassy website said that the visa would be ready for pick up in 4 business days from the time you submit the application, assuming that all your papers are correct. Again, for those of you who got visas recently, was that your experience?[/quote']

 

My experience was a several years ago, but hopefully this will help:

 

o We applied at a local consulate. We picked it up a week later. That was five business days. It may have been ready earlier, but it was most convenient for us to wait a week.

 

o The visa was dated November 23. Our entry was February 19, so it looks like we applied 3 months in advance.

 

o We asked for multiple entry. We received a visa good for a year. We made good use of it with a second trip to China in that time period.

Edited January 18, 2014 by caribill