Viking China

[jcrandle]

Thanks for your response.

 

Okay - I understand the doctor trusts you, but how would you know to take it, even if you had a high fever. I mean, I also am a pretty healthy person, and don't normally need antibiotics, but in my 50 plus years I have taken them. I have never had Cipro prescribed for me, (but my sister has.) So how would you know in advance that Cipro is the right drug? Why not Zithromycin, for instance, or amoxycillin? or any number of other antibiotics?

 

I will ask my doctor about it, so I am not totally against the idea. Lots of people have said the same thing, so there must be some good reasoning behind the practice.

 

So what happened to the girl with the busted leg? Did she have a walking cast from the doctor on the ship? Did she take anything besides a pain killer. Did you start in Beijing, and she didn't fly home until Shanghai? Ouch. How (and why) did she wait so long? ooooo ouch ouch. i can't imagine how miserable that must have been.

 

Maddle

 

The problem with most of us lay people using antibiotics is that 1) antibiotics are effective ONLY against specific bacterial infections, 2) Most of us without medical training cannot recognize if a problem is a bacterial infection or a virus (or rarely something else) and 3) indiscriminate use of antibiotics may create resistant strains of bacterial diseases (google MRSA for one example).

 

If you have enough rudimentary training to recognize when a problem is likely bacterial (swollen lymph glands, etc.) I have no problem with using a broad spectrum antibiotic when no medical professional is available. However, if you don't, and want to pop pills for gastro problem, sniffles, etc. you are doing yourself NO good, and eventually will contribute to creating another superbug, that cannot be controlled by current pharmacy.

 

NOTE: I am not a doctor, nor do I play one TV, however, I may well be the recipient of the next superbug created by self medication.

[Romeosc]

An earlier post said to treat 1 Yuan the same as 1 US dollar. I'm confused ... at current exchange rates, 1 Yuan is worth about 15 cents so why would the Chinese merchants treat it the same?

 

 

When we were there $1 equaled 10 Yuan.

 

 

Tipping the Viking Cruise Tour Escort

Getting ready for Imperial Jewels leaving April 22 and have some questions regarding tips for the Viking Cruse Tour Escort:

 

1. Is the "Viking Cruise Tour Escort" with you for both the land and river part of the tour?

 

2. Is their tip given to them daily or at the end of the trip, and can it be put on charge card or should it be in cash. (If given at the end of the trip, I didn't know if there was any kind of account settle up as there is on a cruise).

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

Your "Viking Cruise Tour Escort" picks you up at airport and travels everywhere you go. He/she stays in same hotel and rides on your bus and planes with you!

 

You tip Local guides every day ($3-$5).

 

The boat gives you an envelope or lets you charge to your room as you do on Ocean cruises.

 

You tip your friend (guide) at end of trip.... whatever you feel is right!

[ReturnCruiser]

Romeosc - Thanks for the info!

[no fuss travel]

You will have to tip your cruise escort in cash. You usually tip them the morning everyone is leaving to go back home or on the extended tour. There is an ATM at the hotel where you can get your cash. You can do the ship's crew on your credit card but unfortunately for some reason they put it into Euros and then put it back into your own currency. This has been discussed before on this site if you want more information on it. You will have to go back a couple of years to find it.

 

The tour guide will translate for you with the ships doctor should you need their services.

[wallygator]

As i type the rate is

 

1 USD = 6.82574 CNY

[kkbay]

I am not a doctor, but am related to one. I am not going to give out medical advice on the internet and tell you what instructions for use were given to us. We also had phone service to the US through our cell phone, so any questions we had were only a phone call away. That said, I feel that if you have questions about appropriate meds, contact your personal physician.

The lady who broke her leg in Beijing was taken to a Beijing hospital. She was not in our group, so I don't know the particulars. Your guide is with you on the ship, so if you need the use of the Chinese doctor, he is able to interpret for you. We tried to keep our hands away from our faces as much as possible. Hand washing and use of hand sanitizers is important,in my opinion. The cruise ship and the hotels had hand sanitizer at the entrances to the dining rooms.

[wallygator]

I am not a doctor, but am related to one. I am not going to give out medical advice on the internet and tell you what instructions for use were given to us. We also had phone service to the US through our cell phone, so any questions we had were only a phone call away. That said, I feel that if you have questions about appropriate meds, contact your personal physician.

The lady who broke her leg in Beijing was taken to a Beijing hospital. She was not in our group, so I don't know the particulars. Your guide is with you on the ship, so if you need the use of the Chinese doctor, he is able to interpret for you. We tried to keep our hands away from our faces as much as possible. Hand washing and use of hand sanitizers is important,in my opinion. The cruise ship and the hotels had hand sanitizer at the entrances to the dining rooms.

 

 

Thanks KK:):)

 

Just caught this " We tried to keep our hands away from our faces as much as possible" How come? I wear glasses and have to take them off to clean them" I'm starting to worry. I also like to gently hold my wife's cheeks both sides and give her a happy kiss. Would that be a NO NO?????

[ReturnCruiser]

I've been reading past posts regarding tipping, and find it interesting that in 2007 Viking recommended tipping the Escorts $3-5/day/pp. In the material I just received they are recommending tipping them $10-12/day/pp. (I don't mean to sound cheap, but that's quite an increase!)

[Peregrina651]

Thanks KK:):)

 

Just caught this " We tried to keep our hands away from our faces as much as possible" How come? I wear glasses and have to take them off to clean them" I'm starting to worry. I also like to gently hold my wifes cheeks both sides and give her a happy kiss. Would that be a NO NO?????

 

 

Sorry, Wally, but that intimate moment will have to be delayed while you apply a prophylactic slathering of Purell to your hands.

 

 

Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid the germs that may be on your hands--those same germs that you are trying to avoid with all that hand washing and sanitizing. Taking your glasses on and off is not really touching your face or eyes.

[wallygator]

Sorry, Wally, but that intimate moment will have to be delayed while you apply a prophylactic slathering of Purell to your hands.

 

 

Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid the germs that may be on your hands--those same germs that you are trying to avoid with all that hand washing and sanitizing. Taking your glasses on and off is not really touching your face or eyes.

 

I do understand it's either here or there just do IT!

[Lucky Granny]

All these questions are answered in previous posts, but, since many do not seem to be reading back, I want to add that, when your group picks up a local guide just for the day, you will be encouraged to give that guide a tip on the spot when he or she finishes the day. I think it was suggested that we give $1 or $2 and I don't remember if it was yuan or dollars that we used. We also tipped our local bus driver once or twice. Our Viking guide stayed with us on these occasions and we then had two guides, but the local guide was an expert on the particular place we were for the day. They were always friendly and worked together.

 

I was given a perscription for cipro before the trip. My doctor said it was a broad-spectrum that likely would treat the kinds of bacteria I would encounter. I did not use it on that trip but was glad to have it later on in an emergency (hurricane evacuation) situation. You just take it if you feel you have something that needs an antibiotic. This is not an ongoing situation, just for an emergency during the two weeks of your trip. You are not going to create a monster doing this once. If it is not the correct antibiotic, it might slow the growth of whatever you have until you get home. You won't know if it is the perfect treatment but worth a try to avoid having to see a Chinese doctor or suffering unnecessarily.

 

One man on our cruise had to leave the boat on a stretcher, accompanied by two guys in white suits carrying the stretcher and a nurse in a very cute but old-fashioned nurses uniform complete with the little white hat, white stockings, etc. We all stood on the deck and watched his whole trip up the gangplack, along the dock, and up the stairs to the city as though we expected never to see him again. He reportedly had a relapse of a condition he thought he had conquered previous to the cruise. He returned to the boat later in the day. His wife went with the rest of us on our tour. I thought her choice was rather curious.

[caribill]

I've been reading past posts regarding tipping, and find it interesting that in 2007 Viking recommended tipping the Escorts $3-5/day/pp. In the material I just received they are recommending tipping them $10-12/day/pp. (I don't mean to sound cheap, but that's quite an increase!)

 

Is a group a size of 30 people? If so the recommended tipping for the escort for 10 days would be $100-$120 per person or $3000-$3600 for a group of 30.

 

Not bad for a country which does not have tipping as a part of their culture.

[no fuss travel]

But remember not everyone tips, some tip more and some tip less. The tour guides work a very short season so are making a full years earnings in a few months. Tip what you are comfortable tipping and tip what you think is reasonable for the service you received. We found some tour guides were way superior to others and tipped accordingly.

[Dale]

I've been reading past posts regarding tipping, and find it interesting that in 2007 Viking recommended tipping the Escorts $3-5/day/pp. In the material I just received they are recommending tipping them $10-12/day/pp. (I don't mean to sound cheap, but that's quite an increase!)

Is a group a size of 30 people? If so the recommended tipping for the escort for 10 days would be $100-$120 per person or $3000-$3600 for a group of 30.

 

Not bad for a country which does not have tipping as a part of their culture.

Don’t get to upset about $10 to $12 per day for tips.

That number is for the ship’s staff. This is the same as recommended for the ship’s staff on a regular cruise ship. So at $12 per day that would equal $204 for 17 days and $144 for 12 days.

For the guide that will be with you during the trip $5 per day would equal $85 for 17 days and $60 for 12 days.

These are the high end numbers, so for 17 days the total amount would be $289, for 12 days it would be $204.

Added on top of this would be what ever you decide to give to the local guide and bus driver.

Regardless of what you plan to do these people earn every dollar they make.

[PK9]

Our Invoices contain the following entry

 

The Total for Gratuities and Taxes 1,050.00

 

I don't know how much for taxes and the amount is in AU and for 2 people

 

I think it is only for shipboard staff

 

PK

[wallygator]

Don’t get to upset about $10 to $12 per day for tips.

That number is for the ship’s staff. This is the same as recommended for the ship’s staff on a regular cruise ship. So at $12 per day that would equal $204 for 17 days and $144 for 12 days.

For the guide that will be with you during the trip $5 per day would equal $85 for 17 days and $60 for 12 days.

These are the high end numbers, so for 17 days the total amount would be $289, for 12 days it would be $204.

Added on top of this would be what ever you decide to give to the local guide and bus driver.

Regardless of what you plan to do these people earn every dollar they make.

 

 

Well said

[kkbay]

1. We found the Great Wall to be very crowded, but we were there on a Chinese holiday. In fact, someone grabbed my husband's arm in order to be helped down. This was on the "easy" route. The Chinese people were extremely friendly and offered to share their food with us.

2. You do NOT need CRISP dollar bills. We went to the trouble of finding some, but they take any US currency in pretty good shape. Take LOTS of dollar bills and also some $5's. The only place we used Chinese currency was with the taxi drivers.

3. If you board the vessel in Chongqing, be prepared for lots of slippery steps with no handrails. After the steps, you must wakl on pontoons to reach the vessel. We boarded in light rain, and were very surprised that no one fell on these steps. It was also dark when we boarded.

4. Know the prices of the items you wish to purchase before you go. The Chinese EXPECT you to bargain, and you need do this. You know the price is about right when they feign "anger" at having to let you have the item at such a low price.

5. As in other countries around the world, protect your valuables against pickpockets while in crowded tourist areas. We experienced no problems with this.

6. We have a Sprint cellphone and had no problems calling home with it.

7. We know of one particular situation where a man used the ATM at the hotel in Beijing and was given bogus money. He found this out in Shanghai when he tried to use it. It might be a good idea for you to bring your ATM money to the front desk of the hotel, along with your ATM receipt, and have them verify that it is good before leaving the hotel. Try to give as near the exact amount as possible, because we did hear of some fellow travelers given bogus change when they purchased something.

[wallygator]

:):)

1. We know of one particular situation where a man used the ATM at the hotel in Beijing and was given bogus money. He found this out in Shanghai when he tried to use it. It might be a good idea for you to bring your ATM money to the front desk of the hotel, along with your ATM receipt, and have them verify that it is good before leaving the hotel. Try to give as near the exact amount as possible, because we did hear of some fellow travelers given bogus change when they purchased something.

 

So I understand correctly a man used a ATM that issued bogus money? And we should avoid recieving change in dollars/US or/their money??

 

Thanks

[wallygator]

1. We found the Great Wall to be very crowded, but we were there on a Chinese holiday. In fact, someone grabbed my husband's arm in order to be helped down. This was on the "easy" route. The Chinese people were extremely friendly and offered to share their food with us.

2. You do NOT need CRISP dollar bills. We went to the trouble of finding some, but they take any US currency in pretty good shape. Take LOTS of dollar bills and also some $5's. The only place we used Chinese currency was with the taxi drivers.

3. If you board the vessel in Chongqing, be prepared for lots of slippery steps with no handrails. After the steps, you must wakl on pontoons to reach the vessel. We boarded in light rain, and were very surprised that no one fell on these steps. It was also dark when we boarded.

4. Know the prices of the items you wish to purchase before you go. The Chinese EXPECT you to bargain, and you need do this. You know the price is about right when they feign "anger" at having to let you have the item at such a low price.

5. As in other countries around the world, protect your valuables against pickpockets while in crowded tourist areas. We experienced no problems with this.

6. We have a Sprint cellphone and had no problems calling home with it.

7. We know of one particular situation where a man used the ATM at the hotel in Beijing and was given bogus money. He found this out in Shanghai when he tried to use it. It might be a good idea for you to bring your ATM money to the front desk of the hotel, along with your ATM receipt, and have them verify that it is good before leaving the hotel. Try to give as near the exact amount as possible, because we did hear of some fellow travelers given bogus change when they purchased something.

 

 

 

KK I see you just returned from the Sun. I'd like to asked a few questions would you mind emailing me at the link below? Not to worry I'm not the boggie man

[ReturnCruiser]

Don’t get to upset about $10 to $12 per day for tips.

That number is for the ship’s staff. This is the same as recommended for the ship’s staff on a regular cruise ship. So at $12 per day that would equal $204 for 17 days and $144 for 12 days.

For the guide that will be with you during the trip $5 per day would equal $85 for 17 days and $60 for 12 days.

These are the high end numbers, so for 17 days the total amount would be $289, for 12 days it would be $204.

Added on top of this would be what ever you decide to give to the local guide and bus driver.

Regardless of what you plan to do these people earn every dollar they make.

 

 

I'm sure you're right that the escorts and other staff deserve generous tips, but I was just quoting the recommendation from Viking which was $10-12 per day per person for the Viking Tour Escorts. It was specifically stated that was in addition to the $10-12 for the cruise staff. :)

[Copperdog]

I was wanting to bring something to the kids (stickers, pencils) but how old are the kids and how many would I need to bring.

 

We are Roof of the World and leave next Thursday - getting very excited.

 

Thanks

[no fuss travel]

I was wanting to bring something to the kids (stickers, pencils) but how old are the kids and how many would I need to bring.

 

We are Roof of the World and leave next Thursday - getting very excited.

 

Thanks

 

Anything you bring is appreciated. It does not matter how much. Enjoy your trip.

[Lucky Granny]

As posted many times earlier on this thread, you do not give the gifts directly to the kids. There will be a container into which you will deposit them. The teachers will distribute them as they see fit. There is also a container for cash donations. The kids we saw were elementary grades. Also, there is no need to try to find things not made in China. The kids you will visit do not have access to the items made in China for export to the US.

[Copperdog]

Does anyone have a suggestion on carrying all the US money (ones and fives). I was planning on taking about $300 US and most of that being singles. Seems like I'd need a larger purse.

 

What about carryon's for the China flights - any weight limitations?

 

Thanks to everyone for contributing on this very helpful thread.

[caribill]

What about carryon's for the China flights - any weight limitations?

 

 

Posts 2978, 2981, and 2983 may help answer this.