Viking China

[JackieSue66]

My Mom and I just booked or trip on Viking Century Sun, we leave on 9/29......the weather will be a tad cooler then, but mostly still low 80's during the day, we wanted end of October, but due to my work schedule, it was not possible

[Maddle]

Hi Jackie - welcome to Cruise Critic and this AMAZINGLY long thread. You kind of have to slog through it, but there are so many nuggets of information, it's worth it. Lots of helpful posters - past present and future cruisers.

You are lucky to be going in the fall!

Maddle

[Turtles06]

[quote name='ReturnCruiser']We returned yesterday from a Viking trip to China. ....[/quote]

ReturnCruiser: thanks for the Internet advice. Can you also tell us please which of the Viking itineraries you did, and whether you'd recommend the trip, what you liked and didn't like?

In other words, for those, like me, considering a land tour/river cruise in China with Viking, do you recommend it (why, why not)? Any tips?

Thanks in advance for any information! (and from anyone else, too.)

[Peregrina651]

[quote name='caribill']When did you receive:
a) The package of information about the trip
b) The flight arrangement information.
c) Was the flight info received by regular mail, e-mail, or a phone call?

I ask because we depart July 31 and I am trying to figure out when we will hear.

Thanks[/quote]

Reporting from Shanghai on the May 8 Cultural Delights. Just arrived.Touring starts tomorrow morning, 8:15am sharp.

Our documents were delivered THREE WEEKS prior to sailing. They were sent first to our travel agent who checked them over and then forwarded them to us.

Although we booked last May for this trip, we did not decide until February to pay for custom air. Since we chose the routing, we knew what our flights would be at that time. We received at e-mail from our TA with the link our flight booking.

[Peregrina651]

[B][COLOR=Teal]While I wait for a couple of pictures to upload (taking advance of free broadband in our room at the ShangriLa), let me comment on our wifi/internet experience so far.

Four of us are connecting one way or another. Here in Shanghai, DH is connecting just fine on his Verizon Blackberry. The in-laws are using wifi and their itouches for itnernet --and none of uswish to be reached by phone. DH is having no trouble connecting his office server and getting his messages.

FB and other social-networking sites, YouTube aren't available here. I had no trouble connecting with my Yahoo and Verizon accounts for mail. [/COLOR][/B]

[Maddle]

Peregrina - Thanks for your early contact - and for the internet connection information in your next post - very useful.


[quote name='Peregrina651']Reporting from Shanghai on the May 8 Cultural Delights. Just arrived.Touring starts tomorrow morning, 8:15am sharp.
.....
Although we booked last May for this trip, we did not decide until February to pay for custom air. [/QUOTE]

What was your gateway city? What time was your arrival?

In retrospect, it would have been wise for me to pay the $50. Live and learn....but as I said, the Viking agent made it sound SO CERTAIN that it would be on United that it never seemed at all likely to be anything else, and there are only so many options starting at LAX. (BTW - he brought it up, it's not like I asked him about airlines. I'll say it again - live and learn.) Now it seems too late in the game for me to be making changes, being only about 75 days out.

Have a wonderful adventure and please report back about your experiences when you are able.

Maddle

[ReturnCruiser]

[quote name='Turtles06']ReturnCruiser: thanks for the Internet advice. Can you also tell us please which of the Viking itineraries you did, and whether you'd recommend the trip, what you liked and didn't like?

In other words, for those, like me, considering a land tour/river cruise in China with Viking, do you recommend it (why, why not)? Any tips?

Thanks in advance for any information! (and from anyone else, too.)[/QUOTE]
We took the “Imperial Jewels of China” tour. This was our first Viking cruise and the first time we’ve taken an “organized tour”. Definitely a departure from our other overseas trips where we planned our own tours and/or engaged local guides via the hotel concierge or a local tour agency. We also used Viking for airport transfers and the custom air option.

From this single experience, we found that Viking was extremely attentive. Tour guides met our plane at the Shanghai airport (there were a number of Viking customers on the flight) and really handled all tour activities thereafter. Viking staff handled non-carry on luggage movement between airport, hotels and ship. As we arrived at a hotel, we were handed our room keys and luggage delivery to the room followed within an hour. Our only interaction with hotel registration was at check-out time to settle up any incidentals that we may have incurred.

The hotels in China used by Viking were reflective of a five-star category. The breakfast buffets in the hotels offered a broad range of selections, tending to favor items that you would typically find in a major American hotel as well as other Asian dishes (Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian).

The meals on the ship and during the land tours were typically of banquet quality – where hundreds of meals are served. All meals were acceptable – but nothing particularly memorable.

My general observation was that about 70 – 80 percent of the Viking cruisers were retired and most had prior international travel experience. The cost and available time probably has a lot to do with the demographics. The Viking tour pace is reflective of the age and capabilities of the majority. A few in our group of 36 seemed to have physical limitations that made some of the walking a bit challenging, though there were some accommodations (wheel chair assistance, locals that would carry hand luggage, and even carried one person up a number of stairs). The Viking tour in China seems to emphasize service to an American clientele.

There is one tour guide/escort that is assigned to your group and is with you through the whole trip. There are also local guides that join your group in most of the cities. All were extremely helpful and informative, though the tour escorts were particularly outstanding in terms of their knowledge, command of English, and customer service. In fact, I believe that much our positive experience was largely due to our guide (Larry). In discussions with other Viking groups (travelers are split among smaller tour groups of 30-36 individuals), all expressed appreciation for their guides. As Viking travelers largely visit points of interest, your tour guide is really your window into everyday life in China.

We are a couple in our mid-50s and fairly active. The only improvements that could be offered would be in the pace (which was on the slow side) and offering of additional tour options while in the ports – which could also require more port time. On the other hand, a number of the other participants would probably not want a more aggressive pace. I’m also not sure about the extent to which more tour options could be added in the large cities due to traffic. City vehicle traffic in China can be horrendous and time-consuming. As an example, during our stops in two different cities, our tour bus was involved in a minor fender bender. (Part of our trip was during a National Holiday so that may also have been a factor.)

I suspect that independent tourist travel in China is not as easy as in many parts of Europe. Thus, a first trip with Viking in China is a good approach. You are able to see major points of interest with relative ease. Viking takes care of all the burdens of travel and leaves you to enjoy your visit.

[caribill]

[quote name='ReturnCruiser']
We are a couple in our mid-50s and fairly active. Viking takes care of all the burdens of travel and leaves you to enjoy your visit.[/quote]

Good information.

Could you also comment on:

When you used Chinese currency vs. American currency? (In other words, how much need was there for Chinese currency?)

Tipping the local guides and the full trip Viking guide?

Thanks

[ReturnCruiser]

[quote name='caribill']

Could you also comment on:

When you used Chinese currency vs. American currency? (In other words, how much need was there for Chinese currency?)

Tipping the local guides and the full trip Viking guide?

Thanks[/QUOTE]

In regards to tipping, we followed the tipping guide in the Viking River Cruise material we received with our final paperwork. For local guides we provided $1-$2 per person per day. For bus drivers, we provided $1 per person per day. For our tour guide, we were a bit more generous than what the guide ($10-$12 per day per person) suggested.

We brought about $200 worth of yuan with us on the trip. As we used a credit card for moderate to large purchases, we ended up with spare yuan.

In regards to small US bills, we brought $100 in one dollar bills but didn't use all of these bills. We also took a moderate amount in 5s and 10s. Small items can be purchased from street vendors with US dollars (1s and 5s) or yuan. It really depends on your shopping interests. As a general guide, small tour photo books from vendors run about 100 to 120 yuan. At the last hotel, we converted our US dollars into yuan for tip use.

[caribill]

[quote name='ReturnCruiser']In regards to tipping, we followed the tipping guide in the Viking River Cruise material we received with our final paperwork. For local guides we provided $1-$2 per person per day. For bus drivers, we provided $1 per person per day. For our tour guide, we were a bit more generous than what the guide ($10-$12 per day per person) suggested.
[/quote]

Did you do this tipping in Yuan or $$ ?

[ReturnCruiser]

[quote name='caribill']Did you do this tipping in Yuan or $$ ?[/QUOTE]
Given the apparent broad acceptance of US one dollar bills and the need to reduce the large amounts of dollar bills we were carrying, we tipped the bus drivers and local guides in US dollars.

[Turtles06]

[quote name='ReturnCruiser']We took the “Imperial Jewels of China” tour. This was our first Viking cruise and the first time we’ve taken an “organized tour”. ..[/quote]

Thank you so much for taking the time for such a thoughtful and detailed reply. That's the same tour we are considering, so I greatly appreciate your feedback.

Some additional questions, if you don't mind....

In which direction did you travel, and do you feel that it would be better to be on one side of the boat than the other?

Also, in Xi'an, was there a chance to visit the City Walls? This isn't mentioned in the itinerary and the Viking rep on the phone said there's no visit scheduled, but he thought there'd be time before dinner.

Was there much "forced" shopping on the tour (that is, the guides stopping the group to shop whether you want to or not)?

Thanks again for all your helpful info!

[ReturnCruiser]

[quote name='Turtles06']

In which direction did you travel, and do you feel that it would be better to be on one side of the boat than the other?

Also, in Xi'an, was there a chance to visit the City Walls? This isn't mentioned in the itinerary and the Viking rep on the phone said there's no visit scheduled, but he thought there'd be time before dinner.

Was there much "forced" shopping on the tour (that is, the guides stopping the group to shop whether you want to or not)?

[/quote]

My trip started at Shanghai and ended at Beijing. In this direction, the tour includes a stop to see the Giant Pandas and an art gallery at the Chongqing Zoo. I believe that the trip that goes in the other direction replaces the zoo visit with a visit to a traditional hutong village.

The itinerary from Chongqing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Beijing is largely dictated by the flight schedule. Even an early flight can be delayed due to flight congestion. Given that both of these travel days include one site stop, a sit-down lunch and time allowance for uneven vehicle traffic, there isn't much flexibility in the schedule.

By the time we arrived at our hotel in Xi'an, we had about an hour to rest before leaving to visit the Tang Dynasty show. Another part of the tour group had a later flight and did not have time to stop at the hotel after landing. Instead they went directly from the Xi'an airport to the Tang Dynasty show.

In respect to port or starboard, I don't believe it makes a difference - though some may disagree. The best view of the gorges is up front, in the back or up top.

Shopping time was generally integrated into a stop. Examples include a jade store (a lunch venue), a silk store (a lunch venue), silk carpet factory tour, art gallery visit and tour sightseeing stops that included a gift store or street vendors with tables. For the stops that were conducted during lunch, lunch time was extended about 20 to 30 minutes.

Just about all of the shopping opportunities relied on your bargaining skills. My impression is that outside of the formal itinerary, there isn't much time for heavy duty shopping unless you actually skip part of the tour in Shanghai or Beijing.

[Turtles06]

[quote name='ReturnCruiser'] My impression is that outside of the formal itinerary, there isn't much time for heavy duty shopping unless you actually skip part of the tour in Shanghai or Beijing.[/quote]

Good, since we wouldn't be going to China to shop! :)

One other question re the boat..... Putting aside port or starboard, any suggestions about location? Foward, aft, midship? Particular deck? .....The Viking rep on the phone told me that if you are in a forward cabin, you may hear noise as the boat travels through the locks.

Thanks again for the info. Unless I missed one of your posts (in which case, my apologies), you've never actually said whether (how much?) you enjoyed this tour and would recommend it to others, or whether in hindsight you would have preferred a different itinerary and/or tour company, or less (or more) time on the river, etc..... I'm curious here, as others coming back have raved.... Thanks so much.

[PINEY10]

We just returned last night; review may follow when I have time to get unpacked, etc.. As for location on the ship, we were midship and were very happy. I really did not hear many people complain at all on location on the ship. The ship is not large although I understand that Viking is getting a newer ship at some point in the future although I do not know when. The rooms were very nice, with balconies (I think most if not all) and were very well arranged.

XIAN: As for Xian, we stayed at the Kempinski which was about 40 minutes or more from the town center. We did not have time to go to the city walls although we went to the night market which I thought was interesting and fun. Good deals to be had as well. Any place we went in Xian was about 40 minutes to the hotel. It is really not well located and generally is in the middle of nowhere. It is supposed to be the industrial/business center at some point but that has not yet been done. No where really to walk around. The hotel was lovely but very far from anything. We also did not have time to go to the Xian Museum which I heard was lovely.

FOOD: On another note, Viking was more concerned on feeding us at most places, and after a while, the food became too much. Also as much as we like Chinese food, we wished that Viking had made more efforts to find more diverse restaurants. Most of the places they took us was not very good food, very bland, and in some places, horrible policies in what they gave as drinks [this is something almost all of our group commented on in the comment cards. Some restaurants limited you to one glass (period) even of bottled water. Therefore, I recommend when you go to the restaurants at lunch and dinner, take some of the bottled water that is plentiful on the buses as a backup. That way you will have enough to drink. Sometimes if the food was spicy or you were just thirsty, it is good to have and was freely provided throughout our entire tour.

TRAFFIC: Throughout the cities, traffic was incredible. China has passed far away from the bicycle part and the automobile traffic was incredible. Even within Beijing, to go a couple of blocks by bus could take 20 minutes or more. We thought it might have been easier to walk sometimes than take the bus although did not.

INTERNET ACCESS: Our group stayed at the Westin Bund. Beautiful hotel and great internet access. We brought our computers (me a netbook that was very light and was great on the trip). We had free WIFI access and it was fast; otherwise to access the business center computer cost. No internet access other than those who had international access on the ship. Very slow and many people hogged the computers when they worked; generally poor access even in the early morning hours and when docked. Very erratic. Great and free internet access at the Lhasa Four Points Sheraton--amazingly fast. Xian Kempinski had access but charged so we waited for the Bejing China World. Free and fast internet access there as well.

CURRENCY: I read on the boards about taking a lot of $1 and $5 US bills. It did work in some of the markets and they readily took US currency. We did get Yuan. It was recommended and I would suggest getting the currency at the hotel--not much of a markup and cheaper than at the place at the airport. We probably could have gotten cash at an ATM (Bank of American liaison is China Construction Bank) but honestly we had little time to wander off until Beijing although when we arrived in Shanghai we did walk the evening we arrived to the Bund (the hotel was only a few blocks away) and there were many banks around. What we had left in yuan in the end we used for the guide in addition to what we paid in US currency.

Guide: We had Duan--a fabulous guide, very knowledgeable and helpful to all of us in so many ways. When some got sick he was helpful and always followed up with those, and made other arrangements for our personal needs when he could. Lovely man and so kind and good. We were very lucky although other tours we started off with were happy with their guides as well.

That's it for now!

[akwynn]

Piney 10 - we leave for "Roof of the World" tour May 21st. You mentioned in your last blog about some of the curisers getting sick. Is there something that we need to bring with us or be prepared for? I hate the idea of being sick so far from home.

 

Thanks - Ann

[PINEY10]

Ann

Some people had stomach issues, colds, etc. But all got well. Don't get too worried about the sickness. Some of us did experience some altitude issues but all had access to Diamox which helped. Also as I mentioned earlier, just take it easy. The Viking people have worked into the schedule time for all to get acclimated. Just take it slow. Don't eat a lot when you get there or even while there, take the diamox the day before (unless your doctor says something else but the day before worked for me), no alcohol or caffeine (Sprite instead of coke). Some people got nauseous but I think you just have to be careful to eat lightly and make sure what you are eating. Viking did find places to eat that eventually we got bored with since we only went to the same two restaurants there but I think that was to ensure that the food was good and to avoid as many problems as possible. With those precautions in mind it will make it easier. The hotel also had oxygen cans in the room if you need it. I do understand the concern since I had shortness of breath in Breckenridge a few years back but have taken precautions since then for when we went to Cusco and Macchu Picchu in Peru and have been fine. Just relax--I think the more stressed people are the more they get impacted. Also don't' rush--if you walk fast, walk much slower in Tibet. There is less air so you need to accommodate for that. There is the climb to the Potala Palace which some of us were stressing about--just take it slow. Amazingly we all (with one exception who chose not to go) made it with little problem and surprised ourselves! Also be careful with the Yak butter tea--very sweet and heavy. One tiny sip should be enough--don't feel as if you need to drink the whole cup. Everyone is different in how foods affect them, just some bits of advice. The yak cheese also was very hard--both the tea and snacks were at the person's home which was fun. It was a great trip to Lhasa and one I will always remember. Beautiful views and skies. Weather was just perfect for us!

 

Take antibiotics, cold remedies, pepto bismol/immodium and other remedies along with you for the trip just in case. They did sell medicines freely in the cities and people bought them and were fine but I felt better to bring my own.

 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

[caribill]

The ship is not large although I understand that Viking is getting a newer ship at some point in the future although I do not know when.

 

Thanks for the review.

 

There will be a new ship there next year, the Viking Emerald, about the same size.

[ReturnCruiser]

Good, since we wouldn't be going to China to shop! :)

 

One other question re the boat..... Putting aside port or starboard, any suggestions about location? Foward, aft, midship? Particular deck? .....The Viking rep on the phone told me that if you are in a forward cabin, you may hear noise as the boat travels through the locks.

 

 

My cabin was on the fourth floor, mid-ship, but just rear of the ship center. There is a small observation deck area, near the stern, on the fourth floor. As we stepped out to this deck, we noted a diesel fuel smell. I suspect that being more forward would avoid this smell but not I'm really sure if this was an issue. I also suspect that lower cabin floors, towards mid-ship and rearward, may find the engine noise/vibration more noticeable. One couple we talked to said that they could hear the small band playing above their fourth floor cabin, below the observation lounge. They also said that it didn't bother them too much as they were tired and not light sleepers.

 

As Viking changes to the Emerald in 2011, these "Sun" observations may not apply.

 

The trip was a great experience and is certainly recommended. For us, who typically travel on our own, the regimented schedule was a different approach. However, I'm doubtful that we could do as much (and with so much ease) without the use of a formal tour guide. Viking's service is well thought out and the guides are a tremendous value addition.

 

Robert and Betty

[Turtles06]

Piney10, welcome home, and thanks for the info! Looking forward to your review if/when you have time and inclination to post one.

[Peregrina651]

Peregrina - Thanks for your early contact - and for the internet connection information in your next post - very useful.

 

 

 

 

What was your gateway city? What time was your arrival?

 

In retrospect, it would have been wise for me to pay the $50. Live and learn....but as I said, the Viking agent made it sound SO CERTAIN that it would be on United that it never seemed at all likely to be anything else, and there are only so many options starting at LAX. (BTW - he brought it up, it's not like I asked him about airlines. I'll say it again - live and learn.) Now it seems too late in the game for me to be making changes, being only about 75 days out.

 

Have a wonderful adventure and please report back about your experiences when you are able.

 

Maddle

 

We flew from Chicago. We landed at about 1:45p. 13.5 hour flight.

 

Perhaps it isn't too late for custom-air. Call them and ask. It was about 75 days out when we changed to custom-air, so you have nothing to lose by asking.

[H2Otstr]

I am giving serious thought to doing this trip in 2011. How is May for traveling? I don't like real hot weather.

 

I noticed someone mentioned "Custom Air". I was wondering what that entailed as opposed to taking the regular air that Viking offers? We are on the East Coast and would probably travel from Raleigh or Charlotte Airports.

 

Thanks,

Sharon

[Maddle]

Custom air involves a $50 USD fee per passenger, and then you are allowed input into the flight arrangements. This is particularly good if you are concerned about traveling together with other people in your party under a different reservation number, (that is, more than one cabin,) or if you have a preference for a certain airline because you have Frequent Flyer status on it. I think it is a pretty good deal overall. (Someone correct me if my information is incorrect.)

 

Now, on a personal note, - I keep reminding myself of the reality that everyone is going to get there, one way or the other - the first day of the trip is a travel day. I don't mind traveling alone (it wouldn't be my preference, but I'll be fine) but arriving so late in the day seems tragic. Peregrina arrived 1:45 pm, and my friends expect to arrive at the same time in July....so they have a whole afternoon to adjust and recover. (of course, they have a much much earlier start to the day.) My arrival is scheduled for 9:30 pm at night - and I assume we will hit the ground running the next morning. Ouch - That alone might have made it worth $50.

 

Peregrina, I did call prior to the 75 day mark, but she indicated that I would have to pay a fare increase, (would I? The air offer online is still the same amount.) and her opinion was that my travel arrangement was actually pretty good. Who knows? I do have good seat assignments, perhaps I will leave things alone. ... I am just a little superstitious about making changes.

 

Isn't anyone going out of (or has gone out of) LAX?

 

Maddle

[PINEY10]

Maddie

 

Just taking our trip as an example--we did get the Viking air (did the custom) but on our flight from Chicago to Shanghai, I would guess close to 1/3 to 1/2 of the plane was Viking people and I am sure not all or even a majority used the custom option.. I think Viking makes the arrangements with the airlines. Ours was United. I think Viking makes the arrangements based on certain take off points like Chicago, LA, etc. I am sure there will be others on your flight to China. I was surprised---I had no idea how many groups started out together and I would venture it was around 10 different groups.

 

As for the custom option, I am so type A that I wanted to know the flights well in advance and have control over them--it was well worth it for my piece of mind although we may have gotten those flights anyway, certainly due to the large number of people that were going on Viking. For United we also did the economy plus option (you can do that after you get your flight arrangements if you are going United)--it was $359 per person but allows you to get the economy plus seats for a year. The seats did have extra leg room (more helpful for the long flight) and also gave us early boarding. Another option to consider.

[Turtles06]

Maddie

 

 

As for the custom option, I am so type A that I wanted to know the flights well in advance and have control over them--it was well worth it for my piece of mind although we may have gotten those flights anyway, certainly due to the large number of people that were going on Viking. For United we also did the economy plus option (you can do that after you get your flight arrangements if you are going United)--it was $359 per person but allows you to get the economy plus seats for a year. The seats did have extra leg room (more helpful for the long flight) and also gave us early boarding. Another option to consider.

 

Piney, I like to have that control as well and would also use Viking's "custom air" if I were to get the air thru them.

 

Did Viking get you the exact flights you'd requested?

 

And one question about arranging economy plus on United: were you able to do that directly with United, or did Viking have to do that for you since they booked your air? If the latter, did you have to pay Viking an additional charge beyond the $50 per person custom air charge for them to arrange that?

 

(BTW, United's Economy Plus annual membership now costs $425 and it's good for you and another person traveling with you under the same confirmation number, as it was last year for $359.)

 

Thanks!