Viking China

[caribill]

The ship had 120v and 240v--I don't recall 115V. Some hotels had 120 but all had 240v; many hotels had 120v in bathroom.

 

Thanks. I meant 120.

 

Did these outlets take American style plugs?

[PINEY10]

Yes--I did bring an adapter and converter as well and used at some places along with a multi-prong plug.

[tuda]

HI EVERYONE.

ANYONE GOING ON THIS TRIP. MY DAUGHTER AND I JUST BOOKED THIS AND WOULD APPRECIATE ANY TIPS. WE ARE VERY EXCITED BUT HEAR THAT WE ARE GOING AT THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE YEAR.:eek:

LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING ABOUT YOUR TRIPS. HAPPY SAILING.

SUSAN

[caribill]

HI EVERYONE.

ANYONE GOING ON THIS TRIP. MY DAUGHTER AND I JUST BOOKED THIS AND WOULD APPRECIATE ANY TIPS. WE ARE VERY EXCITED BUT HEAR THAT WE ARE GOING AT THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE YEAR.:eek:

LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING ABOUT YOUR TRIPS. HAPPY SAILING.

SUSAN

 

Not on your trip, but to get great tips, read this thread. If you do not have time to read it all, at least read the posts from this year.

 

Have a great trip.

[akwynn]

Has anybody used the product "No Jet Lag"? And if so, how did it work for you - any side effects?

 

Ann

[1AKA]

We are planning to take the Imperial Jewels Sept 22. 2010. i was wondering what passengers did on the ship while sailing, especially in the evening. We are accustom to cruising on the larger ocean cruise ships

Melanie

[no fuss travel]

We are planning to take the Imperial Jewels Sept 22. 2010. i was wondering what passengers did on the ship while sailing, especially in the evening. We are accustom to cruising on the larger ocean cruise ships

Melanie

 

On the nights you are sailing they usually have some sort of presentation that you can go to. Several people went to the lounge and socialized with their new friends. You will get to know your fellow travelers quite well on this trip and will enjoy their company.

[Atlanta Cruisers]

There is usually music and dancing, and one night the crew had a talent show, and one night we played bingo. Our days started early and were full, so nights were not late.

[coasters]

HI EVERYONE.

ANYONE GOING ON THIS TRIP. MY DAUGHTER AND I JUST BOOKED THIS AND WOULD APPRECIATE ANY TIPS. WE ARE VERY EXCITED BUT HEAR THAT WE ARE GOING AT THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE YEAR.:eek:

LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING ABOUT YOUR TRIPS. HAPPY SAILING.

SUSAN

Susan,

Suggest you search (on this board) for my posting of this same trip - there's a detailed journal link which I hope will provide info. of interest.

Jerry

[wallygator]

Viking’s China Cultural Delights with Hong Kong 04/25/2010=05/16/2001

 

 

HI EVERYONE.

ANYONE GOING ON THIS TRIP. MY DAUGHTER AND I JUST BOOKED THIS AND WOULD APPRECIATE ANY TIPS. WE ARE VERY EXCITED BUT HEAR THAT WE ARE GOING AT THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE YEAR.

LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING ABOUT YOUR TRIPS. HAPPY SAILING.

SUSAN

 

 

We just returned from the cruise and loved it. China is so different. Our weather was iffy there is a almost constant haze/fog/smog in China. My tip is to go with an open mind you will be surprised what you experience. I found most Chinese look at us (westerners) as different/strange as some do them, Just open up smile and you will get smiles in return.

Street vendors, you will find them everywhere bargain with them it’s almost crazy. Example is this baseball cap offered at $5.00 as a price then say no way One dollar, two dollar in many cases they will chase you down. And a deal will be made.

 

I was however embarrassed at the I didn’t know we are expected to tip our tour guide. It amazes me that big money cruisers/travelers ignore the fact that the tour guide that handles everything from beginning to end, luggage, rooms and so forth. Please read your cruise docs and don’t make excuses.

 

If the shoe fits wear it. (Ya Think?)

[gooch47]

Please forgive me. I know if I waded through these thousands of posts I'd find my answer, but my husband wants to know the following about the Century Sun:

 

Is there a refrigerator in the cabin?

 

Are there any 120 volt outlets in the cabin? I thought I read something about a couple in the bathroom but wasn't sure about that.

 

Is the alcohol package worth the extra $$$$ ??

[wallygator]

Please forgive me. I know if I waded through these thousands of posts I'd find my answer, but my husband wants to know the following about the Century Sun:

 

Is there a refrigerator in the cabin?

 

Are there any 120 volt outlets in the cabin? I thought I read something about a couple in the bathroom but wasn't sure about that.

 

Is the alcohol package worth the extra $$$$ ??

 

 

I believe there is a 110 outlet in the small bathroom. We had no use for it. A hair blower/dryer is in the cabin located at the desk. If you bring devices that require 110/240 AC 50/60 HZ you will be ok and not need any adapter. If you however go to Hong Kong you will need an adapter they did supply one in our hotel. Hotels WOW the finest I've ever stayed in

 

There was no refrigerator in our cabin.

 

I can't speak on the alcohol package. Your days are busy and with the free wine booking you get free wine and beer at dinner I see it a waste of money.

 

We had a great time so different and a new look on our world.

[gooch47]

Thank you. We will be taking a Notebook computer to back up all our photos and rechargeable AAA batteries for our digital camera and would prefer not to use a converter if at all possible to recharge them.

 

The fridge would have been nice, but it won't be too terrible without it. ;)

 

We decided the alcohol package wasn't needed either. We don't drink ALL that much and the free wine will be plenty.

[wallygator]

Thank you. We will be taking a Notebook computer to back up all our photos and rechargeable AAA batteries for our digital camera and would prefer not to use a converter if at all possible to recharge them.

 

The fridge would have been nice, but it won't be too terrible without it. ;)

 

We decided the alcohol package wasn't needed either. We don't drink ALL that much and the free wine will be plenty.

 

 

You will have a great time. Noticed you are bookrd on Grand Princess - October, 2010, Caribbean Collection we did that and was very happy we did. I see you smiling from here. You made two great choices.

 

Have a great time

[Peregrina651]

Thank you. We will be taking a Notebook computer to back up all our photos and rechargeable AAA batteries for our digital camera and would prefer not to use a converter if at all possible to recharge them.

 

The fridge would have been nice, but it won't be too terrible without it. ;)

 

We decided the alcohol package wasn't needed either. We don't drink ALL that much and the free wine will be plenty.

We have not needed any special converters or adapters while on board. The plugs in our room are designed to accept standard USA 2 prong plugs and all of our chargers (computers, camera batteries, Blackberry, etc.) are designed to work on current from 120 to 240 (or whatever the correct numbers are for US current vs the rest of the world). There are a number of outlets in the rooms but we never did find the one that was for 120 current only. Is that the one in the bathroom? I couldn't get that outlet to accept the plug.

 

We disembark tomorrow in Chongqing.

[gooch47]

Princess is actually our cruise line of choice, mainly because of the great perks we get through them. We've been on the Grand and most of the other Princess ships multiple times.

 

The October trip is mostly just a get-away since we've visited the Caribbean a number of times before. Not to brag (yeah, right!) but we've been to St. Thomas 13 times before.

 

But we're really looking forward to the Viking cruise. We went to China a few years ago, but Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai aren't really the China we want to see. This riverboat cruise seems perfect.

[PINEY10]

I have a notebook that I take everywhere and it will take dual voltage--did not even need the adopter for that which I brought. Plugged directly into the outlet at the desk. I think it was a 120 volt.

[Romeosc]

I have a notebook that I take everywhere and it will take dual voltage--did not even need the adopter for that which I brought. Plugged directly into the outlet at the desk. I think it was a 120 volt.

 

 

I brought a 3 way adapter and a 12' extension cord for my cpap. The 3 way for charging iphones, macbook and camera batteries. I uploaded pictures daily to keep a copy or show at dinner. I made backup DVDs for several people of their SD cards.

[bruinbob95]

Hello,

 

My wife and I and another couple will be on the China's Cultural Delights tour from August 14th through August 30th. We're looking to meet (on-line) anyone else who will be on that trip.

 

We also have a few questions which I haven't seen addressed recently in this thread.

 

For anyone that has been in Shanghai with Viking recently, are they doing anything special with regard to the Expo 2010? Are they offering it as part of a tour while in Shanghai? If not, has anyone gone on their own either during the day instead of the normal tour, or at night, in addition to the normal tour?

 

Can anyone comment on the quality of the wine that was included as an early booking bonus? Can one upgrade to a higher quality wine? May one have beer instead of wine? If so, what kind of beer was offered?

 

We booked this tour about a year ago and we're finally getting excited about it. We have taken a 15-day river cruise with Viking in Europe (Budapest to Amsterdam) and loved it.

 

Thanks,

 

Bob

[caribill]

For anyone that has been in Shanghai with Viking recently, are they doing anything special with regard to the Expo 2010? Are they offering it as part of a tour while in Shanghai? If not, has anyone gone on their own either during the day instead of the normal tour, or at night, in addition to the normal tour?

 

Viking offers a several day post-cruise Shanghai extension which includes tickets to the Expo. see http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/rivercruises/china-yangtze-beijing-shanghai-2010/CSN/extensions/shanghai.aspx

 

The Expo is not included as part of the standard tour there, and the amount of free time does not really allow time to attend, especially with the crowds that will be there which means long lines.

[Maddle]

It's such a bummer to be right in the neighborhood and not have any chance to go over to the Expo, isn't it?

 

Post cruise won't work for me, because I am starting in Shanghai. We do have the free morning on day 3 - but surely that is not enough time.

[caribill]

We do have the free morning on day 3 - but surely that is not enough time.

 

Operation hours of the Expo Site are 9:00 ~24:00, regular opening hours of pavilions are 9:30~22:30).

[Peregrina651]

Hello,

 

My wife and I and another couple will be on the China's Cultural Delights tour from August 14th through August 30th. We're looking to meet (on-line) anyone else who will be on that trip.

 

We also have a few questions which I haven't seen addressed recently in this thread.

 

For anyone that has been in Shanghai with Viking recently, are they doing anything special with regard to the Expo 2010? Are they offering it as part of a tour while in Shanghai? If not, has anyone gone on their own either during the day instead of the normal tour, or at night, in addition to the normal tour?

 

Can anyone comment on the quality of the wine that was included as an early booking bonus? Can one upgrade to a higher quality wine? May one have beer instead of wine? If so, what kind of beer was offered?

 

We booked this tour about a year ago and we're finally getting excited about it. We have taken a 15-day river cruise with Viking in Europe (Budapest to Amsterdam) and loved it.

 

Thanks,

 

Bob

 

Expo is included only as a pre- or post option for those that have a true interest in seeing it. Their regular itinerary is pretty well set to include the highlights of Shanghai and it is beautifully coordinated so that all of the buses are not all arriving at the same venue at the same time.

 

Wine is offered to EVERYONE at dinner and it flows freely. If you want a different wine or if you want beer, you can buy it. I can't comment on the wine that was served. I never saw the label and I don't know much about wine. Maybe someone else will give some more details.

 

Our 17 days are drawing to a close; we spent today at the Great Wall and tomorrow we finish our visit with Tianamen Square and the Forbidden City. I cannot believe that 17 days have all but finished. It seems as if we have just arrived. Our escort, Larry, has been fantastic.

 

Thank goodness that I have been keeping a diary because everything is running together in my mind. It has been an eye-opening experience.

[caribill]

Question for those who flew from Beijing at the end of the trip back to the USA

 

About what time was your flight to the USA scheduled?

 

About what time did you leave the hotel for the Beijing airport?

 

Thanks

[PINEY10]

Our flight left at 6:25 PM. Although most people left on earlier flights, we were able to arrange through our guide for a late check out which worked out fine. We left about 2:30 PM for the airport.