Viking China

[SFSusan]

I'm having trouble with the CC site at the moment, and unable to search, but can anyone confirm that in addition to tips on board and to the day tour drivers and guides, Viking does NOT include tips to airport and hotel porters and restaurant staff, even for included group flights, transfers and meals off the ship?

 

I've never been on a group tour that didn't include tips for included functions, but reading their material with final documents, they give you the suggested amounts, so I am assuming they do not include those tips. (The amounts are small enough that I'm not complaining, but just somewhat surprised.)

 

Susan

[Peregrina651]

 

PS. I agree that the opera was a waste, we strolled the streets in Shanghai after museum and told our guide we would meet them back at hotel for dinner. We took a card from hotel to show cab driver.

 

 

Umm, the opera was in Beijing. The acrobats were in Shanghai. Which are you talking about?

 

We didn't see the opera but thought that the acrobats were amazing.

[Peregrina651]

Are you talking about just the China cruise, or all Viking River Cruises? I know last year in Burgundy, wine was definitely NOT included with dinner, as we had quite the bill on departure! That was one of the things that attracted us to the China cruise... and 2-for-1 airfare.

 

Susan

 

My only experience was on a China river cruise in 2010; wine was offered to everyone at dinner and no one was asked if complimentary wine was part of their package. I just looked at the latest sale brochure and they are offering complimentary wine on the European itineraries as well. I think that the complimentary wine was a new idea in 2010.

[Peregrina651]

you posted: We used CapitalOne (no fees on international transactions) for our credit purchases and all purchases were converted at the daily bank rate (which fluctuates daily by thousands of a yuan). We only used the credit card a couple of times for big purchases.

 

 

Question: We're off the China in 10 days ... how did you use CapitolOne? CapitolOne is our bank ... did you use their ATM card or their credit card?

 

I use a CapitalOne credit card for purchases (in fact we have two C1 accounts and bring the second card as a back up). I keep a separate bank account with ATM card for when I travel. It is not linked to my other bank accounts and I use the ATM card only for withdrawing cash from ATM machines-- because debit card purchases do not have the same protections as credit cards. I keep just enough money in it to cover my cash needs while I am traveling. This protects my checking and savings accounts and limits potential losses.

[Romeosc]

Umm, the opera was in Beijing. The acrobats were in Shanghai. Which are you talking about?

 

We didn't see the opera but thought that the acrobats were amazing.

 

 

Yeah, I was commenting on 2 different posts.

 

The Acrobats in Shanghai were GREAT.... I even bought a DVD.... It is similar to Cirque du Soleil!

 

The Peking Opera was in Peking (Old American pronunciation of Beijing)

 

The time we took off was in Shanghai after we went to Museum, we left about 2 PM to go out on our own.

 

 

Some pictures can be found here: (Quantity NOT QUALITY)

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/ShibaozhaiTemple?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/YuGardensShanghai?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/ShanghaiMuseum?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/IowaPerforms?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/JingzhouVikingSchool?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/WuGourge?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/XianZoo?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/TerraCottaWarriors?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/TerraCottaWarriors02?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/Beijing?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/ForbiddenCity?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/GREATWALL?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/Beijing02?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/MingSacredWay?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/TempleOfHeaven?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/PekingOpera?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/SilkCarpetFactory?feat=directlink

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeosc/OldCityBeijing?feat=directlink

[Peregrina651]

That was the rule for internal Chinese flights, but we did not have that restriction for the flight back to the USA from Beijing. Just had the usual liquid restrictions going through security.

 

I'll stand by my story. Before boarding our flight to the US, our bags were searched by hand at the gate and beverages and water bottles were confiscated. This search was in addition to the screening and x-raying of bags before entering the departure area.

 

 

[Peregrina651]

I'm having trouble with the CC site at the moment, and unable to search, but can anyone confirm that in addition to tips on board and to the day tour drivers and guides, Viking does NOT include tips to airport and hotel porters and restaurant staff, even for included group flights, transfers and meals off the ship?

 

I've never been on a group tour that didn't include tips for included functions, but reading their material with final documents, they give you the suggested amounts, so I am assuming they do not include those tips. (The amounts are small enough that I'm not complaining, but just somewhat surprised.)

 

Susan

 

If you engage a hotel or airport porter on your own, you will have to tip him. Otherwise, Viking will be handling your baggage and you will not see the porters and other baggage handlers who get your bags from one hotel room/cabin to the next.

 

The only tips we were responsible for were those mentioned in the travel docs and for any individual services above and beyond those provided by Viking. I did not see anyone leaving a tip on the table in any of the restaurants were we ate.

[SFSusan]

If you engage a hotel or airport porter on your own, you will have to tip him. Otherwise, Viking will be handling your baggage and you will not see the porters and other baggage handlers who get your bags from one hotel room/cabin to the next.

 

The only tips we were responsible for were those mentioned in the travel docs and for any individual services above and beyond those provided by Viking. I did not see anyone leaving a tip on the table in any of the restaurants were we ate.

 

Ok, then, that's what I was originally assuming. They must include the advise in the docs in case you are doing other travel on your own in China before or after the cruise.

 

Thanks!

[Cathys Cruising]

When we left Hong Kong headed back to the US our carry on bags were also hand searched at the gate right before we got on the plane for liquids, etc..

Cathy

[Luv2SailAway]

I'm going on this cruise tour on Oct 30th and was wondering about the visit to the Childrens School. Is it customary to bring something for the children or the school? Is, so does anyone have suggestions as to what I can bring?

[wallygator]

I'm going on this cruise tour on Oct 30th and was wondering about the visit to the Childrens School. Is it customary to bring something for the children or the school Is, so does anyone have suggestions as to what I can bring?

 

It's your call. We did and were happy we did. The gifts go into a container not to the children directly. Think about what kids like school stuff and kids stuff. We made sure the things we gave did not say "Made in China"

 

My two cents. :):):):)

[akwynn]

Our guide told us that it does not matter if the things say "made in China" because the local people do not have access to those things. I went to the Dollar Store and bought boxes of crayons. Pencils would be good or just about anything else that children could use in the classroom

[mametravels]

about how many students are in the school? Bringing stickers and pencils - want to make sure I bring enough for all.

 

thanks

[mametravels]

Hi:

I'm going on Imp Jewels on Oct 20. Shanghai weather now is upper 60s/70s in the day/ mid-50-60s at night. Beijing is in the 60s in the day, but already in 40s at night. We'll be there at end of Oct and first two days of Nov. I'm trying to avoid packing a winter coat and no time to shop for the perfect solution - was thinking I could layer fleece under my lightweight non-insulated jacket. Just curious - will we be walking outside for long stretches in the evenings in Beijing (or other areas in the north?) or are we traveling in car/bus? Is there much free time at night (in which case I might likely be walking around). Does it tend to be cooler at the Wall than below in town during the day?

Thanks.

[susierailroad]

We are taking the 4/25/11 Viking Jewels trip and, although, I have a post out there trying to find others, no luck yet. Is anyone on this board taking the 4/25/11 trip. This is a super thread and I'm enjoying reading about everyone's plans and past experiences.

[EvieMaryland]

2 couples from Maryland (really DC area) are on your trip too. Send email to eviedunk at gmail, if interested in more info. Your Q's about night, walking, weather are good - looking fwd to great replies.

[caribill]

I'm going on this cruise tour on Oct 30th and was wondering about the visit to the Childrens School. Is it customary to bring something for the children or the school? Is, so does anyone have suggestions as to what I can bring?

 

about how many students are in the school? Bringing stickers and pencils - want to make sure I bring enough for all.

 

thanks

 

 

We brought pencils and gave them to the teacher. We also saw a place that monetary donations could be made.

 

There are hundreds of students in the school. A classroom holds from 30-40 students. You will be in a classroom with some of those students and their teacher for about 30 minutes.

[wallygator]

We brought pencils and gave them to the teacher. We also saw a place that monetary donations could be made.

There are hundreds of students in the school. A classroom holds from 30-40 students. You will be in a classroom with some of those students and their teacher for about 30 minutes.

In our case we were told to place our gifts in a barrel outside the classrooms to be distributed evenly amongst all students. That seems to be the best way. We did the same when we visited an orphanage in Rotan, Honduras as well as a school on Fanning Island, In the Republic of Kiribati in the Pacific

[susierailroad]

Wallygator: Hooray, I've been looking for someone going on the same sailing as we. Do I detect that you are on the China, Imperial Jewels tour on 4/25/11? Are you on the Sun and not the new ship, Emerald? I didn't know there were two ships doing the same itinerary on the same date. Please reply.

[susierailroad]

Oops. Guess you did your trip in 2010. Sorry.

 

How was the weather in April-May? From whom did you get your Visas?

[mametravels]

Hi again:

I'm wondering what size luggage people tend to take on the cruise - I've only cruised once - usually travel on my own and take small as possible 26ish inch since I'm generally doing the lugging up and down stairs and streets. But I also own a larger 29 or 30" . Trying to pack as light as possible, but want to allow for shopping - just wondering what othes tend to take on this kind of trip.

 

And it's one bag allowed going - 2 bags on the return - 50llbs each?

thanks

mame

[caribill]

Hi again:

I'm wondering what size luggage people tend to take on the cruise - I've only cruised once - usually travel on my own and take small as possible 26ish inch since I'm generally doing the lugging up and down stairs and streets. But I also own a larger 29 or 30" . Trying to pack as light as possible, but want to allow for shopping - just wondering what othes tend to take on this kind of trip.

 

And it's one bag allowed going - 2 bags on the return - 50llbs each?

thanks

mame

 

The internal China flights say a maximum of 44 pounds per person (not per suitcase).

 

Some have reported that they are just weighed as a group and so not to worry.

 

On our trip, our guide indicated that some were overweight and I think (based on something he said later) that he paid the overage charges.

 

So, I would suggest just one suitcase and try to not go over 44 pounds. That will leave some weight available for souvenirs for the return flight home when you are allowed 50 pounds.

[wallygator]

Oops. Guess you did your trip in 2010. Sorry.

 

How was the weather in April-May? From whom did you get your Visas?

 

 

The weather was very nice. As far as inter China flights go we were told/read one bag per person. We had three another had four never charged for more or any problem. Three weeks away from home one bag is crazy. Our Viking guide took care of everything. If I went back again it would be April-May.

 

Smiles:):)

[whp]

Responding to a couple of previous questions:

 

Don't exchange cash at the airport. Their rates and fees are high, as usual. The best deal is to exchange cash at the hotel desk. We got an exchange rate of 6.7 at the hotel, whereas credit cards and ATM's were below 6.5. Plus ATM's hit you with fees, etc. no fee at hotel--at least not where we stayed.

 

We also had a late return flight--after 5 pm. Viking arranged late checkout, and the bus to the airport left at 1:30 pm. So, you can keep the room until bus departure time.

 

Air Canada's executive class is more like first class, but priced as business. you will love it.

 

I exchanged $200 for Yuan at the hotel, and didn't use it all. So, don't get a lot of Yuan. As others have noted, bring $50 or so in $1 bills. You will need them for tips for the drivers, the local tour guides, and all the peddlers that you might buy from. Most everyone will take US dollars, hence, no need for many Yuan. We got rid of our remaining yuan with tip for the tour escort.

 

Finally, worst event of the trip? The optional Peking opera! Don't waste your money on that show...horrible. Everyone that went to the opera on our tour regretted it. Find another restaurant to have the peking duck instead!

Don't they say they include the dinner on that night. Would assume that if opera is an extra that they would provide dinner at the hotel?

[whp]

Someone said that they were flying Air Canada. I just want to suggest that you find the Canadian version of what is allowed in your carry-on luggage. Their rules are stricter than the US rules and they are confiscation happy. I know that they don't allow nail clippers because the last time we passed through Canadian TSA we saw their collection of them.

 

Boarding in China for the flight home, you will not be permitted to carry any liquids on to the plane and that includes anything that you buy after clearing the security check. No bottles of water; no cups of coffee or soda. There will be a hand-check of your luggage at the gate as you board the plane.

Thanks for all your helpful information. Picked Air Canada since they wanted an extra $300 for United and we are 8 months in advance. perhaps they did not have contracted rates yet or maybe it is just Orlando. How much more is "executive class"? Will also check their website for carry on advice.