Viking China

[JJPNYC]

Quick question, saw that the official checked-luggage limit for intra-china flights is 44lbs. When traveling with the Viking tour group, does anyone know how baggage overage charges are handled as we'll probably end up over 44 lbs on the Xian-Beijing flight portion of our trip.

[Little Toot2]

Quick question, saw that the official checked-luggage limit for intra-china flights is 44lbs. When traveling with the Viking tour group, does anyone know how baggage overage charges are handled as we'll probably end up over 44 lbs on the Xian-Beijing flight portion of our trip.

 

JJPNYC, if you go back and read my past posts on this thread, you will discover that your question has already been answered (twice).

[land lover]

Ocala and Lt.... glad to see you guys are still around, I am sure we will have some more questions once our sail dates are closer. You have both been a wealth of information.

 

Lt, am I remembering correctly did you go on Viking in Russia...can you give some details on that, what was your overall impression?

 

Later.....L:) ri

[shecky465]

If you choose to have Viking make your flight arrangements, you will be assigned cross country flights that meet up on the west coast (SFO in our case) where you will board the same overseas flight to China.

 

 

Just curious, what airline did you fly into and out of SFO and what airline did they use for the flight to Beijing?

[JJPNYC]

If you choose to have Viking make your flight arrangements, you will be assigned cross country flights that meet up on the west coast (SFO in our case) where you will board the same overseas flight to China.

 

Actually that's not 100% true. My parents who are joining me on our trip next week booked their air through Viking and ended up with the routing of CLE-ORD-HKG for the outbound and PEK-ORD-CLE for the return, both trips being on United.

[luv2bcruzng]

Hi Everybody,

Just returned yesterday from sailing on Viking River's Century Sun on the Cultural Delights Tour. I have nothing but praise for this company. Everything was handled first class from the hotels on land to the ship and back to land again. We had such a wonderful time. I can hardly believe that three days ago I was standing on the Great Wall of China - WOW!

 

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask away - I will be happy to answer your questions. I know I had so many before I left for the trip and appreciated reading all of your posts.

 

Reba

[JJPNYC]

First of all Welcome Back!

 

As my trip is coming up at the end of the month, can you tell me what the weather is like over there? It appears to be in the 50/60s, how accurate is that?

 

Also my most pressing question is about luggage, something I can't seem to get a straight answer on. For the checked piece of luggage, how strict was Viking and/or the airlines in enforcing the 44 lbs weight limit? For the carry-on piece, the cruise docs say no more than 12 lbs but I'm thinking of bringing a standard carry-on suit case for on the planes. Obviously when packed it will weigh more than 12 lbs - will I have any problems with that?

 

Also what is the dress code at night like for guys? I'm hearing "bring a jacket & tie" and then " a jacket & tie isn't required." Can you add any clarification to this.

 

Thanks!!!

[Ocala]

Glad you had a fantastic trip, Reba! :D I'm sure your fresh assessment of the trip will help those leaving for China this year. JJPNYC - we didn't even see our luggage on in-country China flights. If a case was overweight, I guess Viking just "handled it". :rolleyes: On our trip, the luggage went to the airport by truck and not with our bus so we didn't see it. For carry-ons in-country, think of a small overhead bin. All flights are full and overhead bins were over-full on our flights. My guess is that you will have a problem with a "normal" US carry-on. What do you other guys think? Is this correct as you saw it? I did not bring a jacket. For evenings most of us wore slacks and polo-type shirts. For the fancy Captain's Dinner we wore our brand new silk shirts. Viking booked our flights and we did not meet on the west coast. Our flight to Shanghai was on United out of Chicago. Cheers to all!

[luv2bcruzng]

One of my questions before leaving was the weight limit also. Our luggage was already overweight when we checked into our first flight on Southwest Airlines, so we were definitely anticipating some problems. To our delight there were no problems. All the luggage is gathered together and taken to the airport, while we went on some additional tours. Apparently we were told the luggage weight is all averaged together, so all I can say is "thank you" to all the people who packed light.

 

As far as carry-ons go, there was no weighing taking place. Just figure if your bag can fit above your head in a typical airline, then it will fit on Air China. We did board first, so there were no problems finding overhead space, but the flights were full. We did switch seats, so spouses could sit together, as boarding passes are just distributed randomly.

 

We started our trip in Shanghai and the weather was in the 70's - just beautiful for touring. We also had expected 50-60's so packed warmer clothes. On the Yangtze the weather was drizzly with some serious downpours. Pack an umbrella and warmer clothes for that part. Beijing was in the 50-60's at the end of our trip, but a light jacket was sufficient. On the Great Wall it is breezy but not much cooler. We spoke to some other Viking River cruisers and it had snowed at the Wall when they were there, so they could not climb it at all. We never did see the sun the entire trip - not that it wasn't out, but because of the pollution, the skies are totally gray continuously, no matter what city we were in.

 

As far as dinner goes, most men wore casual shirts with collars. For the second Chinese dinner most women wore their fancy embroidered jackets. They had been purchased that day at the pier for $10 each. People really were not too much dressier for the final Chinese Captain's dinner either. Of course there were some men wearing jackets, but totally unnecessary.

 

Hope this helps. Feel free to keep asking questions.

[lostqeba]

Will be traveling on above Viking Beijing to Shanghai 16 day trip with my 16 yr. old grandson...anyone out there witness any teenagers on their trip...any one out there on the same dates????;) like to here from you!!

Have read 1421 and am in the middle of The River at the Center of the Earth....who has the best travel guides,,,,Frommer....Lonely Planet????

Eat in your Hotel first night in Beijing or good restaurant nearby?? all info greatly appreciated .....Bruce

[land lover]

Reba, your last post, was very informative. Thank you. I am glad you had a wonderful trip, would you go back?

 

What about the bottle water availability, did you use the ice. Did you or anyone you speak to get sick on your trip from food or questionable H20?

 

Did you use the laundry on the ship? If so how did that work out?

 

Thanks. L:) ri

[luv2bcruzng]

Landlover,

I would go on another Viking River Cruise in a minute-it was wonderful, first class all the way.

 

Two Bottles of water were always left in the cabin at all times. If one bottle was started they still gave you two additional bottles. There was also one really big bottle of water on the desk for purchase, but why purchase that when you had the two other bottles? We always grabbed one of the bottles to throw in a backpack whenever we went ashore. Every hotel we stayed in also gave us bottled water. We did use the ice in all local restuarants. I even used sink water to brush my teeth and make tea.

 

Never buy water on the streets, since the locals find old bottles and refill them and then resell the bottles as new.

 

As far as getting sick: many did. We were 68 total passengers on the cruise portion and at least 1/3 got some kind of stomache illness. My husband was sick for 3 days before he went to the ship's doctor and got 3 kinds of medicines for a total of $20! He was better the next day. No way how to determine how the illness started amongst the passengers but it spread very quickly. I'm sure the air in China did not help my allergies and I still have a hacking cough.

 

We did use the laundry on board the ship. Leave a bag in your room in the morning and it is returned by dinner. Very reasonably priced and very efficient. You have to go over your list with the cabin attendant when she returns your clothes, to make sure everything has been returned.

 

Hope this answers your questions,

Reba

[land lover]

Reba, your cruise was only about a quarter full? You were on the new ship weren't you? What did you think?

 

So if I understand you correctly more people were included on your land/hotel tours?

 

Did you make all your stops/tours on the River, or on land for that matter?

 

Thanks. L:) ri

[shecky465]

Will be traveling on above Viking Beijing to Shanghai 16 day trip with my 16 yr. old grandson...anyone out there witness any teenagers on their trip...any one out there on the same dates????;) like to here from you!!

Have read 1421 and am in the middle of The River at the Center of the Earth....who has the best travel guides,,,,Frommer....Lonely Planet????

Eat in your Hotel first night in Beijing or good restaurant nearby?? all info greatly appreciated .....Bruce

 

 

Hi Bruce

 

Just signed on this week to the 7/2 cruise. Where will you be travelling from. My start point will be NYC.

 

Rick

[shecky465]

Here is a question for those who have already been on the China tour or are leaving very shortly.

 

How did you go about getting the Visa to enter China. Did you use an expeditor or do it yourself? And if you used a third party, how easy was it?

 

And

 

did your doctor reccomend that you receive any innoculations before leaving on the tour.

 

Thanks

 

Rick

[Ocala]

We used the expeditor that Viking recommended for our visas and they were very quick. We got no shots for the trip. Enjoy your trip!:)

[shecky465]

We used the expeditor that Viking recommended for our visas and they were very quick. We got no shots for the trip. Enjoy your trip!:)

 

Thanks for the speedy reply.

 

 

I am not concerned about getting my VISA because my office is about six blocks from a Chinese consulate in NYC. My travelling companion is from Minneapolis and was asking me questions about the process of getting a VISA as well as any needed innoculations.

[lostqeba]

Hi Bruce

 

Just signed on this week to the 7/2 cruise. Where will you be travelling from. My start point will be NYC.

 

Rick

Rick...will leave out of Boston via Chicago nonstop to Beijing on United..requested this route from Viking thru my TA and returning Shanghai to San Fran on to Boston....shortest time in air each way...Viking was very accomidating Bruce

[lostqeba]

One of my questions before leaving was the weight limit also. Our luggage was already overweight when we checked into our first flight on Southwest Airlines, so we were definitely anticipating some problems. To our delight there were no problems. All the luggage is gathered together and taken to the airport, while we went on some additional tours. Apparently we were told the luggage weight is all averaged together, so all I can say is "thank you" to all the people who packed light.

 

As far as carry-ons go, there was no weighing taking place. Just figure if your bag can fit above your head in a typical airline, then it will fit on Air China. We did board first, so there were no problems finding overhead space, but the flights were full. We did switch seats, so spouses could sit together, as boarding passes are just distributed randomly.

 

We started our trip in Shanghai and the weather was in the 70's - just beautiful for touring. We also had expected 50-60's so packed warmer clothes. On the Yangtze the weather was drizzly with some serious downpours. Pack an umbrella and warmer clothes for that part. Beijing was in the 50-60's at the end of our trip, but a light jacket was sufficient. On the Great Wall it is breezy but not much cooler. We spoke to some other Viking River cruisers and it had snowed at the Wall when they were there, so they could not climb it at all. We never did see the sun the entire trip - not that it wasn't out, but because of the pollution, the skies are totally gray continuously, no matter what city we were in.

 

As far as dinner goes, most men wore casual shirts with collars. For the second Chinese dinner most women wore their fancy embroidered jackets. They had been purchased that day at the pier for $10 each. People really were not too much dressier for the final Chinese Captain's dinner either. Of course there were some men wearing jackets, but totally unnecessary.

 

Hope this helps. Feel free to keep asking questions.

 

See my posted questions below your post, thank you.... Lostqeba

[luv2bcruzng]

Land Lover,

 

There were a total of 68 of us on board the Century Sun. Originally there were 36 of us at the Westin in Shanghai and we stayed together with our tour guide throughout the trip. There was another group of 12 put up at the Shangri La in Shanghai and they did their own tours as a group. We would all meet together at the tour stops and at meals. There was another group of 20 travel agents that joined us on board the ship, but they were only there for the cruise and just some of the sightseeing.

 

When you consider the ship holds 306 passengers, it was like our own private yacht. There were 3 staff people for every one passenger.

 

We did not get any innoculations prior to our trip.

 

We had tours on land before we boarded and then each day on board the ship we were taken off to visit different sights. It was a pretty hectic schedule.

 

Reba

[land lover]

Reba,

 

No wonder your service was so great, the cruise I am booked for is almost sold out, so won't have the pleasure of a yacht.

 

So all your scheduled tours went as planned? Which ones did you enjoy the most?

 

Did you exchange money in the hotels or use an atm?

 

Thanks so much again, it is so nice getting up to date info.

 

L:) ri

[JJPNYC]

 

did your doctor reccomend that you receive any innoculations before leaving on the tour.

 

Rick

 

My doctor recommended a Hepatitis A shot and this is also recommended from the Center of Disease Control's website. Also when going to the doctor you should get a presription for CIPRO antibiotic. This will come in handy should you get a stomach virus or any other thing that makes you a bit queasy along the way- not a totally unheard of situation for while in China.

[luv2bcruzng]

Lori,

All tours went exactly as planned. When they said a tour left at 9:30am, it left exactly at that time. There were times when the ship even left the dock early, so promptness is very important!

 

We took some Chinese money with us, as we arrived two days earlier in Shanghai, we wanted to make sure we had some money to begin with. At the Shanghai Westin they changed money. The rate of exchange is the same thruout China - the rate is regulated, as long as you switch money in a reputable spot. You could get phoney money if you switch on a street. We did not use ATM's at all, just used the hotels. ATM's were not regularly available. The tour guides did point out where they were though.

 

All the tours were fascinating. Probably the worse part was the two hour bus tour to get to one location - I think it was the porcelein factory. Once we got there it was a great tour though. As you ride along, the local tour host gives you all kinds of info about the area you are visiting and helps the time pass by. Bring an ipod for the longer trips or a book if you can read while riding along.

 

The Chinese doctor onboard the ship had medicine to help stomach problems and it really did work quickly.

 

Reba

[Little Toot2]

Welcome back Reba!

Hopefully you discovered the bar/lounge area in the 'top of the crown' nextdoor while staying at the Westin in Shanghai..... A truly amazing hotel, isn't it. So, I'm curious as to what other accommodations Viking put you up in during the rest of your land tour. In '04 we stayed at the Beijing Hotel and at the Hyatt in Xian with an additonal stop in Suzhou which has been taken off the itinerary.

 

JJPNYC, it appears that Viking may have revamped its cross country flights program since '04. That September we flew out of ORD to SFO to Shanghai. Our return trip was non-stop PEK to ORD. When arriving in Shanghai, we were met by Viking guides who escorted us out to 4 buses which transported us to our hotel, so the majority of the people with our Viking/China tour came over on that SFO flight. There were a few folks who came in on random flights from Hong Kong and Japan, but I had assumed previously that they had made their own flight arrangements...

 

As to using your standard 20" carry-on........ I can tell you that it won't fit in the overhead bins on the inter-China flights, period.

[luv2bcruzng]

Hi Little Toot,

Nope, we did not discover any bar/lounge next door to the Westin. We were too exhausted after dinner to think of going anywhere. We walked miles in Shanghai all day long on our own. Actually my husband did discover a massage parlor at the end of the day and he said it was wonderful.

 

We stayed in Xian at the Sofitel - which was absolutely gorgeous, just opened this year. Wanted to spend many more nights there. In Beijing we stayed at the Hilton, which is under renovation. The rooms were recently redone and quite lovely, but everything else is under construction. The rest of our group - the other 12- stayed at Shangri La Hotels.

 

Reba