Qingdao, China port stop cancelled for Westerdam 2/15/20 cruise

[kcl491]

Received the email from our cruise agent today.  Changed to a sea day and we will now have three (!) days in Tianjin for Beijing excursions.  Sad for anyone who booked a ship or private tour from Qingdao.  "Operational reasons" is the explanation for the cancellation.

[Clay Clayton]

15 hours ago, kcl491 said:

Received the email from our cruise agent today.  Changed to a sea day and we will now have three (!) days in Tianjin for Beijing excursions.  Sad for anyone who booked a ship or private tour from Qingdao.  "Operational reasons" is the explanation for the cancellation.

 

Just back from a Viking cruise that embarked in Tianjin.  Be advised that it’s a loong ride to both Tianjin and Bejing. If your budget allows, you might want to consider booking a hotel in Bejing rather than spending 3-4 hours on the bus or car to/from the city-relative to US hotels they are very affordable. 

 

It’s a shame you are missing Quindao as it was one of our favorite ports. But I hope you enjoy China as much as we did-it’s an amazing country and the people we met were warm and friendly. 

[SilvertoGold]

I would seriously consider a hotel.  So much to see in Beijing!  And you could do bus tours from the hotel.

[julesdb99]

Can you get to Beijing by train from the cruise port?

[SilvertoGold]

30 minutes ago, julesdb99 said:

Can you get to Beijing by train from the cruise port?

 

Google "Tianjin to Beijing by train".  Lots of info re the high speed trains.

 

[Clay Clayton]

The bigger issue is getting from the port to the train station.  There is  station  relatively close to the port but the one with the high speed trains is further away.  We didn’t use the train as we were on a precruise extension with the cruiseline so our transfer to the port was included. The drive from Bejing was 2-1/2 hours and the drive from the port the next day into historic Tianjin was at least an hour and fifteen. Some of that is due to lower speed limits to which buses must adhere but it also just a long way. Keep in mind there are two cruise terminals. We were docked at the new international one but it’s my understanding that sometimes the domestic terminal is used for cruise ships and the two terminals are miles apart. 

 

I looked on Trip Advisor and found this review from a traveler last spring that might be helpful to you.