New Visa Requirement for HAL-arranged tour?

[RobC1116]

We are departing on Feb 17 for a 28-cruise on the Westerdam that includes Shanghai. Initially, we learned/were told that we do not need a Chinese Visa as long as we do HAL-arranged tours. However, we received the following email yesterday from HAL:

 

Our tour operator has advised that due to recent changes your High-Speed Train to Hangzhou & West Lake Cruise tour in Shanghai, China, now requires an Individual Chinese visa be obtained to participate.

 

We do not have time now to start applying for a Chinese Visa, nor do we want to spend the money for the Visa on top of the cost of this excursion. So we canceled it and now have two different HAL tours booked in Shanghai for the two days we are there. But we are wondering if the Visa exemption will still apply for these tours that stay within Shanghai. People have talked to HAL and even the Chinese Embassy, and no one seems to be getting a clear answer. If anyone has any insight, that would be most appreciated--especially travelers who are currently on cruises that go to Shanghai. We stop in Shanghai after Hong Kong, and then go on to Japan.

[ktran2]

I received a similar HAL email for the Scenic Suzhou tour. I called CIBTvisa and HAL and both were not aware of the new requirement of individual regular visas. I will take a chance and book a Shanghai city tour just to get out of the ship.

[seeyouintheship]

Dian anybody have a definitive answer to the Chinese Visa requirement when visiting Shanghai on the Westerdam?