Viking China (Part 2)

and.....did you get to the pandas anywhere on the tour? Thanks again.....

and...how did you arrange the Great Wall at Mutianyu tour? I understand you can do it yourself with public transportation.....thanks once again.

and.....did you get to the pandas anywhere on the tour? Thanks again.....

Yes, we happened to have an early flight to Chongqing and went to the zoo on our way to the ship. We were there right at feeding time and had excellent views of all 7 pandas. However, I think we were the only group that went to the zoo. It will depend on your flight and your tour guide. It may happen, but don't count on it. I think there are pandas at the Beijing zoo if you will have extra time.

and...how did you arrange the Great Wall at Mutianyu tour? I understand you can do it yourself with public transportation.....thanks once again.

We booked a private tour with tour-beijing.com. I arranged it before we left home and booked a day tour, just the two of us with a car, a driver and a tour guide (our guide was Oliver and I highly recommend him!). They picked us up at our hotel (with all our luggage), took us first to the Summer Palace, then to the Pearl market near the Summer Palace, then drove us out to Mutianyu for lunch and the afternoon oN the wall. On the way back, Oliver took us to a tea ceremony, which was delightful. They then dropped us off at the Kerry hotel to join our Viking group. It was an excellent day! It is a long drive out to Mutianyu and I am not sure I would recommend trying to get there on your own, especially if you do not speak Chinese. Having the private guide took all of the worry and stress out of it and we had a marvellous day, well worth the added expense.

We booked a private tour with tour-beijing.com.

Excellent advise - thank you so much.

Sorry but I take exception to giving tips to the amount of $30 per day on river cruise and $20.00 for escort in a third world country that I have all ready paid 8 too 9 hundred a day to be in I do not consider my self to be cheep but people where I live would be more that happy with that to

Liv on what does every one else think

Sorry but I take exception to giving tips to the amount of $30 per day on river cruise and $20.00 for escort in a third world country that I have all ready paid 8 too 9 hundred a day to be in I do not consider my self to be cheep but people where I live would be more that happy with that to

Liv on what does every one else think

You are assuming that the 8 to 9 hundred a day you have paid goes to the service personnel. In the US, service personnel are paid less than minimum wage and expected to eke out a living based on tips. One of these assumptions is false. Do you really want to be the stiff who keeps food off your guide's table?

Sorry but I take exception to giving tips to the amount of $30 per day on river cruise and $20.00 for escort in a third world country that I have all ready paid 8 too 9 hundred a day

definition of a "tip" is a monetary appreciation of an "additional deed, service, accommodation, and/or "call above and beyond the duty, beyond the service already paid for!

if you tip because you feel guilty, or because you are shamed into tipping, that is different ballgame. That is called charity! it has a place in my life and civilized people do both...

What I resented on VIKING tour was that never ending , daily, repeating reminders announced on each and every day, on each and every bus..

" just to remind you" that we will say farewell to our driver, he worked very hard, and our local guide, who already tipped our baggage handlers to have smooth luggage handling and ..just a reminder that it is customary to tip twice more in hong kong ..

The best and most callous announcement was as follows:

you are the most lucky people in this group! we will not stay in Guilin for two more nites, we will actually fly to hong kong instead of traveling the whole day by bus, then shlepping your own luggage thru border to HK

AFTER I TOLD THE GUIDE THAT IT AS ACTUALLY VIKING TOURS WHO WAS THE LUCKIEST PEOPLE ON EARTH THAT DAY... she didn't get it until I explained to her that I (and other travelers) would have definitely demanded refund for wasted time....

anyhow....

here is the list of PATHETICS, HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE EXPERIENCES AND OF COURSE THE AMAZING AND MARVELOUS...

1/ PATHETIC is a very mild description of "viking included lunch " on LI RIVER BOAT. guide actually suggested, that we packed/stole from breakfast in hotel, because she felt that the food on boat was not for human consumption.. she assured us that the "food" was " well cooked" though.. She was right! it was hog-wash that pigs would reject to eat!

but, hey .. it was included and we could steal from breakfast....

2/ HORRIBLE is the proper description of disembarkation in CHONGQING!

I am not kidding or exaggerating! we were wading UNCLE HIGH in excrements, raw sewage, dead fish, algae, have pics, can proove it.

it was raining, bus was not there for half an hour, local guide was late...

no shelter to hide from elements.. Viking guide just quipped .. welcom to china...she was genially upset and embarrassed ...when the bus finally appeared some forty minutes later, business "as usual" reminders about how much to tip the hard working bus driver started...

3/TERRIBLE were the "lazy Susan" lunches in the cheapest establishments viking could possibly find.. at airport, behind the silk factory, under the carpet shop, one was sooo hilarious that we actually appreciated the experience, while hating food! it was THE "RED RESTAURANT LAZY SUSAN"!!

Just try to imagine ten people around table each was issued 4 inch wide plate!!! to load from turning susan..hilarious thing was that after you made your first mistake loading two morsels of "things" you did not like, you had only two choices. eat it or forget about the next choice..they actually brought a 4 inch plate with duck or perhaps chicken (head included..) but by the time susan moved around and reached my position there was only the head left....as i said hilarious....

4/AWESOME were the hotels, accommodation, service.. wifi, tv,

5/AMAZING was the sight-seeing!

my bottom line advise:

Chinese food served at locations selected by viking has nothing to do with "chines food"!! our food was the cheapest substitute that viking could possibly find!

if you are not prepared to live of breakfasts and expect "Chinese food from "lazy suzan" you will suffer!

CARRY TOILET TISSUE WITH YOU ALL AND I MEAN ALL THE TIME!

IN CONCLUSION, NO REGRETS. WOULD RECOMMEND THE TOUR BUT WITH SOME OTHER COMPANY (perhaps we did not pay enough.. for decent food..)

oceanbreeze

We had no problems in October last year, the Guides offered the trip willingly, ....I had spoken to Viking beforehand and told them about the report you quoted, so perhaps the guides had been 'reminded' :)

Our guides refused even to talk about summer palace..

eventually one of them "slipped the tongue.." and quipped that summer palace tour changed "ownership to government-owned" so no more kick backs, no more "tips" soo here you go. no more interest nor recommendations..

oceanbreeze

Well - this is some discouraging news.....but appreciate the guidance and warnings. I am excited as we just booked a half-day tour from the hotel the day before we start the tour to the Mutianyu area of the great wall. Should be much less crowded and will go fairly early in the day (pick up at 7:30 by our request). Perhaps Summer Palace on our own that afternoon after a nap.....perhaps pandas at the Beijing Zoo......perhaps the 798 art district......

Oceanbreeze, I am sorry your trip was less than you expected. The day we disembarked at Chonqing was dry so while there were a lot of stairs, we didn't see what you describe. The river is not clean by any means so the rain probably was washing up the mess you describe. Its too bad you had to experience this. We were ready to leave the Emerald and one of the escorts stopped us and told us to wait until he got a call to say the bus was there. He got that call a few minutes later. I guess some escorts are better than others.

We enjoyed the lazy susan meals, even at the airport, the carpet factory and silk factory (granted some dishes were better than others). I don't think anyone from our group left hungry and the plates were usually empty. Taste in food is subjective so I just want to provide another perspective to yours, not negate yours. Each person will have their own opinion of the food and none are wrong.

I echo your recommendation to carry toilet tissue and add a suggestion of a travel size package of antibacterial wipes.

On the subject of tipping, there has been some expectation of tipping on every trip I have been on so for me it has become part of the cost that I factor in. I personally object to the concept of "required tipping" however it has become the way of the world. I did not find the reminders troublesome, nor did I find it onerous to give the drivers and local guides a few dollars each day. One local guide took it a bit far talking about her illness, plans to marry etc., etc. I felt that the staff on the ship earned their tips (like the staff on any cruiseline) and our escort Chuck definitely earned his.

Again everyones experience and tastes are different and I hope that people considering booking this trip in the future will consider all the information on this thread and decide for themselves whether they will enjoy it.

We enjoyed our trip, even the less than perfect parts and will travel with Viking again.

Having read so much about "the steps" I am now joyful as I realized this morning, we will be walking down the steps (I do believe!).

I think you start in Beijing so you will go down the stairs in Chongqing. If you stop in Fendu the stairs are about the same as Chongqing and other stops have the long "docks". I found going down the stairs in Fendu bad as I don't like heights. Basically, a few minutes of yuck for an overall great trip. :) Hope you enjoy your trip.

Bearing yesterday's sinking in mind: I'm not sure what Viking do, but we were recently on Century Sun from Chongqing to Yichang and there was no safety briefing at any time.

It may be a good idea to check out where life-jackets and other safety equipment is stored.

Bearing yesterday's sinking in mind: I'm not sure what Viking do, but we were recently on Century Sun from Chongqing to Yichang and there was no safety briefing at any time.

 

It may be a good idea to check out where life-jackets and other safety equipment is stored.

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http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/hundreds-of-seniors-aboard-china-ship-that-sank-in-storm/52068/

Tuesday, June 2, 2015, 7:15 AM - At least five people are dead and hundreds of people missing after a passenger ship with 458 people aboard capsized during a storm.

The BBC reports many aboard were elderly tourists, some in their 80s, who were traveling from Nanjing to Chongqing. The ship reportedly did not send a distress signal, and the incident happened when many aboard would have been asleep.

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very sad indeed...

we just returned from our viking imperial jewels yesterday. ..

WE HAD A SAFETY DRILL AND CREW WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO EXPLAIN WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.

however

there were at least two/three accidents/incidents of our ship being rammed!! by barge during the nite on two previous trips.

when I quizzed the staff (including captain..(who did not speak any English ;.) " nobody could remember the "incident"??!!

eventually, after I advised them that the accident was reported on "cruise critics forum".. after a long pause.. they admitted being rammed by "barge" during nite??!! as a matter of fact TWICE!! DUE TO THE FOG!!

I do not have a problem with "accident?

accidents happen.

but , what was what was done after "ramming??!!

answer:

NOTHING!!

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT????????????

NO INSPECTION?

NO DAMAGE ASSESSMENT?

WOW!

oceanbreeze

WE HAD A SAFETY DRILL AND CREW WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO EXPLAIN WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.

|

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NOTHING!!

|

|

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT????????????

NO INSPECTION?

NO DAMAGE ASSESSMENT?

WOW!

It would be good if you could avoid SHOUTING. I'm sure we get the message without it. Thanks.

Wow, I just came back to the forums to see what is being said about the Viking trips, My travel buddy and I did the 18th Cultural Delights leaving on March 30th. We started in Shanghai with rainy weather for 5 days, but being I have done the Imperial Jewels 10 years ago with Viking, I can only say how much I enjoyed both trips. The weather is not something you can control, so just go with it, as far as traffic, well any big city has jams. The food, I ate everything and tried many new things, like 100 yr eggs, and enjoyed the different foods, my buddy had a hard time with the meals, but she is fussy about what she eats even at home. Everyone is different. As far as tips, I know that Canadians and the British don't tip, but it is what people do do all over the world for great service, and all of our drivers, guides and leader did a fabulous job and eared every cent I gave them above the amount Viking suggested. As far as getting on and off the ship, and stairs, the info on cruise critic tells you that the trips are for people fit and willing to put up with some inconveniences, like stairs, toilets. This leads me to say that you should not only bring toilet paper, but good hand wipes, and if you wants large napkins take your own paper ones. The Chinese do not use napkins and use small plates, We westerns eat too much off too large of a plate. Please don't take offense at these statements, it is given to make your trip more enjoyable.

As far as tips, I know that Canadians and the British don't tip, but it is what people do do all over the world for great service

That's exactly it: 'for great service'. We tip 'for great service' but not for someone simply doing what they should do.

That's exactly it: 'for great service'. We tip 'for great service' but not for someone simply doing what they should do.

The tipping suggestions on this trip are no great secret though, it might be better to book with one of the lines that includes all tips within the price if the suggested tips on this one are not to your liking.

We certainly felt that the main tour guide earned every cent of her 'tip' and to be honest, tipping the rest of the drivers and city guides really didn't add up to all that much.

The ship crew also were amazing and we felt very comfortable with their tips as the service was indeed excellent.

The price of the trip is as low as it is, in part, because of the suggested tipping levels so if anyone feels that they do not want to tip in that way then do please consider going with a line that takes care of that in the price.

'Tips included' means that the employees are being paid the rate for the job and the company is advertising the full cost of the trip/service up front. The acceptable way to do business.

If tips are 'compulsory' and 'are added to the bill at the end of the cruise' then that means that the company is probably paying their employees the full rate but are not advertising the full cost of the trip/service up front and making up the difference at the end. Not an acceptable way to do business.

If tips are solicited, 'welcome' or 'expected', then that means that the employees are being underpaid and 'tips' are expected to make up the difference. Not an acceptable way to do business.

All, of course, just my opinion.

I think you start in Beijing so you will go down the stairs in Chongqing. If you stop in Fendu the stairs are about the same as Chongqing and other stops have the long "docks". I found going down the stairs in Fendu bad as I don't like heights. Basically, a few minutes of yuck for an overall great trip. :) Hope you enjoy your trip.

Thanks so much Marion LOL......no matter what, we will manage. Because of the many mentions of steps, we are not taking our general carry on which has rollers and can weight too much when carrying - but will use a shoulder bag and keep it lighter! Yes, it will include toilet paper and anti-bacteria wipes. Yes, have the eye drops ready as well, and will take a few masks! These discussions are so helpful in so many ways. Going to bank today for a few more unmarked bills, start to pack and off tomorrow a.m. to Seattle with flight out Thursday evening for Beijing! Think we will have to take the metro to Wangfujing Street and my husband just pulled information for a few geocaches to locate in Beijing! Saturday morning up early to get to Mutianyu area of the great wall.

it would be good if you could avoid shouting. I'm sure we get the message without it. Thanks.

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dear digit

plug your ears ..

Or just ignore my posts if it tears your ears...

Enjoyed your advise ...

Got-ago. Have three weeks european trip starting this friday

and then yupie.. Africa is waiting..

Perhaps i drop you lead.. (will be shouting though..)

oceanbreeze

dear digit

 

plug your ears ..

Or just ignore my posts if it tears your ears...

Enjoyed your advise ...

Whatever.

The convention is that CAPITALS equates to shouting. If you are in the habit of shouting...

Bearing yesterday's sinking in mind: I'm not sure what Viking do, but we were recently on Century Sun from Chongqing to Yichang and there was no safety briefing at any time.

 

It may be a good idea to check out where life-jackets and other safety equipment is stored.

When we were on the Viking Emerald in 2013 that was one thing that troubled us--one of our group members was the captain of an English Navy ship and he was especially troubled--that there was no safety drill. This tragedy will surely change that!

I hope so.

The problem is that for many people a river cruise is their first cruise and they will be unaware of the mandatory nature of ocean cruise safety drills.