Viking China (Part 2)

[morry2121]

Gnparend, you have a wonderful attitude!! I try to stay as positive as possible also when we travel. One of my biggest disappointments was getting to Mount Rushmore and it being fogged in. (we live on the east coast of Canada). But, we are going to try again in a couple of weeks so fingers are crossed..lol. We are going to China in October, any helpful hints to share?

[LadyVol1]

To close the loop on Viking changing our "Roof of the World" itinerary with no notification (post 4293 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=49971739&postcount=4293): My husband and I got a private tour to the Summer Palace and the entire group got to go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian. The final night in Xian was supposed to include a nighttime marketplace tour but that has also been removed. However, when I pointed this out to our Tour Escort, he offered to take us in a cab after dinner tonight. So, what we were promised for the land tour has been provided but only because I have copies of what the itinerary was when we booked this tour on 2/25/15.

 

Please bring copies of the tours/sights that were included when you booked the tour so that you can make sure you are getting all the included tours that were advertised at your time of booking. I totally understand that ports/tours can be cancelled at any time, but that has only happened to us on other tours/cruises due to weather or issues out of the control of the tour operator. I can't understand why these three tours were removed other than to save Viking money. Anyway, bring paper copies of your booked itinerary!

[gnparend]

Gnparend, you have a wonderful attitude!! I try to stay as positive as possible also when we travel. One of my biggest disappointments was getting to Mount Rushmore and it being fogged in. (we live on the east coast of Canada). But, we are going to try again in a couple of weeks so fingers are crossed..lol. We are going to China in October, any helpful hints to share?

 

Rushmore was bright & sunny. Also Mt McKinley (aka Mt Denali) which I understand can be cover in clouds 70% of the time was bright & sunny. So we got lucky when other did not, Not to rain on your parade but we have had more good fortune on our trips than disappointments. And like I said, just another opportunity to go again. Like visiting the Shoe Museum in Toronto. We didn't have the time, too many other things to do before we took the train to Montreal for the Cruise ship that would eventually take us back to Florida. One of us was very disappointed on that one. I'm sure there will be a next time. Which will make one of us Very Happy. Maybe that's what the meaning of Yin and Yang is all about.

 

The only hints I can think of right now is we got small new bills CNY from the bank, hearing they prefer small clean bills in China. We usually use our ATM in other countries it's easy and the $2 or $3 fee is worth it and cheaper then the currency conversion fees charges. For our Visa we used a Washington DC based service and later learned that Florida residents are processed thru the Houston consulate. A Do Over, we might have used a Houston based service. The DC service, mails the passport and documents to an "Agent" in Houston who does the processing. There seemed to be a disconnect in communication between the two because we were into our 7th week when we got word they were on the way. The DC service each week could only blame it on the Consulate and say "Be Patient they will come in time" they had no way of tracking. Our friends going with us sent theirs in the same Fed Ex Envelope with ours and had theirs in week 4. I'll stop now seems like I'm venting. Not sure how it works in Canada but pick the service nearest to where your consulate is located.

 

We are taking travel size toilet tissue called "Tissue on the Go" hear some areas are Tissue challenged. Taking a few disposable forks haven't mastered chopsticks yet. Read a lot about the culture and people of China so we understand our on gestures and actions. We have learned traveling to many cultures we are the guest in their country. And don't take our superior American attitude with us. Being in Florida with many visitors we see and learn how others act in our Country and State. We may be unusual but we cherish the tourist in Florida and their 18% tourist tax on there hotels, amusement tickets, and the dollars they spend on overprice T-Shirts and STUFF. Keeps our taxes low and no state income tax.

 

Other hints I will share on our return. We just see our travel as an opportunity and try to remain waterproof to any disappointments along the way. I'll report back soon on any other tips after June 5th.

Edited May 16, 2016 by gnparend

[gnparend]

LadyVol1 To close the loop on Viking changing our "Roof of the World" itinerary with no notification (post 4293 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=49971739&postcount=4293): My husband and I got a private tour to the Summer Palace and the entire group got to go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian

Sorry you didn't get what you expected. We typically will book tours or cruises one year in advance, usually for the price discounts. Along the way they can change and sometimes we are not informed and learn by watching the tour information. cruise critic, etc. while we wait. Our flight return from China changed in the past year. Actually for the good and I saw it by periodically checking the reservation. The TA knew but didn't mention it because she said there were 6 months left and wanted to wait to see if it changed again. We have learned that brochures are designed to give the brightest most glamorous view. Marketing people spend eons learning how to do it. The commercial is not always what it seems sometimes.

 

I am glad you did get some of your travel plans meet and hope the rest of your trip was Great. Travel is a trip into the unknown. But that's the beauty of it all. We have the opportunity to enjoy those wonders. I hope you trip is full of wonders.

Edited May 16, 2016 by gnparend

[zumaqueen]

Gnparend, you have a wonderful attitude!! I try to stay as positive as possible also when we travel. One of my biggest disappointments was getting to Mount Rushmore and it being fogged in. (we live on the east coast of Canada). But, we are going to try again in a couple of weeks so fingers are crossed..lol. We are going to China in October, any helpful hints to share?

 

If you can get to Bejing early, be brave,take your walking stick and visit the summer palace on your own.Young people will lead you to the subway and you can spend hours strolling around what are lovely gardens and pagodas.. Up hill are beautiful temples with beautiful views. Lovely, quiet place after a long plane ride.take some protein bars and avoid food at the Mongolian BBQ place(tasted good, but many of our group had adverse after effects). Be sure your camera is fully charged especially for the warriors..get to know your tour guide. This is an eye opening experience for us westerners, Enjoy.

[cbob3849]

Just returned from Imperial Jewels cruise May 5-17. Overall a super great experience. Others have reviewed it, I will not. Had Viking Book me a day early in Beijing. After a lot of thought, I hired a guide for the day. Had the guide and driver take me to the Temple of Heaven, The lama Temple, The Confucian Temple and Imperial College and the Summer Palace. All were truly worth seeing for different reasons. She also helped me get a jeweler to change the battery in my watch, took me to a small vegetarian Chinese restaurant for lunch (great eggplant dish, bean dish and cabbage} in addition to sneaking in a visit to a Chinese Herbalist (actually very entertaining but had to resist a hard sell) I firmly declined a visit to a Tea tasting ceremony. Viking does that anyway. Not the least expensive way to go, but taking into consideration everything we saw, well, well worth the money if you want to maximize your time.. It rounded Viking's tour of Beijing. Only regret, we had only about 1 and 1/2 hours at the summer palace.

 

Don't overthink the amount of money to take. After reading this forum, I took too much change. 50 ones is more than enough for the trip. Outside of tips to guides, bus drivers etc. most smaller purchases should be made in Yuan. Change $100 prior to trip (us banks rip you off) and the rest at the hotel. Maybe another $200 per person, You can always get more later if you need it. Larger purchases can be made by credit card. If you change too much money to Yuan, you can always use it as your tip to the Viking Guide

 

We skipped the Beijing duck tour and had it in the Hotel. Horizon Restaurant at Kerry. Great decision. Duck was excellent and no Bus. Went to Kung Fu. I was not impressed, but I'm not an action movie fan. Many loved it.

 

One regret was the tour did not spend nearly enough time in Xi-an. There is so much history there. The first night, We walked to city wall from the Hilton, only a 5 minute walk and very safe. There is a market there to walk through. We thought about going down town, but were just too tired. 2nd night, we went to the Tang Dynasty show. The dumpling dinner was just Okay, but the show was great. Good mixture of real people and electronics. I just regret that we did not pick on night or the other and go down town to walk around the old city and try a local Restaurant. There was simply not enough time to do it all.

 

In Shanghai, we did decide forgo the Hilton Buffet and go to a local restaurant with about 4 other couples. The concierge recommended we go to the Lost Heaven. It is within walking distance, serving Yunan cuisine and not very expensive. The choice was spot on and we had a great time. The food tasted different and a little spicier than the buffet food, but not out of control. Found out later It is TA's #5 rated restaurant in Shanghai.

 

One tip for preparation. In addition to reading a couple of books, I really got a lot of great historical background from Wikipedia on the internet. The Dynasties do get confusing, and you can get so much from Wikipedia by clicking on the different links. You tube also has a lot of great films, from the Wall to the Warriors to the Mongols. The internet is a great thing.

Edited June 2, 2016 by cbob3849
missed directions.

[cbob3849]

The restaurant in Shanghai close to the Hilton is Lost Heaven on the Bund. If you walk, get good directions, because you can miss a turn. It would only be a 5 minute cab ride if you choose that way. Ask Concierge.

[crilski]

cbob - how did you hire a guide for the day? At the hotel? General idea on the cost please . . . . We are looking forward to this same trip in October. We are going to Beijing early and would like to visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu. I know we're going to the Great Wall with the tour, but heard this was less crowded and want to ride the toboggan!

[morry2121]

If you can get to Bejing early, be brave,take your walking stick and visit the summer palace on your own.Young people will lead you to the subway and you can spend hours strolling around what are lovely gardens and pagodas.. Up hill are beautiful temples with beautiful views. Lovely, quiet place after a long plane ride.take some protein bars and avoid food at the Mongolian BBQ place(tasted good, but many of our group had adverse after effects). Be sure your camera is fully charged especially for the warriors..get to know your tour guide. This is an eye opening experience for us westerners, Enjoy.

 

Thank you zumaqueen. We are looking forward to this trip and appreciate all the advice and hints we can get.

[morry2121]

Rushmore was bright & sunny. Also Mt McKinley (aka Mt Denali) which I understand can be cover in clouds 70% of the time was bright & sunny. So we got lucky when other did not, Not to rain on your parade but we have had more good fortune on our trips than disappointments. And like I said, just another opportunity to go again. Like visiting the Shoe Museum in Toronto. We didn't have the time, too many other things to do before we took the train to Montreal for the Cruise ship that would eventually take us back to Florida. One of us was very disappointed on that one. I'm sure there will be a next time. Which will make one of us Very Happy. Maybe that's what the meaning of Yin and Yang is all about.

 

The only hints I can think of right now is we got small new bills CNY from the bank, hearing they prefer small clean bills in China. We usually use our ATM in other countries it's easy and the $2 or $3 fee is worth it and cheaper then the currency conversion fees charges. For our Visa we used a Washington DC based service and later learned that Florida residents are processed thru the Houston consulate. A Do Over, we might have used a Houston based service. The DC service, mails the passport and documents to an "Agent" in Houston who does the processing. There seemed to be a disconnect in communication between the two because we were into our 7th week when we got word they were on the way. The DC service each week could only blame it on the Consulate and say "Be Patient they will come in time" they had no way of tracking. Our friends going with us sent theirs in the same Fed Ex Envelope with ours and had theirs in week 4. I'll stop now seems like I'm venting. Not sure how it works in Canada but pick the service nearest to where your consulate is located.

 

We are taking travel size toilet tissue called "Tissue on the Go" hear some areas are Tissue challenged. Taking a few disposable forks haven't mastered chopsticks yet. Read a lot about the culture and people of China so we understand our on gestures and actions. We have learned traveling to many cultures we are the guest in their country. And don't take our superior American attitude with us. Being in Florida with many visitors we see and learn how others act in our Country and State. We may be unusual but we cherish the tourist in Florida and their 18% tourist tax on there hotels, amusement tickets, and the dollars they spend on overprice T-Shirts and STUFF. Keeps our taxes low and no state income tax.

 

Other hints I will share on our return. We just see our travel as an opportunity and try to remain waterproof to any disappointments along the way. I'll report back soon on any other tips after June 5th.

 

Thank you gnparend, tips are much appreciated. We got to see Mount Rushmore last week and the Badlands of South Dakota. Amazing!! Look forward to your review of your trip. Please share any info.

[cbob3849]

My original idea was also to visit the great wall at Mutianyu. I e-mailed several of the tour operators mentioned earlier in this forum, a few of the top tour operators on TA and the concierge at the Kerry Hotel where we stayed, Pretty much all advised me that since I only had one extra day in Beijing and many things to see, not to spend half a day at Mutianyu. Although a little less crowded and touristy than Badaling, it was still similiar, unlike some of the more undeveloped sections in other places. I think it was a very good call. If I were still 30, I would have hiked a more un developed section, but at 71, the hour and one half we had on the wall at Badaling with Viking was enough and I would have missed some of the other things I got to see.. We got there early in the morning, before the worst of the crowds,

 

After corresponding by e-mail with several Tour operators on destinations and price, I picked Jack's Beijing Tour-Day tours. Website http://www.beijing-privatetour.com/#_=_ Jack really helped me lay out the tour and corresponded quickly. Price for day was $165 for including guide, car and driver and entry for one person into all four attractions I named earlier. My traveling companion did not get there until the next day. I was picked up at 8.00 and got back to the Hotel around 5.30. This was the best price I was quoted for this service and reviews were good. I was Very Happy with the Guide and their service. I could have saved money and gotten a different feel by using the subway, but I don't know if I would have seen everything. You only go to Beijing once.

[gnparend]

Back from China and promised to give a heads up. We did the Shanghai to Beijing. The sights are all spectacular so I will save you all the accolades. The culture and things to see are great and Viking packs in the maximum every day. Some days are fast pace to cover it all but well worth it. In the area of cash we had our bank provide us with small bills in Yuan. They gave all 10 CNY bills which worked well. Did have to get change back for most things. We were told by our tour guide that the local may give you counterfeit or other country currency, like Vietnam or Cambodia. There 5 denomination Bill is worth like 10 cents and looks similar to the CNY. The local guide and drivers can handle USD but suggested the local cannot exchanges USD so take Yuan it easier and simple to work with. Two 10’s are worth a little over $3 and 30 Yuan is worth $5. Most of the street vendor will ask for 3 or 4 times the value so absolutely negotiate. As far as the tour guide (TG), each group of about 30 are assigned a TG who is like a Father taking care of the family the whole trip. You will give the TG your passports at different times and TG will group check in for everyone at the hotels and return them to you before each Flight with your boarding pass., The TG is with you even on the River Cruise and will even be at the Airport to help you get to your flight check in back home. We went 3 days early so the lunch and dinner was on us the first 3 days. Breakfast was at the hotel on Viking. If you go early or have a free day in Shanghai, take the subway to the Mag Lev station for a ride on the high speed train (270 MPH). Buy tickets at the automated ticket machines the cashier only speak Chinese. The subway is a 8 Yuan and the Mag lev round=trip is 80 Yuan well worth the experience. Use the restroom in the hotel before you go, toilets in the subway are nonexistent. The breakfast in the hotels and on the Emerald are both Western & Eastern but huge buffets. Everything you could want and the pastry areas where big enough you could skip breakfast. Day one thru your last breakfast was arranged by Viking. In the hotels you had a choice of western and eastern. Outside on tours it was usually Chinese. There was a big selection and unless you are a very picky eater there was plenty to pick from. On the Emerald there was both west & east and it was nice to mix the two. Restaurants in Shanghai for western menus where in the hotels and there three days we were there early the prices are high. Inflation is huge in china so brace yourself for a $25 hamburger or Ham and cheese sandwich in the hotel, like 160 – 180 Yuan. On your own finding restaurants was not easy. Not signs in English and many are back in courtyards or alley ways. So while on our own we eat at the hotels for the first 3 days. You will learn to love walking. Approximately 5 miles each day total. Leaving the ship in some ports meant several steps up or long walkways up from the river. Take a collapsible walking stick. Comes in handy especially at the great wall, is all up hill. Forbidden is about a two + hour walk and not many places you can sit and rest. Be flexible because your group of 200 or more is broken into 6 – 8 groups and that means 4 different flights on regularly schedule flights. We got the early one from to Xain so the Zoo visit was brief while other groups had a late flight like 3:30 PM so they had more time at the Zoo. Trip to Great Wall was approx. 5 hours total but and although there were crowds it wasn't too bad. Climbing the walkway up the wall to various towers, will take your breath away in more ways then one. We also arrived at Tiananmen at 8:30 AM and were told the Square was closed. Our TG said he “could not speak to that” and it turns out we arrive there on June 3rd and June 4th was anniversary of the protest 30 years ago so that’s why it was closed but he couldn’t tell us that. Can’t think of anything else but open to any questions I can answer.

Edited June 16, 2016 by gnparend

[caribill]

Back from China and promised to give a heads up. We did the Shanghai to Beijing. The sights are all spectacular so I will save you all the accolades.

 

Thanks for your great report.

[Mark_T]

... and it turns out we arrive there on June 3rd and June 4th was anniversary of the protest 30 years ago so that’s why it was closed but he couldn’t tell us that.

 

The guides are closely monitored by the secret police while at or near the square so they have to be careful what they say.

 

Most will be more open once you are away from the area though.

[Going Coastal]

Viking had engaged a wheelchair pusher/guide for me when we were at TS and at the end of the day I discovered he had erased the pictures he was in. It was fine with me and I still had plenty, but I imagine it was for the same reasons. He was an excellent guide, too.

 

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk

[divot33]

What are the "optional" excursions on the Imperial Jewels of China cruise? The ones that you can pay extra for.

 

Do you think there is any chance Viking will add Shanghai Disney? I don't think they go to other Disney parks, so I'm not sure there is a great chance they will add Shanghai.

 

We're taking the Imperial Jewels cruise in July 2017 we start in Shanghai and really would like to spend a day at Disney.

 

We're thinking our options are:

1. See if Viking adds it to the itinerary

2. Go to Disney on our own on Day 2 of our standard itinerary

3. Buy the front end extension and spend one of those days in Disney

4. Pay the extra to have Viking book us flights a day or two early and make our own 'extension'

 

Opinions welcome.

[Mark_T]

Do you think there is any chance Viking will add Shanghai Disney? I don't think they go to other Disney parks, so I'm not sure there is a great chance they will add Shanghai.

 

I would have thought the odds are close to zero, the typical guests on this trip are not exactly there for a 'Disney' experience.

 

If you want to go I'd suggest option 4 on your list.

[divot33]

I would have thought the odds are close to zero, the typical guests on this trip are not exactly there for a 'Disney' experience.

 

If you want to go I'd suggest option 4 on your list.

 

Thanks, that's what I was thinking. Now I just have to see if we think it's worth it for a single day at Disney. We'd never go there otherwise, so it's as cheap as it's ever going to be for us to go since were already going to be close, but it's a lot of extra money to spend for a single day.

 

Thanks!

[caribill]

Do you think there is any chance Viking will add Shanghai Disney?

 

0%

 

Nada

 

No Way

[Going Coastal]

I agree with the posts above since Viking has never included HK Disney.

 

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk

[Floridiana]

Viking had engaged a wheelchair pusher/guide for me when we were at TS and at the end of the day I discovered he had erased the pictures he was in. It was fine with me and I still had plenty, but I imagine it was for the same reasons. He was an excellent guide, too.

 

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk

 

Our guide said that there is a Chinese website with goofy pictures of guides. She didn't want to have any pictures of her wind up there for the amusement of others. I forgot to ask who would scan western websites for guide photos taken by tourists. Somebody must have too much time.

 

I have a photo of a man who watched us and listened to our guide on Tiananmen Square. She always kept to the official language and instructed the jokester in our group to stop making disparaging remarks he thought were funny.

[gnparend]

What are the "optional" excursions on the Imperial Jewels of China cruise? The ones that you can pay extra for.

 

Do you think there is any chance Viking will add Shanghai Disney? I don't think they go to other Disney parks, so I'm not sure there is a great chance they will add Shanghai.

 

We're taking the Imperial Jewels cruise in July 2017 we start in Shanghai and really would like to spend a day at Disney.

 

We're thinking our options are:

1. See if Viking adds it to the itinerary

2. Go to Disney on our own on Day 2 of our standard itinerary

3. Buy the front end extension and spend one of those days in Disney

4. Pay the extra to have Viking book us flights a day or two early and make our own 'extension'

 

Opinions welcome.

 

I doubt that would be an added excursion or optional tour. You arrive on Your Day 1 exhausted from 20 + hours flying and sitting in airports

Your Day 2 they have an included excursion which take up most of the day to Net Gardens

Your Day 3 you are heading for the airport to fly to Wuhan

 

We took the pre extension so we had two full extra days. Our Day 1 was arriving mid afternoon tired

Our Day 2 Viking had a included excursion that took all day however you could skip it

Our Day 3 was the day everyone one else was arriving on the Standard trip their Day 1 so we had all day to explore on our own.

Then our Day 4 was the 2nd day for the others who just arrived and the day they did the Net Gardens

You could opt out of the included excursion on your Day 2, it's a visit to a garden and lunch but if Disney is important you will likely enjoy it more.

 

The tickets for Disney are 499 CNY about $80

The 3 day Viking extension we thought was worth it. One time in our life and it did give us 3 full days plus the half day when we arrived and the short morning when we flew to Wuhan

 

Not sure where you live but Disney World in Florida is likely similar since they have upgraded 3 of the 4 major lands but that will cost additional airfare & hotel but tickets are about the same price.

 

Tough Decision but if you have the time and the money don't regret not taking the extra days

 

FYI forgot to mention this in my previous post. You will have access to e-mail in the hotels and on the River Cruise usually but forget Facebook Google Twitter and all the other websites you like in the USA they are all restricted in China

Edited June 19, 2016 by gnparend

[divot33]

I doubt that would be an added excursion or optional tour. You arrive on Your Day 1 exhausted from 20 + hours flying and sitting in airports

Your Day 2 they have an included excursion which take up most of the day to Net Gardens

Your Day 3 you are heading for the airport to fly to Wuhan

 

We took the pre extension so we had two full extra days. Our Day 1 was arriving mid afternoon tired

Our Day 2 Viking had a included excursion that took all day however you could skip it

Our Day 3 was the day everyone one else was arriving on the Standard trip their Day 1 so we had all day to explore on our own.

Then our Day 4 was the 2nd day for the others who just arrived and the day they did the Net Gardens

You could opt out of the included excursion on your Day 2, it's a visit to a garden and lunch but if Disney is important you will likely enjoy it more.

 

The tickets for Disney are 499 CNY about $80

The 3 day Viking extension we thought was worth it. One time in our life and it did give us 3 full days plus the half day when we arrived and the short morning when we flew to Wuhan

 

Not sure where you live but Disney World in Florida is likely similar since they have upgraded 3 of the 4 major lands but that will cost additional airfare & hotel but tickets are about the same price.

 

Tough Decision but if you have the time and the money don't regret not taking the extra days

 

FYI forgot to mention this in my previous post. You will have access to e-mail in the hotels and on the River Cruise usually but forget Facebook Google Twitter and all the other websites you like in the USA they are all restricted in China

 

Thank you for the rundown of the days. I don't think we'd feel like we missed much if we skipped the Day 2 activities. But, we might look at the extension so that we can do Disney and still get the Day 2 stuff. I'd also like to do a night river cruise while in Shanghai, so the extension would make that a possibility.

 

We're within driving distance of Disney World and have been there a few times in the past few years. We thought it might be fun to see a different take on it. We're trying to wonder how disappointed we might be to be that close and not try to go. It will likely be our only visit to China.

 

Disney World is more than $80 per day now - unless you get a package of 4 days or more. A single day pass to Magic Kingdom only is anywhere from $97 - $114 depending on the date (if bought in advance).

 

Once you bundle on additional days, 4 days are $325 or $81.25/day. So Shanghai Disney is comparatively affordable.

[BSinPNS]

Last year we had a wonderful time with China Odyssey Tours in Shanghai and Beijing. They arranged side trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou before we joined Viking in Shanghai and three days visiting sites not included on the Viking Beijing portion. We were met daily by our guide and driver. Guides were younger than those used by Viking and probably not as experienced, but they were excellent. Also it was one guide and the two of us so we learned a lot more. China Odyssey also arranged airport pick-up with a guide meeting us as we exited customs in Shanghai and one leading the way to checkin and to the security gate in Beijing. All easily arranged by email. They will set up your hotel or you may choose to do your own. Enjoy your trip.

[zukecruiser]

Have a hold on a July 2017 Imperial Jewels of China tour but after checking weather conditions for that time thinking of changing to April or May for the tour. Any comments on weather for April or May would be appreciated. Have cruised with Viking in Europe, first time in China.

 

Just found this thread, will be reading through it for any hints or suggestions for this tour.

 

Thanks