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Viking China (Part 2)

BlueDevil75

By BlueDevil75,
in River Cruising

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purestone2004

purestone2004

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Thank you both for the answers. The information really helps alot. Regarding the visas. I noticed that the information on the Viking website was I think only for people from the USA. Wondering if any Canadians have dealt with the visas.

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Peregrina651 "Live from...." Rare

Peregrina651

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Thank you both for the answers. The information really helps alot. Regarding the visas. I noticed that the information on the Viking website was I think only for people from the USA. Wondering if any Canadians have dealt with the visas.

 

 

 

Yes, read back a few months; there was a long discussion about getting visas in Canada. Someone posted about their experience with getting a visa in Canada. I just can't remember if it was this year or last. Try searching this thread for the words 'Canada' and 'visa' and also visit the website for the Chinese consular offices in Canada.

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CTGirl

CTGirl

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Hi All, We just got back from Hong Kong on Monday. We had an incredible adventure. We were sorry to see it end but at the same time we were happy to be going home.

 

I can't say enough about how Viking took care of us through our guide Jamie. She went over and above the call of duty. There were about 35 people in our group and we all became part of the Jamie Family. We all developed such strong bonds. The hardest part was saying goodbye to everyone and especially Jamie.

 

We did the Imperial Jewels of China trip starting in Beijing. We were very lucky with the weather. We actually had a bit of blue sky in Beijing. The only time it got a bit bad was in Xi'an when a sand storm was approaching from Mongolia. You could actually taste the sand. Even with that the trip to Xi'an was amazing. Jamie had lots of "cousins" throughout China that helped us along the way. Her cousins in Xi'an gave us an experience that we will never forget. We were allowed to go into pit number one to see the Terracotta Warriors before it opened for the day. Our little group had the warriors all to ourselves. That had to be the highlight of my trip. We were so lucky.

 

If I had to choose any part of the trip that was my least favorite I would have to say the cruise part. I must tell you though that the reason I wanted to do this tour in the first place was for the land portion not the cruise portion. With that said we did have pleasant surprises on the cruise portion. First we had a wonderful waitress, Maggie. She could not do enough for us. I also have to give Kudos to the Head Receptionist. I had to interact with him on a couple of issues. He was extremely helpful and he made me feel special. Third, we had two wonderful shows at night. The cast consisted of various crew members including our waitress Maggie. For those of you going on the cruise in the future - Don't miss the shows. These people are talented and funny. I had wondered about Chinese humor and found out during one of the shows. Three guys did a skit that would never be allowed on a big boat cruise ship. I was laughing so much it had me in tears. The subject matter was a bit too racy to say on the boards but let's just say it had to do with 3 guys in the "Happy House".

 

While on the cruise we did shore excursions every day. We opted out of going to the Temple in Shibaozhai but we did walk around the town. It was a very pleasant experience. The highlight of the cruise portion was the boat trip through the Lesser Gorges. This was just beautiful. We could take or leave seeing the dam. Then there was the school. I had bought 4 boxes of crayons before the trip and fully intended to go to the school. When we woke up that morning it was pouring cats and dogs. We looked outside and saw the steep stairs and the pouring rain and decided to stay on the boat. We gave the crayons to our friends. We do not regret this decision, especially after seeing it on the video. I think I would have been miserable. Also I know this is not popular to say but we are not kid people. We never had any kids and were never around kids. I know from the video that the kids were very cute but it's not really for me.

 

After the cruise we went to a museum in Wuhan. I had thought to my self why are they taking us here, why not just go to the airport so we can fly to Shanghai. Then we walked in to the museum to hear the chime concert. I have never seen anything like it. Some of the music was from 2000 years BC. It was amazing. Then I understood why they took us there. After the chime concert we went into the museum part to see the relics found in an ancient tomb including the original chimes. They are the oldest set of chimes in existence. I know I am using the word amazing a lot but I just don't know any other words to describe this. Again, another highlight.

 

Then on to Shanghai. We loved Shanghai. We loved everything we did there. The Acrobat show was the best show we saw on the land portion.

 

Shanghai was the end of the road for some of our Jamie Family. It was really hard to say goodbye. However, most of our little family did the Hong Kong extension so off we went to Guilin. Now I have to say that this was a stop that I knew nothing about until I was told by family members what to expect. And again an unexpected pleasant surprise. First Jamie told us that if we wanted we could get a foot massage in Guilin for $20 USD. I highly recommend this just for the experience alone. I did it because by the time we hit Guilin I couldn't feel my feet anymore. The massage really helped but the whole experience was totally unique. The next day we did another little boat trip this time on the Li River. This area is the most scenic area in all of China. It is the area depicted in all those beautiful ink drawings of mountains, river and little boats. I must have taken close to 200 pictures on this boat ride, between the wildlife and the scenery. Just beautiful. The ride to the airport was just as scenic as we drove by rice paddies and farms. I am so happy that we got to go to Guilin. It was a totally different look at China than the big cities.

 

Our final stop was Hong Kong. We had a tour the fist day and then free time from there on. Hong Kong is known for it's harbor and does not disappoint. It was referred to as New York on steroids. We never tired of looking at all the wonderful buildings.

 

Once I was in Hong Kong I was able to post my pictures on line. If anyone would like to look at them here is the link: https://picasaweb.google.com/rhyman1951/China?authkey=Gv1sRgCOrOxMqqvqrKHQ#

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JP1320

JP1320

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We will be on the June 20 tour/cruise Shanghai to Beijing. In trying to get all of our ducks in a row, and in reading the Viking Tip recommendations for China, just need some clarification from somebody who has already taken this venture.

 

Days 1 and 12 are simply travel days, but do you tip the Tour Escort for the other ten days or what is the norm? On board staff, per person per day, who does this directly cover.....all of them? Local city guides, are they over and above the Tour Escourt fees? Coach drivers are as needed, no problem. Help.

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justmesk

justmesk

Posted
Posted

there is a place right in Calgary you can get your Visa from

Suite 200,855-8th Avenue,SW Calgary



Business hours:

Business Hours: Monday-Friday

Application Submission: 9AM to 3PM

Payment and Passport Collection: 9AM-4PM

The Center is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Contact information

Phone: 403-930-2288

Fax: 403-699-9776

E-mail: calgarycenter@visaforchina.org

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SteadyAT

SteadyAT

Posted
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We will be on the June 20 tour/cruise Shanghai to Beijing. In trying to get all of our ducks in a row, and in reading the Viking Tip recommendations for China, just need some clarification from somebody who has already taken this venture.

 

Days 1 and 12 are simply travel days, but do you tip the Tour Escort for the other ten days or what is the norm? On board staff, per person per day, who does this directly cover.....all of them? Local city guides, are they over and above the Tour Escourt fees? Coach drivers are as needed, no problem. Help.

 

JP, See this thread where I provided a detailed account of tipping to another poster (my post is #4, so scroll down) : http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1824950

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Mark_T

Mark_T

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We've just booked on the 'Jewels' tour in October 2014, should just about have time to read this entire thread by our departure date :)

 

A long time away, but it gives us a chance to learn some of the language before we go.

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Peregrina651 "Live from...." Rare

Peregrina651

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We've just booked on the 'Jewels' tour in October 2014, should just about have time to read this entire thread by our departure date :)

 

A long time away, but it gives us a chance to learn some of the language before we go.

 

Welcome and congrats on your up-coming trip.

 

Here is the best way to keep up with this growing monster: Set your subscription for this thread to 'daily digest' (as opposed to instant, weekly or none) and you will have the newest posts delivered to your inbox each morning to read along with the rest of the days mail. The digests contain links to the thread, so if you have a question or want to respond to something, clicking a link will get you here in one click.

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Mark_T

Mark_T

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Here is the best way to keep up with this growing monster: Set your subscription for this thread to 'daily digest' ...

 

Good advice and something I've already done :)

 

At least I'll be able to read the thread from both ends each day.

 

We have booked this one so far in advance it is too early to even think about booking flights or getting the visas done, so it is a very relaxed planning process at the moment.

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GoInOnaCruz

GoInOnaCruz

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We did the Imperial Jewels of China trip starting in Beijing. We were very lucky with the weather. We actually had a bit of blue sky in Beijing.

Loved your pictures--especially liked those of blue, sunny skies in Beijing since when we were there 3/5--3/8 or so it was very grey--more like brown. When we went to the wall it was such a relief to see a little sun and blue sky!
Also I know this is not popular to say but we are not kid people. We never had any kids and were never around kids. I know from the video that the kids were very cute but it's not really for me.
Given the weather I wouldn't have gone either if you're not into kids--however, we had a nice day and a couple of our friends from our group weren't into kids either but they went along for their interest in seeing some of the Chinese rural landscape. So if the weather is nice and you want to see that--come along!--the visit to the school doesn't last that long that it would make you (too) miserable :)
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CTGirl

CTGirl

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mad=made :)
LOL, I figured that was what you meant. Thanks for your comments. I enjoy taking pictures. This time I used three cameras including my IPhone with a panoramic setting. I used that to take some of the pictures on the Li River.

 

I have to say we were extremely lucky with the weather. I think we only had rain that one day on the river. We did have the beginnings of a sand storm in Xi'an and smog in Shanghai and Hong Kong but it wasn't that bad. We did have a good luck charm so I think that helped. One guy in our group bought a midsize General in Xi'an. He carried it everywthere and we all got in the fun by asking about his well being. I'm no sure how it happened but before we knew it the General was credited with anything good on the trip.

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79ti

79ti

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We are flying from Toronto on Sept 13th for the Sept 15th 2013 China Explorer. We paid an extra $50 ea for custom air but actually didn't need it as our flight was going to be Air Canada non stop from To to Bejing anyway. Viking is flying us the 13th, we arrive about 4 pm the 14th so have a free day. Viking pays the hotel but not the meals that day. We did get to select our seats but the airline can change them we were told.

 

Just over 4 months to go!! Can't wait!

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79ti

79ti

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Thank you both for the answers. The information really helps alot. Regarding the visas. I noticed that the information on the Viking website was I think only for people from the USA. Wondering if any Canadians have dealt with the visas.

 

We have looked into Visa from Canada. Check out China Visa's on the web. We are going down to Toronto as we would rather do that then mail in our passports with Visa application. The website answers many questions. Will will require a single entry visa only as our entire trip is in China and end in Hong Kong. We will be picking up our Visa for China in Aug as it is only valid for 3 months and our trip is from Sept 13 - Oct 6. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me around end Aug as I will have the Visa experience behind me then.

Lori

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JP1320

JP1320

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Just noticed on line that they are fully booked for dinner this month. So glad we have confirmed reservations for June 28. Anybody else going on that night, this would be the Shanghai to Beijing Imperial Jewels June 20th, would love to hook up before.:)

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Homerun6320

Homerun6320

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79ti,

Viking pays the hotel but not the meals that day. We did get to select our seats but the airline can change them we were told.

 

Just over 4 months to go!! Can't wait!

 

I think you will find that Viking pays for your breakfast in the hotel on your free day. At least that was the case with us at the Beijing Fairmont (China Explorer 3/28 - 4/15). See my post 1939. Have a great trip.

Homerun

Edited by Homerun6320
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CTGirl

CTGirl

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We are flying from Toronto on Sept 13th for the Sept 15th 2013 China Explorer. We paid an extra $50 ea for custom air but actually didn't need it as our flight was going to be Air Canada non stop from To to Bejing anyway. Viking is flying us the 13th, we arrive about 4 pm the 14th so have a free day. Viking pays the hotel but not the meals that day. We did get to select our seats but the airline can change them we were told.

 

Just over 4 months to go!! Can't wait!

We had a forced overnight as well and hence the free day. We were at the Ritz Carlton on Financial and we got breakfast that morning.

 

If you are looking for something to do on your free day - we did a tour through that hotel that took us to the Panda Garden and the Lama Temple. I was very impressed with the Lama Temple.

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Turtles06 Great Review Rare

Turtles06

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We are flying from Toronto on Sept 13th for the Sept 15th 2013 China Explorer. We paid an extra $50 ea for custom air but actually didn't need it as our flight was going to be Air Canada non stop from To to Bejing anyway. Viking is flying us the 13th, we arrive about 4 pm the 14th so have a free day. Viking pays the hotel but not the meals that day. We did get to select our seats but the airline can change them we were told.

 

Just over 4 months to go!! Can't wait!

 

I think you will enjoy having an extra day in Beijing. It is a fascinating city. We spent three extra days there before our Viking tour.

 

On your "free day," I would strongly suggest a visit to the Temple of Heaven Park, particularly in the morning. The Lama Temple and Beihai Park were among the other places we enjoyed that Viking will not take you to.

 

In case it may be of use to you: this link will take you to my summary of what we did and saw in Beijing in our three days before the Viking tour started:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=29264391&postcount=4680

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