Viking China

[caribill]

With 294 passengers on the ship, how does the touring work. I assume multiple busses, but does everybody, for example visit the school at the same time? Does each bus have its own guide?

 

Thanks

[Lucky Granny]

Caribill, when I started reading this thread before my trip, there were 187 pages of posts.....I read them all. Maybe you should do a search on your questions. You will find that not all trips are exactly the same...you need to know what the possibilities are. You will also need to know more things than the answers to your specific questions, so start reading. And know that this is the best "cruise-specific" thread I have found on this board. There is lots of good information here but you have to read it all.

[caribill]

Caribill, when I started reading this thread before my trip, there were 187 pages of posts.....I read them all. Maybe you should do a search on your questions. You will find that not all trips are exactly the same...you need to know what the possibilities are. You will also need to know more things than the answers to your specific questions, so start reading. And know that this is the best "cruise-specific" thread I have found on this board. There is lots of good information here but you have to read it all.

 

 

I have been, but I have started on the last page and working backwards as I feel that the later posts have the more recent information.

[Peregrina651]

These questions may have been answered earlier, but I have just started to read this thread.

 

1. Why type airplanes are used for the flights within China? Do they use a charter or put the passengers on several flights?

 

2. What is the dress code for dinner? Casual? Any times that a man's suit is required?

 

3. What is the luggage allowance for the trip?

 

4. Is there an iron and ironing board available?

 

Thanks

 

Good questions! I've been wondering some of the same things.

 

Let's see! From reading here, I've learned that most people dress very casually at dinner and that a suit or even a jacket is not necessary. Good thing, because we aren't planning on bringing anything more than what will fit in carry-on luggage--one roll aboard and one 'personal' bag each.

 

Luggage limits are more set by the airlines than the cruise line. On the intra-China flights, it seems they weigh all of the luggage together. Folks have also reported that supposedly you are limited to one carry-on on the intra China flights but that the limit is not policed. Not sure if we are on scheduled or chartered flights but from what i have read so far, I want to say that we are on scheduled flights (but then again, I could be reading commentary from the early days of this itinerary when the ships were sailing full SO, maybe someone who went in 2009 can fill us in). You will still have to check with your airlines to find out what their limits are.

This I do know from my brother who did the cruise in 2008 (and loved it; we saw them the day after they arrived home and they were floating 2 feet off the ground; now every time they start talking about the trip, you see them start to float again). Oops, sorry for the digression. We are assigned buses and an escort who accompanies us through the entire trip; then, in each town we have a local tourguide who will show us around.

 

I've been reading since June and I still haven't gotten through the entire thread. I found reading backward too hard to follow and so I started at post #1; at the same time I subscribed to the thread and started getting daily updates. It was very helpful to follow the conversation as the various participants prepared, sailed and reurned. It does get repetitive but that is the nature of the beast.

 

As Lucky Granny said, this is probably the best trip specific thread in all of Cruise Critic.

 

 

[caribill]

Good questions! I've been wondering some of the same things.

 

 

 

 

Since you will be doing this in May and our trip is in August, would you mind if I contacted you (or vice-versa) after your trip to learn more about it? You can send me your e-mail address at caribill at yahoo dot com

 

Thanks

[Peregrina651]

It is not that I mind giving out my e-mail address but since there are so many people who will probably have the same questions --and since there are so many of us taking the cruise before August, why not just ask your questions on the thread so that everyone can benefit from the information?

 

 

 

 

[Dale]

These questions may have been answered earlier, but I have just started to read this thread.

 

1. Why type airplanes are used for the flights within China? Do they use a charter or put the passengers on several flights?

 

2. What is the dress code for dinner? Casual? Any times that a man's suit is required?

 

3. What is the luggage allowance for the trip?

 

4. Is there an iron and ironing board available?

 

Thanks

A good way to get answers to questions is to use the search feature. With over 2800 replies to search from there should be a good number of answers to almost any question you may have. Just enter the keyword for your search.

[caribill]

It is not that I mind giving out my e-mail address but since there are so many people who will probably have the same questions --and since there are so many of us taking the cruise before August, why not just ask your questions on the thread so that everyone can benefit from the information?

 

 

Possibly because so far the answers to the questions I have posted have been to read/search over 2800 other posts to see if they have been answered there.

 

I am reading these, but it is slow going.

[gooch47]

And if the replies were long ago, the answers might not still be 100% accurate. Luggage weights and number of bags allowed comes to mind.

[Cathys Cruising]

Hi Cathy's Cruisin!

We are from San Antonio, too! Our trip will be the first one of the year, and we leave the US on March 27.

I make books of our trips on Shutterfly and really enjoy doing this. It makes a wonderful souvenir - I really enjoy reliving the trips through the pages of the book.

If any of you are interested in doing this, I suggest you go to shutterfly.com and view the books other people have made. You can see their projects in the community folder.

Hope we all have a wonderful trip to China!

 

I'll continue to check this awesome thread for up to date news on this trip. I'm still reading and gathering info from those that have gone before us. Are there any glaring changes you're aware of now that might help those of us later in the season? Please share!

Got our air yesterday. United from SA to SF and then into Shanghai. Also going thru SF on our way back from Hong Kong. I now have to learn to pack light. :eek:

Cathy

[Peregrina651]

Possibly because so far the answers to the questions I have posted have been to read/search over 2800 other posts to see if they have been answered there.

 

I am reading these, but it is slow going.

 

Still, for those folks who are following the thread but not posting and for all those who will join the conversation over the course of this cruise season, let's keep the conversation public; that's what Cruise Critic is all about.

 

 

[Peregrina651]

Here are two guidebooks that you might not find in your local book store. They are chock full of information that goes beyond the normal guidebook info--and the pictures are stunning.

From Odyssey books and guides:

•

Three Gorges of the Yangtze River: Chongqing to Wuhan

by Raynor Shaw and Judy Bonavia (isbn 978-962-217-801-4)

Available new on Amazon

for much less than we paid for them.

•

Xi'an, Shaanxi and the Terracotta Army

by Mooney, Maudsley and Hatherly (isbn978-962-217-800-7)

Amazon

a newer edition than what we got

[Atlanta Cruisers]

Another book to read is Oracle Bones by Peter Hessler. He also wrote River Town, which I have not read. Both are in the public library. Our favorite panda is leaving ZooAtlanta next week to go to China, to the panda breeding center. Wish we could see her when we're there!

[Romeosc]

These questions may have been answered earlier, but I have just started to read this thread.

 

1. Why type airplanes are used for the flights within China? Do they use a charter or put the passengers on several flights?

 

2. What is the dress code for dinner? Casual? Any times that a man's suit is required?

 

3. What is the luggage allowance for the trip?

 

4. Is there an iron and ironing board available?

 

Thanks

 

 

 

We went on the Sept 29th Imperial Treasures 10 day trip.

 

1. The group is divided by tour groups of 29-35 (bus load) with 1 guide. The guide remains with you through your entire China trip. 1-2 groups will be on each flight along with other intra china passengers. Planes are modern jets and comparable to US Carriers.

 

2. All meals and shows were casual ... some men even wore shorts the entire trip! (you can even buy very reasonable silk suits hand made on ship!)

 

3. Maximum baggage allowance was not enforced! Our tour guide says as long as we supported China's economy, he would take care of us! We purchased a large silk rug and over 100 #s of cheap souvenirs.

 

 

4. There were iron and ironing boards available at hotels and on ship.

 

some pictures :

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeoscr2/China?feat=directlink

 

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romeoscr2/China2?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ-E5ZrrnYDOgAE&feat=directlink

[caribill]

1-2 groups will be on each flight along with other intra china passengers. Planes are modern jets and comparable to US Carriers.

 

 

Thanks for the response and also for the photo links. Really, really looks like a great trip.

 

One question about the flights. With two groups abord each flight, then about 5 flights are needed to accomodate the entire ship.

 

So there may be hours difference between when the first of the groups arrives at a destination and when the last groups lands?

 

Also, is it expected to tip the guide who is with you the entire trip? If so, how much is suggested?

[Romeosc]

Thanks for the response and also for the photo links. Really, really looks like a great trip.

 

One question about the flights. With two groups abord each flight, then about 5 flights are needed to accomodate the entire ship.

 

So there may be hours difference between when the first of the groups arrives at a destination and when the last groups lands?

 

Also, is it expected to tip the guide who is with you the entire trip? If so, how much is suggested?

 

 

Some flights had 1-3 tour groups. We got luck and had an early flight so we had time to go to see Pandas at zoo before boarding ship. We spent about 2 hours! Some others didn't get to go since they were on later flights!

 

 

Ps. On intra China flights, you might not be seated next to your mate, but they are short flights!

Our guide, Iowa, was great. We tipped him well because he was so great! He tried to refuse it, because we had become such friends, we invited him to visit us in Memphis when he comes to US to visit Elvis(LOL). Some people tipped less... it is a personal thing! Like on other cruises... you tip room attendant, wait staff etc. There were envelopes and guides for tipping. You can also charge to your account.

 

Viking recommends:

"

Tipping

 

Tips are not included in your cruise price, but are your way of showing satisfaction for good service. You may tip onboard staff in cash or charge your tips to your credit card at the end of the cruise (except in Egypt). We suggest a gratuity of $10-$12 U.S. per guest, per day which is distributed among the ship’s staff, including your Program Director. Additional tipping is at the guest’s discretion. You can use these guidelines for other service providers:

• Airport (and hotel) porters – $1 U.S. per bag

• Tour Escort/ – $10 U.S. per person per day

• Local guides – $5 U.S. per person, per day*

• Coach drivers – $1-$3 U.S. per person, per day*

• Housekeeping staff (ship or hotel) – $1 U.S. per person, per day

• Restaurant wait staff – Restaurants often add a service charge to bills, but an additional tip of 5%-10% is customary

• Viking River Cruises Guide/Host (during land or extension programs) – $3-$5 U.S. per person, per day of service "

[caribill]

Our guide, Iowa, was great. We tipped him well because he was so great! He tried to refuse it, because we had become such friends, we invited him to visit us in Memphis when he comes to US to visit Elvis(LOL). Some people tipped less... it is a personal thing! Like on other cruises... you tip room attendant, wait staff etc. There were envelopes and guides for tipping. You can also charge to your account.

 

 

Thanks.

 

Did you tip in US $ or Chinese currancy?

[Atlanta Cruisers]

Thanks for all the good questions and the great answers. Loved the pictures, too. Where did you see the pandas?

[Romeosc]

I'll continue to check this awesome thread for up to date news on this trip. I'm still reading and gathering info from those that have gone before us. Are there any glaring changes you're aware of now that might help those of us later in the season? Please share!

Got our air yesterday. United from SA to SF and then into Shanghai. Also going thru SF on our way back from Hong Kong. I now have to learn to pack light. :eek:

Cathy

 

Both.

 

I tipped local day guides Yuans and shipboard and Iowa US

[caribill]

A friend whose wife is Chinese sent me this information:

 

For mainland China, she says tip nothing. This is not expected.

For example, we left NO tip to any of the following --

taxi drivers in Shanghai or Harbin,

the bus tour driver and guide in Shanghai,

the hotels in Shanghai and Harbin,

the guy who brought the bags up to the room in Shanghai and Harbin,

the maids in either hotel,

the restaurants in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Harbin,

the Harbin place where we got scissor haircuts.

I never saw extra money left on table or handed back to waiter.

But if you hand them extra, I bet they will take it.

She tells me 1 China Yuan should be treated the same as 1 US Dollar while in China even though worth much less.

But if you get a tour guide that is handling Western tourists, they maybe are looking for it. But not required.

[Romeosc]

1 Yuan was about 11cents.

 

The bus drivers and local tour guides stood at steps of bus to Help you down with other hand open for tips.

 

Tipping in hotels was taken care of Viking. We did tip for excellent service. As in Europe tipping is not EXPECTED, but is appreciated.

 

On the ship tipping is expected as on a normal cruise.

 

 

 

A friend whose wife is Chinese sent me this information:

 

For mainland China, she says tip nothing. This is not expected.

For example, we left NO tip to any of the following --

taxi drivers in Shanghai or Harbin,

the bus tour driver and guide in Shanghai,

the hotels in Shanghai and Harbin,

the guy who brought the bags up to the room in Shanghai and Harbin,

the maids in either hotel,

the restaurants in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Harbin,

the Harbin place where we got scissor haircuts.

I never saw extra money left on table or handed back to waiter.

But if you hand them extra, I bet they will take it.

She tells me 1 China Yuan should be treated the same as 1 US Dollar while in China even though worth much less.

But if you get a tour guide that is handling Western tourists, they maybe are looking for it. But not required.

[Romeosc]

1 Yuan was about 11cents.

 

The bus drivers and local tour guides stood at steps of bus to Help you down with other hand open for tips.

 

Tipping in hotels was taken care of Viking. We did tip for excellent service. As in Europe tipping is not EXPECTED, but is appreciated.

 

On the ship tipping is expected as on a normal cruise.

 

 

To add since first post was from iPhone and had to be short....

 

We also tipped a nice gentleman in Shanghai who made us a custom framed art piece with our name in Chinese and English.... we found him in the underground mall near museum..... more than 5,000 unique boots under the streets. Was originally a bomb shelter during the times when Russia and China were on outs!

 

 

Since tipping is a personal preference, I leave it up to you, but we have made many friends who are now communicating with us now!

 

I don't want anyone to think of us as the cheap Americans.

 

Everwhere we went, the Chinese people were extremely friendly! Many people wanted to tip ME to get a picture taken with "American Budda" (I am 300+ #s) Of course I didn't take tips, but fat Chinese are rare!

 

I told my wife, I could pay for her shopping if I set up a booth on Great wall and charged to get picture taken with me!

[Peregrina651]

 

She tells me 1 China Yuan should be treated the same as 1 US Dollar while in China even though worth much less.

 

 

Thank you for this most valuable insight.

 

[Dale]

She tells me 1 China Yuan should be treated the same as 1 US Dollar while in China even though worth much less.

I wonder what would happen if they, the Chinese, ask $20 for something and you gave them 20 Yuan instead ?

caribill, try this and let us know.

[Romeosc]

I wonder what would happen if they, the Chinese, ask $20 for something and you gave them 20 Yuan instead ?

caribill, try this and let us know.

 

 

All Chinese merchants, even street vendors know money, Cab drivers and small vendors do not want US currency since they can not exchange it without a passport due to counterfeit prevention. The vendors that are used to dealing with tourists will since they have a "network". Cabs were very cheap and safe, but take a card from hotel with directions in chinese! Only the young people and tourist vendors speak English! The "maybe later" vendors (the street vendors who frequent tourist areas and hawk small items, watches, Mont Blanc pens etc) speak english well and will take US currency. They haggle well as I do!

 

Be careful taking back "change". Any chinese currency that does not have MAO's picture is worthless! The street vendors love to make change and give you back the useless currency.

 

I bought several boxes of "terra cotta" warriors for less than a buck for a box of 4 pieces. I know they are not fired and contain lead, but are nice to give to friends old enough to know not to lick them! Also hand painted chopsticks for decoration not eating!

 

We look forward to going back and spend more time in Shanghai and Beijing, after getting a "taste" of China!