Has anyone done the "Undiscovered China" Viking cruise tour?

[Lilyskittymom]

I read somewhere on the Viking website that gratuities were higher in China, Russia and one other country (I don’t remember which one).  They really didn’t give an explanation- maybe it’s tied to their wages, the cost of living or something with their government?  I can tell you that you will get amazing service aboard the Emerald. The staff is very attentive.  Our Tour Escort always reminded us to “remember “ our driver and local guides. Again, I’m not sure how their contracts work in China. I will say that the Tour Escorts work their butts off and make your stay in China amazing. You’ll love this trip!

[Peregrina651]

3 hours ago, Shipshape54 said:

I'll be going on this tour in September and wondered about the "suggested" tipping.  I've taken a number of Viking River cruises in Europe and a couple of their ocean cruises as well.  I know tipping is a very personal thing, but I'm just curious about the amounts suggested.  In Europe, on a Viking cruise this past May (2019) the suggestion was $18 (US) per person per day on board and  2 and 1 euro pp for an on land tour guide and bus driver.  The Viking China booklet suggests $25 pp per day (US) on board and $10 pp per day (US) on land,  $270 pp if you prepay the gratuities.  Given that there is no tipping in China (in fact it is considered an insult to leave a tip according to the travel books) I confused as to why the amounts are so much higher than in Europe.  I realize that I can adjust the tip amounts but I usually tip the suggested amount as well as some additional tips to people who go above and beyond.  I am just curious if any knows the rational behind the substantially higher amount in a country with a no tipping culture and a lower cost of living.  

 

What you say about tips is correct, if you are traveling alone or if you go to a restaurant on your own. But Viking has set it up differently in spite of it being contrary to the local custom. (Personally, I wish they would go with a tips included scheme and leave it at that.)

 

$270/18=$15 per day.

 

What is not clear in your description is who is to be tipped out of this pool. Does this per diem include your tour escort who will be with you for the entire cruise/tour (everything except arrival and departure day, when your escort depends on your flight times)? Cruises in Europe don't have escorts. Does the per diem include bus drivers and local tourguides?

[Shipshape54]

The $25 (x 6 days=150) is for the ship's staff including the tour director.  The $10 (x 12 days=120) is for the escort on the land portion.   Suggested tipping for local guides and bus drivers is the same as in Europe $2 and $1.  I agree with Peregina651 that the tips should just be included into the cruise cost.  

Another issue that came up from a prior sailing was that the land tips could not be charged on the ship and folks were going to ATMs to get tip money for the escort's tip at the end of the trip.  I'm hoping that since "prepayment" of tips is now available that we can charge the land tips to our ship's account/OBC.

[Peregrina651]

3 hours ago, Shipshape54 said:

The $25 (x 6 days=150) is for the ship's staff including the tour director.  The $10 (x 12 days=120) is for the escort on the land portion.   Suggested tipping for local guides and bus drivers is the same as in Europe $2 and $1.  I agree with Peregina651 that the tips should just be included into the cruise cost.  

Another issue that came up from a prior sailing was that the land tips could not be charged on the ship and folks were going to ATMs to get tip money for the escort's tip at the end of the trip.  I'm hoping that since "prepayment" of tips is now available that we can charge the land tips to our ship's account/OBC.

 

I did the tour in 2010 and the tipping situation was a lot different then. Pre-paid wasn't an option then and even charging tips to our on board account was a new idea. I think I had learned on the "Viking China" thread that we would need cash for tips and we came prepared with cash or at least ready to hit the ATM (which we actually did a number of times our the course of the cruise).

[Shipshape54]

Thanks to all for the info.