Far East and Alaska included tour reviews

[LunaSeaRetreat]

Cruisers on Cruisers Critic have been very helpful to me in the past so I will try to give back a little by reviewing the included excursions from Hong Kong to Vancouver, British Columbia.  We are doing a combination of optional, private, and included tours but mostly included.  Almost all of the tours are new to Viking so it should be an adventure. I won’t be reviewing the ship, but if anyone has any questions feel free to ask.  If anyone else on the Orion now,  wants to jump in and contribute to this thread, feel free.

 

 

Postcards of Hong Kong

Duration: 5.00 Hours

Date: April 22, 2019 08:30 AM, 09:00 AM, 09:30 AM, 01:00 PM

Breathtaking Vistas and Rich Traditions -- See the legendary highlights of Hong Kong, from its sweeping vistas to its most intimate corners. Meet your guide and ascend to Victoria Peak, the 1,800-foot summit that soars over the city’s skyscrapers. Known as “the Peak” by locals, it offers breathtaking views of the metropolis, Victoria Harbor and Kowloon Peninsula. Along Hong Kong Island’s south shore, browse the open air Stanley Market, a picturesque warren of lanes lined with a rich array of open air stalls selling clothing, jewelry, ornaments and various keepsakes. Explore the locale of Aberdeen, a fascinating juxtaposition of modern and ancient. Next, embark a traditional sampan for a cruise through the harbor’s floating village, where hundreds of people live on fishing junks—a stark contrast to the high-rise community that has risen on the island. After time to explore, return to your ship.

 

This tour has been done by Viking several times before. The description was followed exactly and we had a great time.  The clouds parted when we reached the top of the peak and the view was fantastic.  Our guide, Wendy, gave us a lot of interesting information about Hong Kong including a short language lesson. The sampan ride was short and sweet. 

Definitely, an A.

 

Next up Taiwan

Cynthia 

[Jim Avery]

Thanks for posting Cynthia.  We love hearing from those onboard.  I believe Stu and Lisa from Florida are on your voyage.  If you meet them give a hug for us.

Jim & Lois 🍸

[LunaSeaRetreat]

TWKEL01 Taipei in Brief

Duration: 4.00 Hours

Date: April 24, 2019 08:45 AM, 09:15 AM, 09:45 AM, 10:15 AM

Breathtaking Monuments to History and Progress -- Uncover Taipei’s curious blend of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences on a visit to the Taiwanese capital. You will meet your guide and drive to the cosmopolitan city, steeped in tradition. Stop in Liberty Square to see the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, surrounded by a green park. The hall is dedicated to the leader who led nationalists from mainland China during the 1949 Communist takeover. You can also admire the pagoda-like design of the National Theater and National Concert Hall’s twin venues, also on the square. Stop at the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, set in the mountains overlooking the Keelung River. This brightly decorated yet solemn place is a reminder of the 330,000 people who lost their lives fighting for the Republic of China. You will also stop for photos of the famed Taipei 101 skyscraper, a breathtaking structure that was the world’s tallest from 2004 to 2009.

 

The title says it all but we had a nice time.  Our guide “Fred” was a very nice older man that really tried to please.  He went into a great explanation about why he was changing the order of the tour.  The bottom line was that he got us to the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine in time to see the complete changing of the guard. The  National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is the only opportunity for shopping. The terminal had a few venders.

Over all a bus ride with an opportunity to get out at three stops with quite a bit of time at the  National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Grade B

 

Next up Kagoshima, Japan

Cynthia

[LunaSeaRetreat]

22 minutes ago, Jim Avery said:

Thanks for posting Cynthia.  We love hearing from those onboard.  I believe Stu and Lisa from Florida are on your voyage.  If you meet them give a hug for us.

Jim & Lois 🍸

Thanks Jim.  I enjoyed your World Cruise report very much.  If I find Stu and Lisa, I'll mention you before I hug them. 

[LunaSeaRetreat]

JPKOJ01 Kagoshima Scenic Ride

Duration: 3.00 Hours

Date: April 26, 2019 09:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 01:30 PM, 02:00 PM

“Naples of the Eastern World” -- Experience the unique setting and fascinating past of Kagoshima, often compared to the Italian city of Naples. You will take in its mild climate, its palm-lined streets and the Sakurajima volcano. You will drive with your guide into the city and stop at Shiroyama Park, a hilltop haven with stunning views of Kagoshima and, weather permitting, the Sakurajima volcano. At the Reimeikan museum, located within the walls of the old city castle ruins, browse a fascinating display of remarkably preserved artifacts that chronicle Japan’s long history and rich culture. The exhibit on the Meiji Restoration, the 19th-century period when a more practical imperial rule was instituted, is especially interesting. Pass through scenic Kinko Bay, where you will see the bronze statue of Saigo Takamori. A true Renaissance man, he established himself as the last true samurai while writing some of Japan’s most celebrated poetry under a pseudonym.

 

There is a shuttle bus into town from the port. It takes 30 minutes and runs from 8:30 to 4:30.  We booked the 2:00 PM tour so we could explore first and get our yen for Japan. There were lots of beautiful flowers and major shopping centers. We exchanged our money at the post office ATM.

 

Also we had to clear immigration before we could leave and everyone had to leave the ship by 9:30 AM.  After it was cleared to 0 you could enter and leave at your leisure. However everyone must be off the ship by 9:30.

 

Everything went according to the description.  The museum was very warm and crowded (with Viking tours.) I think the times could have been adjusted better.  Our guide was sweet. She gave a lot of information but very few on the bus could see the pictures she showed.

I’ll give it a C+

 

Cynthia

[Peregrina651]

Fantastic!  Thank you!  I'm adding this to the list of helpful threads on our 2021 Far Eastern Horizons roll call.

[LunaSeaRetreat]

11 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

Fantastic!  Thank you!  I'm adding this to the list of helpful threads on our 2021 Far Eastern Horizons roll call.

Thanks,  everything is going smoothly.

[LunaSeaRetreat]

JPNGS01 Scenic Nagasaki

Duration: 2.00 Hours

Date: April 27, 2019 09:00 AM, 09:30 AM, 01:00 PM, 01:30 PM

A Resilient City of Hope and Faith -- Witness a rare blend of East and West in Nagasaki, an inspirational city where monuments of peace embrace optimism. You will drive with your guide to the Nagasaki Peace Park, dedicated to world peace. The vast park contains a large fountain, statues and sculptures donated by countries and artists around the world, each dedicated to world harmony. Spend contemplative time as you remember the victims of the atomic bomb of August 9, 1945. Continue your journey and pass the Roman Catholic Urakami Cathedral, once the largest in the East. During your panoramic drive, you will also view Dejima, an artificial island built to house Portuguese and Dutch traders. It has since been linked to the mainland via land reclamation and is a National Historic Site.

 

As you can see the included tours seem to be getting shorter and shorter. We spent an hour at the Peace Park-- 25 minutes guided and 35 on our own.  Others here told the guide they would make their own way back to the ship. Then we just rode in the bus and saw some other sights. However, the location of the port is great for doing something on your own. Our weather was perfect and our guide was helpful.

I’ll give it a B.

 

Next up Busan, South Korea

 

Cynthia

[LunaSeaRetreat]

KRPUS10 Busan Panoramic Drive

 

Date: April 28, 2019 08:30 AM, 09:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 01:00 PM

Duration 3:00

 

The Urban Landscape of South Korea’s Second Largest City -- Take in the sights of bustling Busan with a panoramic city drive. Travel comfortably by motor coach, departing the dock and crossing the Gwangandaegyo suspension bridge that spans more than 4.5 miles. As you approach the city, enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, Gwangalli Beach and the skyscrapers that punctuate the skyline against a backdrop of mountains. Stop for photos at the Street of Cinema, as well as Busan Cinema Center—the official venue of one of the most popular film festivals in Asia. This impressive venue is renowned for its notable architectural design, including the Big Roof, which is one of the largest cantilever roofs in the world. From here, continue to Yongdusan Park to enjoy the view of the Old Town, the flower clock and iconic Busan Tower. Then, explore at your leisure before returning to the port and your awaiting ship.

 

FYI Again the ship had to be cleared of all cruisers, this time before 10:00 AM so choose your tours carefully.  If you take an early tour, your group will all go ashore together. This time you had to take your actual passport not a stamped copy.

 

There was a shuttle bus from the ship to the old town.  At the end of the included tour you could chose to be dropped off at the shuttle stop.  Our guide took a picture of your cruise card if you got off the tour bus here. From the shuttle stop the fish market was about 3 blocks.

The included tour was as described.  Our guide told interesting stories of life growing up and going to school near Busan.  Someone in another bus said their guide didn’t talk at all. So I guess it’s in the luck of the draw.  For the first time our guide gave us an evaluation form.

 

I’ll give the tour a B+

[LunaSeaRetreat]

Until just before our cruise we were scheduled to be in Hiroshima from 12 PM Monday until 6 PM on Tuesday.  We received a notice just before we left for the cruise that we would be leaving at 12 PM.  That changed many tour times and had many people doing the same tour at the same time.  Also we had to clear Japanese customs again.  Our 1 o'clock optional tour ($99 pp) did not start until  after two,  but we had to report to the theater at 12:20.   I won't go into details but the tour guide must have been a last minute choice and had to be prompted by passengers the entire tour.  I'm sure with another guide the tour would be worthwhile. 

Grade D

 

Duration: 4.00 Hours JPHIR04 Hiroshima Castle & Shukkei-en Garden Date: April 29, 2019 01:00 PM Tour the Hiroshima Castle and Exquisite “Shrunken Scenery” Gardens -- Experience the beauty and tranquility of an Edo period castle and garden in Hiroshima. Tour Hiroshima Castle, a flatlands fortress built by a powerful samurai clan in the late 16th century. The castle's five-story main keep was damaged by the atomic bomb at the end of World War II. It was reconstructed in 1958, and today houses a shrine, ruins and a section of defensive fortifications. Later, visit Shukkei-en garden, which translates to “shrunken scenery garden.” Modeled after a beautiful landscape in Xihu, China, the gardens date back to 1620 and are full of charming miniature forests, valleys and mountain landscapes. Take a leisurely stroll along its winding garden paths and around the central pond, which is surrounded by several quaint tea houses. Afterward, drive by the Peace Memorial Park, a symbol of Japan’s desire for peace, before returning to your ship

Edited May 2, 2019 by LunaSeaRetreat

[LunaSeaRetreat]

There were shuttle buses provided each day in Hiroshima.  It was about 15 minutes to downtown.  Our included tour was very nice. It is mainly the Peace Park with an hour narrated and an hour on our own to stay in the park or go shopping downtown.  Because the day was shorted 6 hours we didn't take advantage of taking the shuttle back as planned.  Hopefully this was a one time thing.

 

JPHIR01 Postcards of Hiroshima

Duration: 3.00 Hours

Date: April 29, 2019 01:00 PM, 01:30 PM, 02:00 PM

A City Risen from Ash -- Witness the miraculous, decades-long recovery of Hiroshima and take inspiration from its remarkable restoration. Drive with your guide into the heart of the city, stopping to view the skeletal remains of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The hall’s hollowed dome, appropriately called the Atomic Bomb Dome, was intentionally left in ruins as a stark visual reminder of the bomb’s destruction. It was the only building that was left standing close to the hypocenter of the bomb’s blast. Stop at the arched tomb cenotaph and take a moment to remember the victims of the bomb. Each one of the 220,000 victims’ names is inscribed on the stone chest beneath the arch. After time to reflect, enjoy free time in the city’s major shopping district, where you will find mementos of your visit to this inspirational city.

 

Grade A-

[Peregrina651]

LunaSea, please, keep the reports flowing. They are fantastic.

[LunaSeaRetreat]

Osaka

We did a private tour to Kyoto with four cc members.  I did not organize the tour.  Thanks Sandy and John!  

 

Shimizu

 

We did the last included tour of the day so we could be out on our own in the morning.  The included tour was only 2 1/2 hours but we did a lot.  It is listed as "easy" but there are steep slopes, uneven surfaces, sandy beaches, and steps if you don't want to wait for the elevator at the tower.  We again got stuck in Golden Week traffic but hopefully future cruises will miss this week (for us 10 days.)  Mt. Fuji was completely visible our entire stay.   Just beautiful!

Grade A-

 

JPSMZ01 Stunning Vistas of Shimizu Date: May 03, 2019 09:00 AM, 09:30 AM, 01:00 PM, 01:30 PM Admire Lush Plantations and Mountainous Spectacles -- See the stunning natural beauty of Japan’s countryside as you explore Mt. Udo and and the Miho Peninsula. You will depart with your guide for a drive to scenic Nihondaira. Often referred to as a natural observation deck, the once flat topography has been changed by nature and now rises over 1,000 feet, offering sweeping vistas of tea plantations, Shimizu City and the cone-shaped Mt. Fuji. The picturesque views of the Izu Peninsula and Southern Alps are some of Japan’s finest. You will marvel at more of the area’s picturesque landscapes when you head to Miho no Matsubara on the Miho Peninsula. Here, take a guided stroll through a grove of pines protected by UNESCO to a tranquil sandy beach, part of a four-mile stretch of pristine shore. Weather permitting, you will enjoy splendid views of Mt. Fuji.

 

I'll post about our morning here in my next installment. 

Cynthia

 

 

 

 

 

 

[LunaSeaRetreat]

Shimizu independent morning.

 

The town offered a shuttle to both train stations.

 

 

We decided to stay in town and had a good time.  Across from the ship on the corner closest to the ferris wheel there was a place to be dressed in a kimono.  We watched while other cruisers tried it.  We continued around the corner to the first traffic light and met 2 lovely ladies who gave us a map and explained someone would meet us at each site listed and give a free tour.  The museum had a small charge.  All the guides were friendly and very helpful.  One brought her young son to help improve his English.  He had a list of questions with him and selected some to ask us.  We all learned a lot.

 

Our favorite port so far.

 

Cynthia

[LunaSeaRetreat]

Tokyo

 

On all three days a shuttle to the center of town was provided.

 

We had three days here.  I arranged a private tour on the second day with Triplelights.  I chose Yuki as our guide. We had a very nice tour using public transportation. Another couple from CC joined us.  

 

We took the included tour the first day.  Because of Golden Week we did not get off the bus and were stuck in traffic.

 

Tokyo Duration: 2.00 Hours JPTYO01 Tokyo Panorama Date: May 04, 2019 08:30 AM, 09:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 01:00 PM Scenic Drive of Metropolitan City -- Enjoy a scenic drive as you set out on a tour of Japan’s center of education and culture, and economic hub. This thriving city offers excitement with its changing skyline, yet remnants of its tranquil past endure. Board your motor coach and drive over Rainbow Bridge. This 2,620-foot suspension bridge is an engineering marvel. See the Odaiba Fuji TV building with its sphere-shaped observatory, and drive past Tokyo Tower—Japan’s second-tallest building. Pass the opulent State Guest Houses and stately House of Parliament before arriving at the Imperial Palace. Take time to enjoy a short stroll through the pine grove–lined plaza and pass the bronze statue of the 14th-century samurai. Drive through the Ginza district and pass the Kabuki-za Theater before returning to your ship.

 

Grade C-

 

 

[Vivi13]

Looking forward to your remaining posts LunaSea! We are sailing Vancouver to Tokyo on Orion in August. 

 

[LunaSeaRetreat]

On our last day in Tokyo we did an optional tour in the afternoon. $119 pp.  I'm sure if we were younger and braver we could have used the shuttle and public transportation.  However, it was a very nice, stress free tour.   It was a little overcast but we still had good views from the tower.  Mt. Fuji was just an outline, but we were lucky enough to see it in all its glory for two days.  The museum was interesting and the gardens were lovely.   

 

JPTYO02 Edo-Tokyo Museum & Japanese Garden Date: May 06, 2019 09:00 AM, 12:30 PM Explore Past and Present of This Bustling Capital -- See the sights on a half-day tour of the thriving capital of Japan. Board your coach and depart for Tokyo Tower. A modern landmark, the tower stands at more than 1,000 feet high and is a broadcasting tower for local radio and TV stations. Here, you can take the elevator to the observation deck for commanding views of the city and Mt. Fuji. Continue your tour to the Edo-Tokyo Museum and witness how the 15th-century village of Edo grew to become one of the largest cities in the world. The museum tells the story of the remarkable transformation of Tokyo through detailed scale models of the buildings that form the capital’s skyline today. Your final stop is the beautiful Kiyosumi Gardens. Stroll the pathways of this tranquil setting, venture across its famous stepping stones and see the fish and turtles swimming below before heading back to your ship.

 

Grade B+

 

 

[LunaSeaRetreat]

12 hours ago, Vivi13 said:

Looking forward to your remaining posts LunaSea! We are sailing Vancouver to Tokyo on Orion in August. 

 

Right now we are experiencing 6 meter seas on our way to Petropavlovsk.  The Orion is handling them well. 

[Pushka]

19 hours ago, LunaSeaRetreat said:

Right now we are experiencing 6 meter seas on our way to Petropavlovsk.  The Orion is handling them well. 

It does indeed look a little bleak. 

[LunaSeaRetreat]

17 hours ago, Pushka said:

It does indeed look a little bleak. 

We are safely docked.  We were suppose to tender but had a very last minute change.  Customs again is complicated.  Those with afternoon tours must exit the ship by 11, walk outside for 250 meters, have face to face with officials, and then return to the ship to wait for their tour.  Luckily we made the cut off since our tour meets at 11:30, we will clear with our group tour.

[Marzn]

GREAT REVUES!!!

THANX

[LunaSeaRetreat]

Sapporo (Otaru)

 

We enjoyed the included tour.  It is about 30 minutes from the port to Sapporo.  The guide was informative and the historical village was interesting.  Make sure you watch the show on the outside "stage."  We chose not to continue with the guide and watch the show.  There are signs in English on all the buildings so it's easy to tour on your own.  It was a pretty cruise in and out of this port.  We hoped to see the cherry blossoms but only the darker pink variety were still in bloom. 

 

Grade B+

 

JPSAP01 Sapporo Highlights Date: May 09, 2019 07:00 AM, 07:30 AM, 08:00 AM, 08:30 AM Cultural Capital of Hokkaido Island -- Explore the history and culture of the island of Hokkaido during visits to a holy site and open air museum. Embark on a scenic drive with your guide into the picturesque city of Sapporo, spread at the foot of Mt. Moiwa, and visit to the Hokkaido Shrine. Set in deeply forested grounds, this sacred place exudes a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere. After time to reflect, continue outside the city and travel back in time to the island’s frontier days at the Historical Village of Hokkaido. Featuring buildings from the mid-19th to early 20th century, this open air museum showcases the industries, lifestyles and culture of the times through authentic recreations of a town and several different villages. Tour the replica of a traditional sweatshop, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride—or sleigh during the winter months—while learning about this important period in Hokkaido’s history.

[LunaSeaRetreat]

We did the included tour.  The Russian folkloric performance, was well done and uplifting.  The crafts were expensive but they took yen, and us dollars. The island isn't very scenic and I believe it is mainly a fueling stop. Our guide did the best she could and customs wasn't too bad.  It was a tender port.

Grade B because there is just not much here to see Viking and the town did the best it could. No shuttles in Russia. 

 

 

 

Korsakov, Sakhalin Island Duration: 1.50 Hours RUKOR02 Cultural Korsakov Date: May 10, 2019 10:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:45 AM, 12:00 PM, 01:30 PM, 02:00 PM, 03:30 PM, 03:45 PM Russian Folklore and Heritage -- Experience a traditional folkloric performance and enjoy an informative tour of the town of Korsakov. Discover this small Russian town on Aniva Bay that still thrives on its fishing trade as you explore with your knowledgeable guide. Once populated by the Ainu—indigenous people from Japan and eastern Russia—a Russian expedition from the West landed here in 1853. The town changed hands between Russia and Japan, and once served as a Russian penal colony. You will enjoy a scenic drive to a hillside observation post to take in panoramic views of Korsakov and its seaside setting, and learn more about the city’s interesting history as you stroll the main street into Lenin Square. Then, you will be treated to a festive, colorful Russian folkloric performance at a cultural center, and have time to browse locally made crafts.

[LunaSeaRetreat]

 

 

 

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Kamchatka

Getting through customs again was okay if you had a tour before noon.  After, noon, before 11 am,  you had to walk about 250 yards down the dock go in the port building and return to the ship and wait for your tour.  Then go through the whole thing again. Until the night before we thought we were tendering, but ended up docking.  We did an optional tour here.  Kamchatka Exotic Picnic $159 pp.  We had a great guide and saw breathtaking mountains and some city sites on the way to the "picnic."  The site we arrived at was rustic to put it politely as was the one "bathroom."  I was advised not to use it.  Our host spoke only Russian and our guide was the interpreter.   Despite all this we had a great time. (It may have had something to do with the vodka shots.) 

Grade B+

 

 

Duration: 4.00 Hours RUPET06 Kamchatka Exotic Picnic Date: May 13, 2019 12:00 PM

 

A Taste of Culture and Herbs -- Enjoy a wilderness lunch at the countryside home of a Kamchatka herbalist while learning about the region’s flora. Discover the resourcefulness of the inhabitants of the Kamchatka Peninsula. A remote tundra of snowcapped mountain peaks, volcanoes and hot springs, this rugged frontier is not for the weak-spirited. Those who live here have become experts in the art of gathering and preserving herbs for both gastronomical and medicinal purposes. After a guided scenic drive through the countryside, meet your host, noted Kamchatka herbalist Alexander Yastrebov. He will escort you through the forest to his “yaranga”—a round tent-like structure used by the nomadic people of eastern Russia. Here, relax and savor a picnic of special dishes prepared with local herbs. The menu will also include a salmon barbecue and homemade liqueurs. Traditional Russian songs accompanied by guitar will add to the ambience of this memorable experience.

[Vivi13]

Hi LunaSea - loving your posts! Do you have any feedback from people who did the Helicopter tour to Avachinsky Volcano?