jwas1

We have done 15+ cruises on RSSC. Our cruise on Grandeur in January 24 will be our first 16 day cruise where there are two optional formal nights. How many men actually wear tuxes on those nights?

Cruising from NYC in winter. You should expect rough weather until you get to the latitude of the Florida Keys. Cold fronts get that far south and nor'easters along the coast are not that unusual in winter months. #graveyardoftheatlantic

I did write a review last year after our Tauck French Waterways tour and it will tell you pretty much how the port excursions were. My husband and I really enjoy getting as much out of a port as possible and we always would find a little time to do some exploring on our own each port stop after the planned excursions. The night life to me was not like a large cruise ship offers, but honestly we did not miss it. We would dress for dinner and go to the bar for cocktails and snacks before the dinner seating and often a speaker would be in the lounge doing a port talk or demonstration, etc. It was very relaxing to go up top and watch the sunset to unwind before dinner as well. Once we finished all the courses of dinner and desserts-we were pretty much done for the day. We love night life and enjoy entertainment, but River Cruising is pretty busy with a port stop everyday and it was important to get a good night sleep for us. Don't know if you are stopping in Lyon, but my brother-in-law got the Tauck staff to find him a casino the night we were there. They called him a taxi and waited up for him to return(now that is really great service if you ask me)!! I hope my review will help you with any questions you might have.

We are booked on Ms Emerald Taste of France August 2016. What is the dress for men and women for dinner? We have cruised AMA and Viking and men did not wear jackets for dinner on either

AMA tours will not be THE Vienna State Opera

Thank you so much for the great review! We are interested in doing this trip next year. Hope you don't mind a few questions!

 

Did Viking arrange your air? If so, were you able to choose a carrier? We're flying out of Norfolk and would like to use Delta to get credit towards our FF miles. Did they allow you to fly in a day ahead to avoid airline related mishaps that could delay your trip?

 

Were there plenty of choices related to food? I have a seafood allergy and have some problems in Asia when travelling independently convincing the restaurants that taking the fish out of fish broth doesn't solve the problem.:p I don't want to draw attention to myself, so I always travel with peanut butter crackers in case I can't eat what's served. It would be nice to know that Viking would help in this regard.

 

In general, how much did you tip the bus drivers and local guides on a daily basis? Was there a safe in the stateroom on the ship?

 

Would you recommend an area on the ship for cabin? Does it make much of a difference?

 

Again, thanks for your review!

We just returned from Viking Imperial Jewels of China cruise. We flew out of Norfolk on Delta. Book the early flight out of Norfolk through Detroit. If you miss your connection, there is a second flight the same day. We made our own air arrangements. Viking met us at the airport in Shanghai. Viking's logistics are first class. There are plenty of food choices both on the boat and at shore dinners that do not contain seafood. Your Viking guide who is with you the entire trip can describe what is in the non-boat meals. Your receive a booklet from Viking before you leave the U.S. which gives guidelines for tipping. Best to tip in local yuan currency. ATMs are all over China and we had no problems with our Suntrust card. There is a safe in your room. Best to choose a stateroom forward to avoid engine noise in the stern. Go in the Fall. Summer is very hot and humid (worse than Tidewater VA). Ship's airconditioning cools, but does not dehumidify.

We are booked on the Shanghai-Bejing trip in September.Did you change dollars to yuan before you left home? Are there ATMs readily available, especially in the Shanghai airport?

Do you need yuan while on the Emerald other than to tip the tour guide?