Viking China (Part 2)

[loves to go]

We paid for the custom air and an upgrade to business class from Detroit to Shanghai. They had us going on United ( which has direct flights from Chicago)from Detroit to Baltimore, then to Japan, then one other stop I can't remember, then finally to Shanghai. I called Viking and was told since I booked through a travel agent they wouldn't speak to me. There is a direct flight on Delta from Detroit to Shanghai. The travel agent said if I wanted Delta through Viking it would cost more and she couldn't get me on the United flight out of Chicago. I cancelled Vikings air, ( I haven't seen the credit on my AMEX yet) and booked my own flights.

My best friend took a Viking cruise last year and told me that even though her trip was fine, she wouldn't go on them again because of several things like my air issue.

After this nonsense, I'm wondering if I should have listened to her and chosen another company. I'm not feeling very confident in Viking. I do hope the credit shows up on my credit card before I leave in April

[Turtles06]

My best friend took a Viking cruise last year and told me that even though her trip was fine, she wouldn't go on them again because of several things like my air issue.

After this nonsense, I'm wondering if I should have listened to her and chosen another company. I'm not feeling very confident in Viking. I do hope the credit shows up on my credit card before I leave in April

 

Back in May 2010 when we booked our Viking China trip for May 2011, we initially paid for Viking Air, including the Custom Air option. At that point, it was too early to book directly with the airlines, or know their prices, so we booked our air thru Viking as a hedge. But my strong preference is to handle my own air travel; that way, I pick the flights I want and the seats I want, etc.

 

Once we were able to book directly with the airlines, we did so and cancelled our Viking Air/Custom Air. There were no problems in getting the credit from Viking. The trip itself was extraordinary (I've said this a zillion times on here), Viking was first rate, and my recommendation would be to stop worrying and just be excited that you'll soon be taking a trip of a lifetime.

[meddykay]

I'm not feeling very confident in Viking. I do hope the credit shows up on my credit card before I leave in April

 

I am still waiting for my refund from the Viking Air I cancelled in November. Six weeks (and many phone calls) after canceling, part of the refund was credited to my credit card and part was credited to my traveling companion's card. She had not booked her air with Viking. Anyway, it's a mess and I was told yesterday I would get the rest of the refund when they receive her permission to take the credit back. She's traveling out of the country now, so who knows when I will get it. I had upgraded to business class, so we're talking a significant amount of money to me. Their mistake and my problem. This is most likely just one of those odd things that happen, but it still does not boost my confidence in Viking.

[beachwalker262]

Just received my air arrangements from Viking (not custom air) for our April cruise and couldn't be happier. Non stop to and from China and Chicago on AA. Evening flight from ORD and afternoon return. Went to AA.com and selected my seats with no problems. We are arriving a day early and Viking is providing an extra night hotel at no cost to me.

[Lori Dobson]

We paid for the custom air and an upgrade to business class from Detroit to Shanghai. They had us going on United ( which has direct flights from Chicago)from Detroit to Baltimore, then to Japan, then one other stop I can't remember, then finally to Shanghai. I called Viking and was told since I booked through a travel agent they wouldn't speak to me. There is a direct flight on Delta from Detroit to Shanghai. The travel agent said if I wanted Delta through Viking it would cost more and she couldn't get me on the United flight out of Chicago. I cancelled Vikings air, ( I haven't seen the credit on my AMEX yet) and booked my own flights.

My best friend took a Viking cruise last year and told me that even though her trip was fine, she wouldn't go on them again because of several things like my air issue.

After this nonsense, I'm wondering if I should have listened to her and chosen another company. I'm not feeling very confident in Viking. I do hope the credit shows up on my credit card before I leave in April

 

 

I can understand your frustration - did you book through a travel agent? Are they doing anything to help?

[meddykay]

I'm not feeling very confident in Viking. I do hope the credit shows up on my credit card before I leave in April

 

 

 

Okay, my confidence is boosted. Spoke to Stephanie in Customer Service today and she resolved my issue with the refund efficiently. Can't recommend the "tell as at Viking" e-mail address enough. Thanks to this message board for providing it.

[loves to go]

I can understand your frustration - did you book through a travel agent? Are they doing anything to help?

The travel agent told me it could take two billing cycles to get the credit. This is annoying because Viking wanted the entire trip paid for almost immediately. We'll see.

@turtles...I'm aware this is supposed to be a wonderful trip, it doesn't bode well for me at this point, I really didn't expect that Viking wouldn't even speak to me about how to resolve the unacceptable "custom" air.

[kbert92069]

When I reached Viking on the phone I guess I wasn't all that surprised that they wouldn't talk with me since I'd used a travel agent. Fortunately I was able to visit the TA and get Viking on the speaker phone and we got custom air to our liking.

 

If you think about it the chain of command can introduce communication issues:

 

you -> TA -> Viking -> airlines -> Viking -> TA -> You

 

vs.

 

you -> airlines -> you

 

Complexity adds the potential for things to go wrong.

 

Also it seems to me if Viking is paying your TA a commission it's also reasonable that they should expect the TA to do some of the work for that.

 

This time we opted for a TA. Other times we've gone direct. There are merits each way and vary with the cruise company.

[recyclelady]

I'm trying to familiarize myself with the flight schedule before my TA and I work on custom air with Viking. I've been looking at the return flights from Beijing to Chicago on Nov. 19 (Monday).

 

There is a nonstop that day on American--leaves at 6:55 am. I don't think so!!

 

I've been looking at a few flights with one connection in North America. Actually getting off a flight and having a little time to walk around doesn't seem half bad (as opposed to the nonstop)

 

I've also been looking at the seat configurations. I really don't like the 3-3-3 seating when there are just two of us travelling. It usually means that one of us gets stuck in a middle seat.

 

I was looking at both Air China and Hainan Air. Both have the 2-4-2 configuration in the cabin and the times look OK. Has anyone had experience with either? Will Viking consider these for custom air? Do I have too much time on my hands this morning?:D

[caribill]

[quote=recyclelady;32066347 I've been looking at the return flights from Beijing to Chicago on Nov. 19 (Monday).

 

There is a nonstop that day on American--leaves at 6:55 am. I don't think so!!

 

I've also been looking at the seat configurations. I really don't like the 3-3-3 seating when there are just two of us travelling. It usually means that one of us gets stuck in a middle seat.

 

 

We were stuck on that early morning AA flight. Really ruined the fun of the last evening.

 

Even the planes with 3-3-3 seating often have 2-3-2 near the rear of the plane as the cabin narrows. We often can get seats in that area on the 2 side.

 

If we cannot get the two together, then we both take an aisle seat across from each other. Much better than having one of us in the middle on a long flight.

Edited January 21, 2012 by caribill

[Turtles06]

I'm trying to familiarize myself with the flight schedule before my TA and I work on custom air with Viking. I've been looking at the return flights from Beijing to Chicago on Nov. 19 (Monday).

 

There is a nonstop that day on American--leaves at 6:55 am. I don't think so!!

 

I've been looking at a few flights with one connection in North America. Actually getting off a flight and having a little time to walk around doesn't seem half bad (as opposed to the nonstop)

 

I've also been looking at the seat configurations. I really don't like the 3-3-3 seating when there are just two of us travelling. It usually means that one of us gets stuck in a middle seat.

 

I was looking at both Air China and Hainan Air. Both have the 2-4-2 configuration in the cabin and the times look OK. Has anyone had experience with either? Will Viking consider these for custom air? Do I have too much time on my hands this morning?:D

 

Having flown nonstop from Dulles to Beijing, and having had to change planes when we flew back from Shanghai (United had no nonstop on that route), I would really urge you to get a nonstop if you can. From Chicago, I believe a nonstop will fly the (faster) great circle route over the North Pole, but if you wind up takiing a connecting flight that requires you to fly across the Pacific [a ten hour flight] you will likely add to your travel time considerably. Not to mention the possiblity of a delay in your connecting flight (we had that). It's a long trip, I personally would not add to it deliberately.

 

When my partner and I are on planes configured 3-X-3, we get seats across the aisle from each other. Much more comfortable, and the aisles are so narrow anyway, it's almost as though we're seated together. (That's how we flew back from Shanghai, btw, and we were both very glad to have aisle seats.)

[recyclelady]

Caribill and Turtles:

 

You are both right! Getting aisle seats across from each other is probably the way to go. We often fly SW Airlines in the states and this is what we always do.

 

Thank you too for setting me straight on the nonstop VS the one-stop/connecting flight. I think I will definitely now try for the nonstop (if Viking will let me and not make me pay above and beyond the custom fee)

Edited January 22, 2012 by recyclelady

[Peregrina651]

United 835 leaves Chicago at 10:23A and arrives 1:55P (14.5 hours--Boeing 777 configured 3-3-3 in both directions)

United 850 leaves Beijing at 4:10 and arrives 4:21P (13 hours)

 

There were a lot of Viking passengers on our flight.

 

I agree with Turtles; the travel time is long enough without stopping along the way. The less time you spend in transit the less tired you will be when you arrive.

 

Don't go too crazy with your research. Remember that Viking's special price on airfare does not apply to every possible itinerary. Custom air does not mean that you get your choice of any itinerary; it means that you get to choose from what Viking is offering at that price versus taking what you are assigned.

 

If you want a particular airline (to get airline miles) or want to use airline miles to upgrade to business class, it will cost you more. The class of ticket that Viking provides at its special pricing cannot be upgraded using miles.

 

If you are going to give up the special price on the airfare, then it is helpful to know what the airlines are charging for flights so that you know if it would be cheaper to just book on your own.

[caribill]

Remember that Viking's special price on airfare does not apply to every possible itinerary. Custom air does not mean that you get your choice of any itinerary; it means that you get to choose from what Viking is offering at that price versus taking what you are assigned.

 

 

And it means that if Viking's allocation of seats on one of these flights are all sold, that only the airline's normal pricing will be available to you for that flight.

[recyclelady]

Thank you so much to all of you for your insight into the flight situation. I'll report back to let you know what I got in the end.

[Turtles06]

Particularly for folks who have already been to Beijing, I wanted to mention a book I've just finished reading, "Beijing Welcomes You," by Tom Scocca. Scocca is an American journalist who was living in Beijing with his wife for the year or so prior to the 2008 Olympics (and for a while after, as well), and much of the book is about how much change Beijing underwent, and how quickly, to get ready for the Olympics, as well as about living in China as a foreigner.

 

I found the book fascinating. I think a reader would appreciate it most after having been to Beijing.

[Glassespro]

We are booked on Air Canada (LAX to Vancouver to Beijing). I know there are non-stops from LA for similar prices to what Viking is paying, but Air Canada is configured 2-3-2, and we are in one of the 2's, so I thought even stopping might be better than the 3-4-3 on most of the other carriers.

 

We flew KLM (3-4-3) on our last cruise, and it was miserable. The food was good, and the AV system was great in coach, but the TV screen was almost touching my nose, because the passenger in front of me had his seat all the way back. When I asked him to move it forward a bit, he said, "NO!" He finally did, after I kept kicking his seat, and telling him it was because it was too close, and I couldn't help it. Not only did it make it more comfortable, it was also a bit of fun--sorry, but it really was....

 

Hoping Air Canada is better. Anyone know about their planes?

[Glassespro]

Forgot to mention that we recently returned from a cruise on NCL's Epic, and had booked using miles, and thus through the "Miles" TA. Cruise Critic said we could get a free drink card, but when I tried, I hit the same issue that some of you are. Because it was booked by a TA, NCL wouldn't even talk to me about this issue. Even after getting on the ship, going to the casino and showing them my card, and the article, they simply said they would only talk to the TA. I just gave up. Sooooo, it's not a Viking thing, I guess it is a travel process that everyone lives with.

 

P.S., If you're looking for a large ship cruise (Epic holds 5000+ passengers), this was very nice. Highly recommended, except the land staff that I tried to speak to (above) weren't nice or helpful. BTW, this ship has single rooms with no upcharge for singles. They are called Studio's, and my Father-in-law was in one, and really enjoyed the cruise.

[Turtles06]

Forgot to mention that we recently returned from a cruise on NCL's Epic, and had booked using miles, and thus through the "Miles" TA. Cruise Critic said we could get a free drink card, but when I tried, I hit the same issue that some of you are. Because it was booked by a TA, NCL wouldn't even talk to me about this issue. Even after getting on the ship, going to the casino and showing them my card, and the article, they simply said they would only talk to the TA. I just gave up. Sooooo, it's not a Viking thing, I guess it is a travel process that everyone lives with.

 

 

It is definitely not a Viking thing. If you have booked a trip through a TA, the cruise line or tour operator will not deal with you directly; their booking is with the TA, and that's who they will talk to. In my opinion, it's one of the biggest drawback of using a TA. I like to deal directly with people.

[NivCruise]

I would say that the majority of folks on this tour really enjoyed Tibet. I just didn't think that Lhasa is very representative of Tibet ( or what I imagine Tibet to be like). I would say that about 25% of our group got sick. Either altitude sickness or intestinal problems. I took pills for the altitude but still had difficulties. A number in our group required medical attention. The temples require the ability to scamper up and down ladders. The trek up the Potala Palace is physically demanding. I will say that our local guide Robert was wonderful and that Viking went out of their way to assist those that got sick.

 

I would not go to Tibet if you have a heart condition or asthma or if you walk with a cane or you are not interested in eastern religions or their temples.

[Viking Cruises]

The travel agent told me it could take two billing cycles to get the credit. This is annoying because Viking wanted the entire trip paid for almost immediately. We'll see.

@turtles...I'm aware this is supposed to be a wonderful trip, it doesn't bode well for me at this point, I really didn't expect that Viking wouldn't even speak to me about how to resolve the unacceptable "custom" air.

 

Dear loves to go,

 

We would like to try and help you. Please email your information to us at tellus@vikingrivercruises.com so we can call you.

 

Warm regards,

Viking River Cruises

Edited January 25, 2012 by VikingRiverCruises1

[ballfamily]

I understand the frustration with the custom air group, but I do suggest patience. I recently had a very positive experience: We are on the March 27 tour from Shanghai. We booked almost a year ago, and used custom air to fly from Seattle. We got the fights and seats we wanted and felt the $100 fee was money well spent. About two months ago, the airline (United) changed part of our return flight from Beijing. Viking stepped in and secured another itinerary for us. We had a non-stop flight Bejing-San Francisco, then on to Seattle. Now we have Bejing-Tokyo, then to Seattle. I would have preferred the original itinerary, but that would have met a 5+ hr layover in SF. This was certainly not the fault of Viking, but when I questioned them about a refund of the custom air fee (because we didn't get what we asked for, originally) they agreed to refund half of it -- $50. This was acceptable and appreciated. So, Viking if you are monitoring this post..... thanks from a satisfied customer. Looking forward to the trip in about two months!

[sailaway5]

We have booked the - 12-day Imperial China (Shanghai to Beijing) for next April, 2013.... This will be our "pre-cruise" for our Diamond Princess transpacific from Beijing to Vancouver. We had originally had an 8-day land tour with Princess to the Terra Cotta Warriors, Great Wall & Panda Bears..but discovered this 12 day river/land cruise would coordinate with the ocean cruise. What a great idea for us!! We picked up 4 extra days and the price was hardly any different. We were very pleased to see that the dates would coordinate together!!! We also wanted to cruise on Viking and have read some great things on these threads. We had previously taken a European River Cruise on Uniworld and enjoyed it alot.

 

We are really looking forward to sailing this new ship where every room has a balcony.... Can't wait to experience China this way.

 

Will look forward to reading everyones comments about their experiences.

 

Cheers,

Carol

[caribill]

We have booked the - 12-day Imperial China (Shanghai to Beijing) for next April, 2013.... This will be our "pre-cruise" for our Diamond Princess transpacific from Beijing to Vancouver.

 

What a great way to do it!!!!

 

And when you get to Dalian on Princess, you might enjoy the shore excursion that includes flying a kite in that city.

[recyclelady]

We have booked the - 12-day Imperial China (Shanghai to Beijing) for next April, 2013.... This will be our "pre-cruise" for our Diamond Princess transpacific from Beijing to Vancouver. We had originally had an 8-day land tour with Princess to the Terra Cotta Warriors, Great Wall & Panda Bears..but discovered this 12 day river/land cruise would coordinate with the ocean cruise. What a great idea for us!! We picked up 4 extra days and the price was hardly any different. We were very pleased to see that the dates would coordinate together!!! We also wanted to cruise on Viking and have read some great things on these threads. We had previously taken a European River Cruise on Uniworld and enjoyed it alot.

 

We are really looking forward to sailing this new ship where every room has a balcony.... Can't wait to experience China this way.

 

Will look forward to reading everyones comments about their experiences.

 

Cheers,

Carol

Wow! I'm jealous . This sounds terrific.