Viking China (Part 2)

[caribill]

We are thinking about the 7/24/12 itinerary on Viking "Imperial Jewels of China". We have heard that China in the summer can be unbearably hot.

 

Do you think that July is a decent time to visit China? Will the weather have a negative impact on our trip? We went in early August. We live near Houston, TX, so are used to warm weather. The only real hot day was the morning we toured the Shibaozhai Temple. We had no rain on the trip. It was clear at the great Wall. We would not hesitate to go at this time of year.

 

Aso, it seems like so many people traveling on this trip end up with traveler's diarrhea. Is this just part of traveling to China? If you are try careful about what you eat/drink, is there a good chance of not being affected? We had no problem. The hotels provided bottled water in the room and served purified water in their restaurants. All the restaurants on the tour days had bottled water available. On the ship, there was plenty of bottled water. Be sure to remember to brush your teeth with bottled water. Also, do not use any ice in a drink.

 

See above in red

Edited March 26, 2012 by caribill

[doctor4kydz]

Thanks for your reply!

 

Do you know of any posts on here with detailed impressions of the day-to-day itinerary or photo albums from this trip?

[Turtles06]

Aso, it seems like so many people traveling on this trip end up with traveler's diarrhea. Is this just part of traveling to China? If you are try careful about what you eat/drink, is there a good chance of not being effected?

 

We were on Imperial Jewels last May. I was as careful as I think you could be. In particular, I ate no "street food" and I was absolutely careful to drink only bottled water (and used that even for brushing my teeth), I was Lady Macbeth in terms of washing my hands, I had a small hand sanitizer that I used all the time, etc. I was fine for the first week or so -- three days on our own in Bejing, three days there with Viking, and about a day on the Emerald -- and then boom -- I got hit. It was something on the boat. (Someone else in our tour group had the same problem, not long after we boarded.) At any rate, I was glad I had cipro with me (imodium was not enough).

 

Yes, you should be careful, and hopefully you'll be fine. But do bring some cipro, just in case....

[Peregrina651]

We are thinking about the 7/24/12 itinerary on Viking "Imperial Jewels of China". We have heard that China in the summer can be unbearably hot.

 

Do you think that July is a decent time to visit China? Will the weather have a negative impact on our trip?

 

Also, it seems like so many people traveling on this trip end up with traveler's diarrhea. Is this just part of traveling to China? If you are try careful about what you eat/drink, is there a good chance of not being effected?

 

Judging weather is so subjective. Caribill lives in Texas and had no complaints about the weather. On the other hand, I live in Boston and I don't function in the heat, even the Boston heat. Our day in Beijing (Forbidden Palace, Summer Palace) was a real killer for me--and it was only May. Caribill would have called it a balmy spring day but at 80 degrees, I was melting.

 

 

 

[beachwalker262]

Is there a limit on the number of checked baggage on the china flights? I know there is a weight limit but is that per piece or total?

 

Thanks,

Bob

[caribill]

Is there a limit on the number of checked baggage on the china flights? I know there is a weight limit but is that per piece or total?

 

Thanks,

Bob

 

Don't know for sure, but since they weigh them as a group, they are probably not particular about one bag per person. Others have posted in the past that they have had more than one bag without a problem.

[cmbath]

Viking talks alot about the one carry on during intra China flights, but my questions is: Do they also allow the one personal item (ie. purse, computer case )like they do in the US?

 

Chuck

[Turtles06]

Viking talks alot about the one carry on during intra China flights, but my questions is: Do they also allow the one personal item (ie. purse, computer case )like they do in the US?

 

Chuck

 

Last summer they did. Also, they never counted how many carryons anyone had, or weighed them. Our Viking escort said that if the security folks were in a bad mood, they could have.

 

One caveat: we were told that the baggage rules were more strictly enforced on the internal flights to Hong Kong, but I can't speak to that personally.

[Peregrina651]

Is there a limit on the number of checked baggage on the china flights? I know there is a weight limit but is that per piece or total?

 

Thanks,

Bob

 

 

Bob, this is from the 2010 passenger information booklet that was included with our docs; my TA able to have a pdf copy sent to me well in advance of our trip:

Intra-China Flights

Air Tickets & Seating.

Your intra-China air tickets will be issued in

China and provided to you prior to your flights. There is no First Class

or Business Class on intra-China flights and seat assignments are done

by the airlines’ computers. Therefore, it is possible that you may

not be seated with your traveling companion, even if you have the

same surname.

 

Baggage Allowance

. Viking River Cruises monitors luggage restrictions

for intra-China flights and luggage allowance is very limited and strictly

enforced. On intra-China flights, a guest may carry on one piece only;

with dimensions not to exceed 8 X 16 X 22 inches (20 X 40 X 55 cm)

and the total weight not to exceed 11 pounds (5 kg). There are no size or

piece restrictions for checked luggage allowance for intra-China flights;

however guests are allowed a total of 44.2 pounds (20 kilograms) for all

pieces. Any item in excess of the above restrictions must be checked

and excess charges range from $100-$200 per piece based on weight

and distance traveled. Liquid-form materials are not permitted in

carry-on luggage.

 

On intra-China flights, it is currently recommended to lock checked

luggage. Therefore, we suggest you bring a luggage lock for each bag

you will be checking.

[Peregrina651]

Viking talks alot about the one carry on during intra China flights, but my questions is: Do they also allow the one personal item (ie. purse, computer case )like they do in the US?

 

Chuck

 

Between us, we had five carry-on bags (all full of souvenirs and electronic gear). The only problem we had getting through security was when I forgot to ditch the water bottle. They found what was bothering them and confiscated it.

 

However, as Turtles points out, at any time that bag limit can be enforced. We decided to play the odds and didn't have any trouble. We have yet to have a report on this thread of anyone having had any problems with the number of bags they were carrying on board on the intra-China flights. The international flights are a different story.

 

BTW, the 'no liquids' is enforced to the extent that you cannot take water bottles or even beverages purchased after security on to the plane. This includes international flights such as your return flight to the US. But, the three oz. rule was honored because (if I am remembering correctly) we had no trouble with our little bags of cosmetics. There was a bag/person inspection before we boarded the plane to return home; don't know if this all flights or just those headed to the US.

[Kohola]

We are currently on the Cultural Delights tour Shanghai to Beijing...we had done this same cruise going the opposite direction in 2009 and returned to visit some friends we made the first time around. First lesson learned, regardless if you have a Viking transfer or not ensure you have your first hotel address in Chinese. Shanghai Pudong airport was fogged in about 3 hours before our scheduled landing...we were diverted to a regional airport and later flew into the secondary airport in Shanghai at around 1am. Needless to say there was no one from Viking to meet us...fortunately the cab driver and dispatcher could read the English address from the Viking book for our hotel. The trip from the airport to the Ritz Carlton Portman cost less than $15...light traffic and closer than Pudong airport.

The day in Shanghai goes from 8am until after 9pm nonstop...the differences in guides and timing of various tours made the day in Shanghai totally fresh to us. The waterfront is visited late in the afternoon going S to B, vice early morning B to S so the photo ops are much better. We even ate at different locations then the first time around. The acrobatic show was completely new with the exception of one act.

The second day was a stop at the silk factory in Suzhou...duvet prices are quite reasonable, around $100USD for a king size light weight silk duvet and around $200 for a embroidered silk cover.

We took a boat ride on the canals of Suzhou which we didn't do the first time...new addition or difference because of direction, I'm not sure. Watch closely for photo ops of side canals, several have multiple bridges acrossing them. Suzhou can reach 40 degrees C in the summer with high humidity or 104 degrees F according to our Suzhou local guide today.

We arrived on the ship in Nanjing around 7pm. There is a beautifully lit watch tower on a hill above where the ship is docked which is not even noticable going the other direction because it's daylight. We are currently going up the Yangtze on our way to Mt JiuHua or Nine Glories.

Our guide explained the intra country flights this way yesterday...one suitcase with a 45lb limit and a carry on. The baggage is weighed as a group and no one is checking your carry on to ensure you haven't tried to sneak an extra bag onboard...his explanation, a lady has a purse and a roll on, then a shopping bag or two...

Since we made friends with several crew members the first time around this is like a family reunion for us with a few added perks...we shared photos with some of them this evening from our last cruise and looked at photos of their children 3 years later! Life is good!

I'm am writing this from our stateroom so the ship has WiFi throughout albeit a bit slow.

[caribill]

We are currently on the Cultural Delights tour Shanghai to Beijing...we had done this same cruise going the opposite direction in 2009 and returned to visit some friends we made the first time around.

 

We took a boat ride on the canals of Suzhou which we didn't do the first time...new addition or difference because of direction, I'm not sure.

 

Thanks for the "live" report.

 

We did the Imperial Jewels Shanghai to Beijing and that itinerary did not include the canal ride you did.

[Viking Cruises]

We are currently on the Cultural Delights tour Shanghai to Beijing...we had done this same cruise going the opposite direction in 2009 and returned to visit some friends we made the first time around. First lesson learned, regardless if you have a Viking transfer or not ensure you have your first hotel address in Chinese. Shanghai Pudong airport was fogged in about 3 hours before our scheduled landing...we were diverted to a regional airport and later flew into the secondary airport in Shanghai at around 1am. Needless to say there was no one from Viking to meet us...fortunately the cab driver and dispatcher could read the English address from the Viking book for our hotel. The trip from the airport to the Ritz Carlton Portman cost less than $15...light traffic and closer than Pudong airport.

The day in Shanghai goes from 8am until after 9pm nonstop...the differences in guides and timing of various tours made the day in Shanghai totally fresh to us. The waterfront is visited late in the afternoon going S to B, vice early morning B to S so the photo ops are much better. We even ate at different locations then the first time around. The acrobatic show was completely new with the exception of one act.

The second day was a stop at the silk factory in Suzhou...duvet prices are quite reasonable, around $100USD for a king size light weight silk duvet and around $200 for a embroidered silk cover.

We took a boat ride on the canals of Suzhou which we didn't do the first time...new addition or difference because of direction, I'm not sure. Watch closely for photo ops of side canals, several have multiple bridges acrossing them. Suzhou can reach 40 degrees C in the summer with high humidity or 104 degrees F according to our Suzhou local guide today.

We arrived on the ship in Nanjing around 7pm. There is a beautifully lit watch tower on a hill above where the ship is docked which is not even noticable going the other direction because it's daylight. We are currently going up the Yangtze on our way to Mt JiuHua or Nine Glories.

Our guide explained the intra country flights this way yesterday...one suitcase with a 45lb limit and a carry on. The baggage is weighed as a group and no one is checking your carry on to ensure you haven't tried to sneak an extra bag onboard...his explanation, a lady has a purse and a roll on, then a shopping bag or two...

Since we made friends with several crew members the first time around this is like a family reunion for us with a few added perks...we shared photos with some of them this evening from our last cruise and looked at photos of their children 3 years later! Life is good!

I'm am writing this from our stateroom so the ship has WiFi throughout albeit a bit slow.

 

Dear Kohola,

 

We’re so pleased to hear that you are enjoying your Cultural Delights tour, and we hope China continues to astound you. We’re sorry to hear about your unexpected detour in Shanghai, especially if you booked transfers with Viking River Cruises and had unexpected taxi costs. When you return home please contact us at tellus@vikingrivercruises.com so we can discuss reimbursement for the taxi.

 

Wishing you a wonderful trip and a very happy “family reunion!”

 

Warm regards,

Viking River Cruises

[Peregrina651]

The day in Shanghai goes from 8am until after 9pm nonstop...the differences in guides and timing of various tours made the day in Shanghai totally fresh to us. The waterfront is visited late in the afternoon going S to B, vice early morning B to S so the photo ops are much better.

 

Viking is very good a juggling its groups so that not everyone is in the same place at the same time. I think that regardless of direction, some buses visit the Bund in the morning and some in the afternoon. Likewise, some groups will do the museum in the morning while other buses are touring the gardens. Even lunch time is staggered a bit.

 

We even ate at different locations then the first time around. The acrobatic show was completely new with the exception of one act.

 

Viking is constantly tweaking things. Was this new place any better?

 

We took a boat ride on the canals of Suzhou which we didn't do the first time...new addition or difference because of direction, I'm not sure. Watch closely for photo ops of side canals, several have multiple bridges acrossing them. Suzhou can reach 40 degrees C in the summer with high humidity or 104 degrees F according to our Suzhou local guide today.

 

'Cultural Delights' drives to Nanjing from Suzhou to board the ship (or vice versa if you start in Beijing) but Imperial Jewels has to fly to Wuhan from Suzhou, so the timing is a bit different. Again, the arrival of the buses in Nanjing or the flights to Wuhan are staggered so that everyone is not trying to board at once. Sometimes, you will think that you are the only Viking bus in town. I think that canal boat ride is one of the fillers that they use to help stagger the buses; some buses do it and others don't.

 

Kohola, did you also go to the Gardens in Souzhou or did you just do the canal cruise?

 

 

We arrived on the ship in Nanjing around 7pm. There is a beautifully lit watch tower on a hill above where the ship is docked which is not even noticable going the other direction because it's daylight. We are currently going up the Yangtze on our way to Mt JiuHua or Nine Glories.

 

I seem to remember fireworks as we were leaving Nanjing. Every cruise is different. ;)

 

I loved Mt. Jiu Hua. Make sure that you have yuan with you for the funicular. They don't take credit cards and they don't take foreign currency (I don't remember how much you need). There are some beautiful temples up there; walk to the left as you leave the funicular station and keep walking. I regret not buying incense while at Mt. Jiu Hua.

I'm am writing this from our stateroom so the ship has WiFi throughout albeit a bit slow.

 

Will you continue to report on the wi-fi connection? I remember that the signal came and went as the cruise worked its way up the river. And besides which, we were on the Century Sun, which didn't even offer wi-fi, ust four computers with the slowest connections I've ever encountered.

[j-9]

We are currently on the Cultural Delights tour Shanghai to Beijing...

Hi Kohola, thanks for the live update. We will be on Imperial Jewels in May, so I am starting to get very excited. A question about the ship, if you don't mind. Please have a peek in the gym, and see if they have bikes and treadmills, or what for equipment. I haven't seen many pictures of the ship posted.

thanks, and enjoy the rest!

J-9

[Kohola]

Hi Kohola, thanks for the live update. We will be on Imperial Jewels in May, so I am starting to get very excited. A question about the ship, if you don't mind. Please have a peek in the gym, and see if they have bikes and treadmills, or what for equipment. I haven't seen many pictures of the ship posted.

thanks, and enjoy the rest!

J-9

The gym, located on Deck 6 is around 30' x 10' with the following equipment available; rack of free weights, 1 rowing machine, 1 treadmill, 4 bikes, and 1 ellipitical trainer. No knowledge as to working order. I will take detailed photos of the ship and post to our website following the trip...connection too slow to send any data on the river.

 

Yesterday was 70F and clear for MtJiuHua...minimal hazing since we had rain the day before so conditions we ideal for viewing the various mountains. First trip we spent a lot of time listening to the chants in the temple...this time we continued with the tour while listening which prevented the back up of multiple groups getting in each other's way...some taking pictures while others told it was forbidden in the temple. A lot of new construction at the base of the mountain including a standing Buddha project which will be seen for miles when completed.

 

Today,4/1/12 local time we are scheduled for highs around 80F with clear skies. We skipped the trip to Jingdezhen porcelain factory in favor of walking around the city.

 

To back track about Shanghai and Suzhou...per our guide; tours in Shanghai are now coordinated such that westbound visits the Bund late afternoon and eastbound in the morning. The acrobatic show was still at the Ritz Carlton, but the show has different acts...no balancing chairs for example. We visited the Old Market Place and gardens, Museum, the Bund, a silk carpet factory, and a silk embroidery factory with lunch. I like the food served both this time and the last so I couldn't rate one over the other...

 

Suzhou still includes the Master Net Fishing Gardens and #1 Silk factory for duvets and the like, but new this year is the canal cruise to better space out the east and west bound tours. 4 groups did the canal cruise while the other 4 did the Gardens. We have 8 groups with 4 female guides and 4 male with around 250+ guests...the females have larger groups, we have 8 fewer guests, 26 vice 34 in our group. A lot nicer on the bus and taking photos...

 

Internet connection is slow and slower moving along the river...currently I can't access my e-mail...don't know if the Chinese are ensuring I only see "good" news for my well being or what??

[Peregrina651]

Kohola, here is a new thread in River Cruising that might be be of interest to you. One of the CC staff has posed the question, "would you ever sail the same river twice?"

[Kohola]

Kohola, here is a new thread in River Cruising that might be be of interest to you. One of the CC staff has posed the question, "would you ever sail the same river twice?"

 

Interesting question...there hasn't been a river so amazing that we have to go back to see the river. We returned to China to renew friendships with some of the staff on board the Emerald who we met in 2009 on the Century Sun. Since you cruised in 2010 you may remember Lois, a cocktail server, who remembered everyone's name. Captain Morgan, the dining room supervisor. These people are now managers on the ship and have treated us like royalty. In addition there are a few of the dining room staff still around...plus two special friends who we have stayed in touch with since 2009. One still works on the Emerald while the other has since married and has a baby who we are going to see in Wuhan tomorrow. We travel to a country the first time as tourists, but return to a country to visit friends and in this case the tour was the most efficient way to do it.

 

We are learning so much more this time because we aren't overwhelmed by the language or the pronounciation of names and places.

 

I have taken photos of most of the public areas of the ship which I will post on our return.

[H2Otstr]

Kohala, who is your tour guide?

[bayerisch]

I'll be on that trip in July. I have my Cipro script and also anti-malaria script. I am still undecided about filling the anti-malaria prescription. Has anyone had a problem with malaria or taken the drugs?

[swanny727]

 

 

 

Internet connection is slow and slower moving along the river...currently I can't access my e-mail...don't know if the Chinese are ensuring I only see "good" news for my well being or what??

 

 

I use Yahoo mail and was wondering if it would be accessible. Are other pax having the issue as well? If there is a "preferred" email provider, I should get an address to use for this trip.

Diane

[Peregrina651]

I'll be on that trip in July. I have my Cipro script and also anti-malaria script. I am still undecided about filling the anti-malaria prescription. Has anyone had a problem with malaria or taken the drugs?

 

If you are just doing Imperial Jewels or Roof of the World, you won't be in the tropics. It's like cruising on the Rhine or the Mississippi in terms of climate. It may be very hot and humid but it still isn't a tropical zone.

[Peregrina651]

I use Yahoo mail and was wondering if it would be accessible. Are other pax having the issue as well? If there is a "preferred" email provider, I should get an address to use for this trip.

Diane

 

Swanny, I also use Yahoo and I just went through all of my saved e-mails looking for things that I may have sent or received during our 2010 cruise. This is what I could discover. I was able to access my Yahoo account while traveling and did send a couple of e-mails but none during the cruise portion of the trip. My guess is that internet service in the hotels was fast enough to allow connection but that service on the ship was so slow that it made it impossible to use Yahoo easily during those days.

 

But, two years makes a difference. New ship. New internet set up.

[bayerisch]

Thanks for the info, that helps. I'll be taking the Roof trip.

[caribill]

Sometimes the Chinese government blocks access to some web sites.

 

When I was in a hotel in China I could not access a page I had built that displayed the weather. But I could access it on the ship, so maybe a satellite link avoids the censorship.