Viking China (Part 2)

[at_nyc]

How can we be polite and respectful without saying 'please' and 'thank you'? It doesn't feel right.

Just say lots and lots of "xie-xie". :)

 

About the only way that works very well is observe how the Chinese interact with each other and with you. Do as the Romans... as the saying goes.

 

- If a Chinese hand you something using both hands, receive it with both hands!

 

- If your Chinese guide is tapping the table when tea is being poured, you can tap the table too. But if they're saying "xie-xie", you say "xie-xie"!

 

At least you're not in India, where you take off your shoes in one little room (a temple) and cover your hair at another (a mosque)!

 

That's the beauty of travelling to different countries, the culture!

Edited April 30, 2012 by at_nyc

[swanny727]

Yes, denim will not dry. Even in May, it took Julie's jeans a couple of days to dry when she washed them in the sink. But on the other hand, a smaller area can be helped along with a hair dryer.

 

Clothing that has already been dried in a machine should not shrink any more than it already has. We used the ship's laundry and did not have any shrinkage problems with our cottons. Not my dresses and tank tops and DH's Dockers or cotton polos.

 

I believe ironing service is available from the laundry but I don't remember if irons were available to to pax. Check the price list on the Viking website.

 

The Viking website shows a choice of Laundry and Press or Press Only. Also an option for Folded or On Hanger. I put my 100% cotton clothes only 2 minutes in the dryer and then air dry. That is why I am afraid of shrinkage. I think the best is to take a cotton blend.

[swanny727]

Laundry: We were vagabonds for 25 days this trip so doing laundry was inevitable. We fashioned an elastic clothesline from the balcony railing secured using the inside door handle to dry our shirts and other small items. For pants we secured them over the railing with large safety pins and some twine. Then we flew our flags as we sailed the Yangtze much like the Chinese. The smaller items dried quickly and all of it wearable that day. Temps were in the 60s with scattered sunshine.

 

If you have questions concerning anything ship related, we are friends with Capt Morgan...Asst Hotel Manager, Jay...dining room supervisor, Lois...bar manager and a number of other crew members. It is quite interesting reading the Chinese perspective of the antics of some passengers...like the couple who were complaining their room was too hot while wearing sweaters;-) I think the Chinese post was...Out the balcony and into the Yangtze;-). Or a lady who ordered salmon but wanted steak then broke down in tears because the waiter tried to appease her by providing both...Chinese, do you want the fin or the cow... Confucius doesn't know this saying;-). So what happens in China usually ends up on CC.

 

I asked Morgan this morning about using an iron...not as easy a question as you might think. I received the reply "some can iron, some can not iron." Translation...the ship's policy is to not allow passengers access to irons.

 

Cameras: We now bring 4 Canon cameras on most of our trips. A simple pocket sized P&S for a quick shot, an underwater camera for the rainy days, and two with high zoom capabilities for close ups and distant shots. For years it looked like I never vacationed with my family since I took all the photos. Since two people don't compose a photo the same, we have the opportunity to look at two different perspectives of most shots.

 

I've had people ask me to take their photo with a camera that requires a lengthy explanation to be able to push the button. Chinese want to take your photo if you look accessible to them so bring a camera that they can see you in a viewfinder and just push the button.

 

Another suggestion is to be courteous of the other people in your group, everyone wants photos of the places we see...I take my shot then move to the back so the next person has a chance to take a nice photo instead of the back of my head. Nothing more frustrating then trying to watch a demonstration with the same people standing in the front the entire time. Also have the courtesy to wait until they are done taking the shot. Attached is a photo of us with some of the dining room staff...the young ladies are all looking at another passenger who decided it was important to have a photo of us and told them to look at her as our photo was taken.

 

I have a very detailed gallery of photos from our 2009 trip at www.bobanddeb.smugmug.com/china and will complete our 2012 trip shortly for anyone wanting that would like to see them. We did the Cultural Delights trip both times.

 

Thank you for the informative posts. I laughed at the 'Iron" answer. I assume I am one that cannot iron.

[at_nyc]

I've had people ask me to take their photo with a camera that requires a lengthy explanation to be able to push the button.

LOL!

 

I learned that quickly. Since I travel alone a lot, and still want myself in the picture, I insist on a camera that can lock focus. It's impossible to explain to someone who only has limited understanding of English that I want them to first point to me to focus then shift to place me 2/3 off center! Heck, it's difficult to grasp even if English is their native language! So I lock the focus and exposure, then just ask them to point and shoot, with me off center to the left (or right). Works like a charm even with language barrier (ok, sometimes it takes a second shot. Thank god for digital camera so I can immediately see the picture! Doing it in Japan, with only hand gestures, was interesting AND often successful!)

Edited May 1, 2012 by at_nyc

[Peregrina651]

 

Barb here is a photo of the right side near the entrance on a non-crowded day in early April of 2012...you decide;-) The areas at the entrance and on either side of the vanguards get very crowded. As well as areas where any activity is taking place...basically everyone is trying to take photos of the same thing.

 

On the other hand, if the photography is what is most important to you, you may just want to ditch the group and spend the time on your own taking pictures. I found that the crowd in Pit#1 kind of came and went and that there were a couple of moments between where you almost had the space to yourself.

 

If you are going to split up, be sure to let your Viking escort know and set a time and place where you will meet up with the group again. If you are worried that you might miss something, the local guide isn't going to tell you much more than you can read on your own. In retrospect, I am sorry that we did not do it this way.

[Peregrina651]

Here's the act of using both hands in action...I never even realized it until your post.

 

 

Bob, I had read about before we went (in the same book that warned me that many public bathrooms don't stock the stalls with paper) and so I was watching for it. I noticed it for the first time when we talked with the concierge about an hour after we arrived; when he handed me the hotel business card that would get us back to the hotel when we were done shopping, he handed it to me with both hands.

[Kohola]

On the other hand, if the photography is what is most important to you, you may just want to ditch the group and spend the time on your own taking pictures. I found that the crowd in Pit#1 kind of came and went and that there were a couple of moments between where you almost had the space to yourself.

 

If you are going to split up, be sure to let your Viking escort know and set a time and place where you will meet up with the group again. If you are worried that you might miss something, the local guide isn't going to tell you much more than you can read on your own. In retrospect, I am sorry that we did not do it this way.

 

This time around our local guide explained Pit 1 before we entered into the crowds and remained at the entrance to answer questions while giving free time to walk around the Pit at our leisure based on when the video was to begin. There's an Imax style video that runs about 20 minutes which you may or may not want to watch. She provided detailed explanations in Pit 2&3 as a group then explained the exhibition hall. We were then free to explore the chariots in the hall or return to any of the pits on our own with a meet up time back at the bus which were parked just inside the gate. Our guide expected us to be able to navigate most areas back to the bus on our own, where some keep a tighter rein on their people...I prefer the freedom. They have a rear exit in Pit 1 which wasn't available in 2009 which allows more flexibility when navigating between the 3 pits on your own.

 

Karl: Capt Morgan replied that they do indeed thank the tea server with the two finger tapping of the table... I just received a smiley face when I asked why he never taught us that one.

[kbert92069]

Karl: Capt Morgan replied that they do indeed thank the tea server with the two finger tapping of the table... I just received a smiley face when I asked why he never taught us that one.

 

Thanks! I figured out where I read that one... the latest issue of Travel and Leisure magazine article about teas of the world.

 

Karl

[j-9]

I recall a discussion about airline frequent flyer programs and the flights, but can't find it. Does anyone know what airline(s) the 3 flights are on and if it is possible to accumulate miles on them? If so, how did you do it? Do you check-in for your flights individually and give your card?

What about the hotels? Is it possible to get credit for the stays?

Thanks

[caribill]

I recall a discussion about airline frequent flyer programs and the flights, but can't find it. Does anyone know what airline(s) the 3 flights are on and if it is possible to accumulate miles on them? If so, how did you do it? Do you check-in for your flights individually and give your card?

What about the hotels? Is it possible to get credit for the stays?

Thanks

 

Know in advance which Chinese airlines participate in your airlines' FF program as you will not know which airlines you will be flying in advance.

 

At the airport your guide checks you in, you do not so so individually. When we went, only one of the intra-Chinese flights was a partner on an FF plan we have. We went to a service desk of the Chinese airline and gave them our FF numbers after we had the boarding passes from our guide. We did get the miles credited.

 

It would not hurt if you can (before getting to the airport) have your guide write in Chinese for you that you are requesting the FF miles. It may make the process go more smoothly.

 

Alternatively, you moght be able to request your FF miles when you get home, but be sure to keep your boarding pass and know the ticket numier involved.

 

We did not stay at any hotel for which we had a frequent stay card, but I would present your card at the front desk and ask.

Edited May 2, 2012 by caribill

[Kohola]

I recall a discussion about airline frequent flyer programs and the flights, but can't find it. Does anyone know what airline(s) the 3 flights are on and if it is possible to accumulate miles on them? If so, how did you do it? Do you check-in for your flights individually and give your card?

What about the hotels? Is it possible to get credit for the stays?

Thanks

 

We flew Hainan from ChongQing to Xian and China Eastern from Xian to Beijing. We had a two hour weather delay on the latter...they boarded the plane and served the meal on the tarmac while we waited for the weather to clear so we would be one of the first flights in the air. 26 planes were diverted into Xian headed for Beijing because of the weather. We were also diverted going into Shanghai...landing in Wenzhou and then at the secondary airport in Shanghai instead of Pudong.

 

You can always try to get the FF, but Delta disallowed our China Eastern flight from Bangkok to Shanghai even though were we traveling independently because of the fare basis.

 

There are 3 major Chinese airlines...China Eastern, China Southern, and China Air and you may be on any of the three or one of their subsidiaries like Hainan.

 

13 Apr 2012

Delta 0128 from PEK(PEK) to Seattle, WA(SEA)

Activity Date : 13 Apr 2012 5408 1352 6760 5408 1

31 Mar 2012

China Eastern 0542 from BKK(BKK) to PVG(PVG)

Activity Date : 28 Mar 2012 0 0

Activity does not qualify for credit 0

Class Paid/Flown : X/Y

[swanny727]

I did a search for liquids and the most recent seems to be from Oct 2011.

roothy123 (#76) says that small amounts of liquids is Ok on the intra-China flghts. I recall another post about No liquids, not even drinks bought inside security. Any recent travelers that can clarify if small liquids can be inside carry-ons? I am thinking of the quart size baggie with 3oz containers that is allowed in US planes.

[Kohola]

I did a search for liquids and the most recent seems to be from Oct 2011.

roothy123 (#76) says that small amounts of liquids is Ok on the intra-China flghts. I recall another post about No liquids, not even drinks bought inside security. Any recent travelers that can clarify if small liquids can be inside carry-ons? I am thinking of the quart size baggie with 3oz containers that is allowed in US planes.

The procedures for intra-China flights are the same as flying within the US except a little more lax in certain areas...we didn't remove shoes, belts, coats, or uncase laptops in most airports and 3oz liquid containers are perfectly acceptable. Water or drinks in general are a different issue though...obviously no water through security, but there is another checkpoint at the gate that will confiscate any water that you may have bought inside the secure area of the airport which may have lead to the confusion about no liquids at all.

[swanny727]

The procedures for intra-China flights are the same as flying within the US except a little more lax in certain areas...we didn't remove shoes, belts, coats, or uncase laptops in most airports and 3oz liquid containers are perfectly acceptable. Water or drinks in general are a different issue though...obviously no water through security, but there is another checkpoint at the gate that will confiscate any water that you may have bought inside the secure area of the airport which may have lead to the confusion about no liquids at all.

 

Thanks that is what I was hoping. I want to travel with contact solution and hand sanitizer in my purse

[Kohola]

Know in advance which Chinese airlines participate in your airlines' FF program as you will not know which airlines you will be flying in advance.

 

At the airport your guide checks you in, you do not so so individually. When we went, only one of the intra-Chinese flights was a partner on an FF plan we have. We went to a service desk of the Chinese airline and gave them our FF numbers after we had the boarding passes from our guide. We did get the miles credited.

 

Caribill...Thanks for the info I'll have to try Delta for the Intra-China flights...they denied our flight to China so I never checked to see if we could get mileage for VRC tickets.

[j-9]

We leave on Friday for Shanghai, and I am very excited.

I've been looking at the weather forecast and it looks like we will have some rain, but here's hoping it won't be too heavy.

I checked out the reviews of the hotels we are booked at, and Shanghai and Beijing sound fantastic, but the Crowne plaza.in Xi'an has very few reviews as it is new, and there were complaints from Viking river cruisers about no air conditioning. I hope that has been resolved, or that it isn't too hot that night. I'll post an update after I've stayed.

We received our tickets and info pack a week or so ago. A luggage tag, name tag and lanyard, a booklet with our itinerary and a book on china. Useful stuff for the most part. The passport wallet thingy is too big for me, but some might find it useful.

I think I have my packing planned-now just need to see if it fits in my suitcase! We travel "carry-on" only, so sometimes it is a challenge.

Cheers!

[caribill]

We leave on Friday for Shanghai, and I am very excited.

 

Have a great trip!!!

 

Be sure to post about it when you return.

[Kohola]

but the Crowne plaza.in Xi'an has very few reviews as it is new, and there were complaints from Viking river cruisers about no air conditioning. I hope that has been resolved, or that it isn't too hot that night. I'll post an update after I've stayed.

China has laws governing when heating and A/C can be made operable. A/C is required to be set no lower than 76 degrees by law. We arrived to a very nice day in Xian on 4/9/12 where both the Hyatt and the Crowne plaza would have been sweltering...the Hyatt chose to ignore the law and provide us with A/C, but the Crowne Plaza opted not to.

 

In the sweltering months of summer major cities in China have rolling blackouts because their electrical grid cannot support the demand. Each day different sections of their cities lose power per a predetermined schedule...

[kbert92069]

We leave on Friday for Shanghai, and I am very excited.....

I think I have my packing planned-now just need to see if it fits in my suitcase! We travel "carry-on" only, so sometimes it is a challenge.

 

We're on the Imperial Jewels in the same direction but not until October. I'm looking forward to hearing of your experiences.

 

I cannot even begin to imagine a 12 day trip with only a carry on. Good luck.

[Ryan55]

A review of the Viking Emerald (Cultural Delights, April 2012) with some helpful tips has been posted under member reviews on this site. Go to http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=101576.

[recyclelady]

A review of the Viking Emerald (Cultural Delights, April 2012) with some helpful tips has been posted under member reviews on this site. Go to http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=101576.

 

I've never read any very favorable reviews about the food. On the other hand, I guess the food is not the main attraction on this trip. If my food were sub-par on one of my Caribbean cruises, that would probably be another story!

 

I love reading everyone's opinions!

[caribill]

I've never read any very favorable reviews about the food. On the other hand, I guess the food is not the main attraction on this trip. If my food were sub-par on one of my Caribbean cruises, that would probably be another story!

 

 

When we did the Imperial Jewels trip two years ago we had no problem with the quality of the food. Five star gourmet? No.

 

But it was all good tasting.

 

The only problem we had was the number of successive lunches during touring was that they were basically all the same. Same variety served lazy Susan style. Good tasting, but the same thing for several days.

[mmwc]

We leave on Friday for Shanghai, and I am very excited.

I've been looking at the weather forecast and it looks like we will have some rain, but here's hoping it won't be too heavy.

I checked out the reviews of the hotels we are booked at, and Shanghai and Beijing sound fantastic, but the Crowne plaza.in Xi'an has very few reviews as it is new, and there were complaints from Viking river cruisers about no air conditioning. I hope that has been resolved, or that it isn't too hot that night. I'll post an update after I've stayed.

We received our tickets and info pack a week or so ago. A luggage tag, name tag and lanyard, a booklet with our itinerary and a book on china. Useful stuff for the most part. The passport wallet thingy is too big for me, but some might find it useful.

I think I have my packing planned-now just need to see if it fits in my suitcase! We travel "carry-on" only, so sometimes it is a challenge.

Cheers!

 

Would love to travel "carry-on" only, how do you do it? What kind of bag do you use? We are doing the same trip in April 2013. Looking forward to hearing about your experiences.

Safe travels.

Michael and Midge

[j-9]

Would love to travel "carry-on" only, how do you do it? What kind of bag do you use? We are doing the same trip in April 2013. Looking forward to hearing about your experiences.

Safe travels.

Michael and Midge

 

Carry-on only is kind of minimalistic, but for me the benefits outweigh the downside. With a bit of practice, planning, and some fashion sacrifices, your trip can be much more pleasant. My rule is don't take more than you can easily carry.

We use MEC carry-on sized wheeled backpack style suitcases. They have hidden straps, so if needed we can clip the little backpack onto the suitcase, and then wear the suitcase like a backpack. Great for Europe.

I also travel a lot, so I have lots of light weight, quick dry clothes which makes it a bit easier. I take a little bottle of liquid laundry soap and wash some stuff if needed. Shoes are the hardest, because they take up so much space. I usually manage to take my runners and one other pair in my suitcase. We don't do fancy, but usually have 2 outfits to get presentable for dinner.

My longest trip carry on only is 3 weeks, combo work vacation. The funniest was my husband and I sharing a carryon for a week in Florida (we were traveling with my elderly father, so had to be able to carry his suitcase too)

Try it! It is liberating. And it makes deciding what to wear much easier.

[meddykay]

My friend, Jenny, and I just went on the April 21 - May 3 Imperial Jewels trip, Shanghai to Beijing. It was all we had hoped and much more than we had imagined it would be.

 

Yes, it did rain some, but not so much as to dampen the experience. A waterproof jacket with hood and small umbrella worked fine the 2 times we were caught in showers.

 

I had read of people tiring of the food and took some protein bars just in case. The food was great and I found enough variety to keep my tastebuds interested. Never ate the protein bars. And I could go out for Chinese tonight. The food is different than the Chinese food here, but not all that strange. There is enough variety than you can pick and choose and maybe even take a chance.

 

We were at the Great Wall on May 1, which is a Chinese national holiday. There were crowds, but it was such fun to see Chinese families interacting while on holiday. We felt like movie stars as we were looked at and asked by many families and groups of teenagers to have our pictures taken with them. I'd pass my camera to them to take the same photos and now have a collection of pictures of us with smiling Chinese people at the Great Wall. It was a magnificent experience and reminded me of how much you can communicate with a smile and a bit of sign language. The only two phrases we used were Shay Shay and Knee How ( can only spell these phonetically) but they always elicited smiles from the Chinese. Probably was our pronunciation, but they understood what we were trying to say - or that we were at least trying to say something in their language.

 

I used only one small bottle of hand sanitizer, but used it religiously. So did Jenny. We never needed our Cipro or Immodium.

 

Wore short sleeved tee shirts and crop pants most of the time. Took 2 pairs of walking shoes with good support and needed them both. Lots and lots of walking. Yes, you get to sit down regularly, but you're on your feet a lot.

 

I'm still mentally processing the trip as it was packed with new sights, experiences, beautiful scenery, energizing cities and wonderful people. I would recommend this cruise highly. Our tour escort, Charles, was fantastic. He took care of us, educated us, entertained us and made the whole trip successful. For the members of our group who had some issues with walking, he very diplomatically made wheelchairs accessible, so everyone in our group was able to enjoy and participate.

 

I tended to over think the details before going. I need not have wasted that energy, as Viking and Charles had already thought of everything.

 

 

 

 

 

We leave on Friday for Shanghai, and I am very excited.