Viking China (Part 2)

sissabagrama · March 4, 2013

Hmm...I see they've not only added a Wed night wine 'n dine since we were there (it was only on Fridays in 2011), but now the web site also says: "Main kitchen table availability is based on the order of your reservation." So perhaps how early you actually show up no longer matters....

Another good reason to book as early as you can!! :)

Yes! We actually now have reservations, and we missed the kitchen by one reservation, Michelle the manager tells us we will be 'bumped up' should there be a cancellation. I have no doubt we'll love it either way. Thanks for all your good advice! Now all we'll have to do is get there and find it! I can't imagine a whole month of this level of excitement BEFORE we even go! What fun.

readytogo12/07 · March 4, 2013

I am a fan of Keens (Whisper or Newport) both have support, protect the toes, and don't get too "slippy-slidey" in the rain.

Thanks Molymoo

I have been looking online for different sandals and really like the look of the Newport. Will probably try those out.

I haven't gotten out to look since I am currently getting spinal decompression for a couple of herniated discs. Also receiving epidural

steroid injections. Both doctors know that I have to be tip top by May 1..(well actually April 30). I feel like I will do some better in China with all this treatment. Didn't realize I had the disc problem until mri a couple of weeks ago. Just thought I got tired and sore easy and had to sit down a lot. Well enough about my medical.

I can't wait...the trips that ya'll have described sound so great.

It's time to think about visa. We will go to the chinese consulate in

houston. Gotta get those pics first. :)

Hope everyone has a good week!

Susan

Kohola · March 4, 2013

Kohola - Thanks for your post on Xian. You've given me some ideas. We will also be staying at the Hilton, so it looks like we will have a number of options available to us. I don't think we want a undertake a10 mile walk, however a short walk through the neighborhood might be very interesting. Is it safe to wander around the immediate area of the hotel? Would you recommend a guide, since we don't speak Chinese?

TT

China is very safe when it comes to any type of physical assault, but petty crime as pick pocketing happens. I have no reservations about being out in China at any hour of the day in any neighborhood. If you're just looking at wandering around to say hi and take photos with the Chinese then there is no need for a guide, but beyond that a guide is a must. Just remember to carry your name tag with your guide's cell # and a card for the hotel should you take a wrong turn. The wall in Xian is completely restored so it is worth a look, especially the towers and gates. The Chinese will go out of their way for foreigners so talking to the front desk and bell hops about how best to see some of Xian can lead to some nice results as well as your tour escort. The Chinese brag to their friends about their encounters with visitors so the more outgoing you are towards them the better.

Off subject...I was chatting with a high school chemistry teacher who lives in Wuxi near Shanghai. She teaches one class of 57 seniors prepping for college. The students in her school system take 5 years of physics and 4 years of chemistry beginning in middle school in preparation for taking their college entrance exams. I am trying to verify how common this is across China, but what a difference between our two education systems in this instance.

brandysimpson · March 4, 2013

I will be solo on this cruise and I'm wondering if there is someone else who will also be cruising solo. Looks like a wonderful cruise but I'm questioning whether this is a good cruise for going solo. Anyone........?

caribill · March 4, 2013

I will be solo on this cruise and I'm wondering if there is someone else who will also be cruising solo. Looks like a wonderful cruise but I'm questioning whether this is a good cruise for going solo. Anyone........?

Two parts to your question

1. anyone else on your cruise going solo?

2. is this a good cruise for going solo?

I'll let those who have traveled solo answer the second part.

For the first part, please realize that very few people on any ship (usually less than 3%) even know about Cruise Critic. So, there is very little chance (and I hope I am wrong) that anyone also traveling solo on your cruise date will see your message. Possible Viking would be able to tell you how many other cabins have just one passenger on your trip.

Peregrina651 · March 4, 2013

I will be solo on this cruise and I'm wondering if there is someone else who will also be cruising solo. Looks like a wonderful cruise but I'm questioning whether this is a good cruise for going solo. Anyone........?

Everything is done in groups. We tour in groups. Most meals are served at large tables seating of at least 10 people. There aren't fifty different bars and lounges on the ship, so we relax in groups as well.

Peregrina651 · March 4, 2013

Here is a list of Roll Calls for the 2013 season with links. Did I miss any? If you start a new one, be sure to post the link here.

March 3 Jewels

March 27 Cultural Delights

(sharing cruise with April 21 Jewels)

Edited March 4, 2013 by Peregrina651

caribill · March 4, 2013

Everything is done in groups. We tour in groups.

These groups are the ones of about 35 people that each have a Viking group leader and which stay together the entire trip Each group:

a) Stays in the same hotel

b) Flies on the same plane

c) Tours together on land on on excursions from the ship

When onboard the ship at meals, you can sit with whomever you wish, but people tend to eat with members from their group as those are the people they are now best acquainted with.

justmesk · March 4, 2013

you have the april 14 roll call on your link , there is a link for the April 4th one somewhere

brandysimpson · March 4, 2013

Caribill and Peregrina651:

Thank you for your advice and comments. I called Viking and they can't give me that information but said that they always have bookings for solos.

Perhaps I shouldn't be too concerned if everything is done in groups.

I will, however, be on my own in Shanghai for 3 days and Hong Kong for 4 days. (Going solo came about when my sister and travelling companion was diagnosed with kidney disease and now has dialysis every other day.)

Caribill, I have seen your name on the Mariner threads as I am also on the Mariner from Galveston to Singapore.

Peregrina651 · March 4, 2013

you have the april 14 roll call on your link , there is a link for the April 4th one somewhere

Here are links for both April 4 and April 14.

caribill · March 5, 2013

Caribill, I have seen your name on the Mariner threads as I am also on the Mariner from Galveston to Singapore.

So, are you then flying from Singapore to China?

If you have any questions while on the mariner that we can answer about our Viking trip, we will be pleased to answer.

Edited March 5, 2013 by caribill

Peregrina651 · March 5, 2013

Perhaps I shouldn't be too concerned if everything is done in groups.

I will, however, be on my own in Shanghai for 3 days and Hong Kong for 4 days. (Going solo came about when my sister and travelling companion was diagnosed with kidney disease and now has dialysis every other day.)

Brandy, we're so sorry to hear about your sister and hope that she is doing well in the face of her difficulties.

JP1320 · March 5, 2013

That's great! Be sure to get there early so you can get a seat in the kitchen and not in the outer room. Watching the food being cooked is a huge part of the experience!

My wife and I will be on the June 20 tour and hope to manage a reservation for June 28 with their wine and dine package. Having read their website, plus the usual review websites, it sounds like a must do. Really looking forward to it.:)

GoInOnaCruz · March 5, 2013

Hi all we made it last night and a quick post about something that seems to be different than I read in previous years (before I forget)--as always Viking was waiting for us at about midnight and we made it to the two hotels that were booked from the flight that we all took from Chicago--none of us knew that there were several others aboard until we got off--two were sitting across aisle from us! Anyway, we were "forced" to stay last night (thank goodness) and Viking pays for the breakfast on that day--which I don't think they did before--lunch and dinner are on your own. We are (according to one of the other cruisers) about 140 people on this cruise--don't know if we meet up with another kind of cruise on the river--some of you might know better than me. We spent the day with a private guide (as suggested by fellow cruiser SteadyAT) and had an incredible day exploring Temple of Heaven and a couple of other parks and also eating at a restaurant that serves "homely" food--in other words home-style cooking. Tonight we are off to Black Sesame Kitchen which is now open especially because I requested a reservation and they said they would open if someone else requested a reservation and at least one other couple who appeared on our roll call did--I'll let you know about that soon. Can't say it will be in the next day or two but maybe on the river--unless I have a surge of energy! Thanks to all who gave us all kinds of advice--I really impressed our guide with all I already knew :) and I would have never thought to try for BSK! China is fantastic and I was definitely a reluctant traveler at the beginning of our planning--now wholeheartedly for it and VR does a great organizational job.

brandysimpson · March 5, 2013

So, are you then flying from Singapore to China?

If you have any questions while on the mariner that we can answer about our Viking trip, we will be pleased to answer.

Yes, I'm flying from Singapore to Beijing, taking the river cruise to Shanghai for a few days, flying to Hong Kong for 4 days then flying home on June 21. Thank you for your offer as I'm sure to have a lot or questions.

Peregrina651: Thank you for your kind words for my sister. Although she spends many hours at the hospital every other day, they are going to train her to use her own machine at home so she can use it during the night while she sleeps. This will free up her time to do the things she wants to do during the day.

sissabagrama · March 5, 2013

I hope you are not offended if I put your sister's name on our school 'prayer' board, all 300+ children pray for those intentions each day. I'm sure the part with the V cruise tour will be just fine solo. You are brave, though! I'm impressed.

Peregrina651 · March 5, 2013

Yes, I'm flying from Singapore to Beijing, taking the river cruise to Shanghai for a few days, flying to Hong Kong for 4 days then flying home on June 21. Thank you for your offer as I'm sure to have a lot or questions.

Brandy, I'm thinking that after two months of reading about this cruise and the other that you will feel a lot more comfortable about starting your journey on your own--and I say starting because you won't be on your own for long. Half the unease stems from the the unknown.

JP1320 · March 6, 2013

Hi Peregrina, I am reaching out to you for some guidance. My wife and I will be on the Imperial Jewels, Shanghai to Beijing tour June 20 and I have posted on Roll Call to this effect. However, you made a reference some time back regarding linking and I am lost on how you do this. I think it is a reference to posting on the general River Cruise forum the same info but advising of a Roll Call availability.

This is our first River Cruise and also a special celebration of our Golden Wedding, so we are looking forward to it immensely. We have sailed on numerous Ocean going cruises, so our sea legs are fine and we are just back from Peru and Machu Picchu, so we are a young spirited older couple. Any help appreciated. Joe and Pat

brandysimpson · March 6, 2013

I hope you are not offended if I put your sister's name on our school 'prayer' board, all 300+ children pray for those intentions each day. I'm sure the part with the V cruise tour will be just fine solo. You are brave, though! I'm impressed.

I am certainly not offended by your offer of prayers for Heather, my sister. Thank you for your kindness.

Peregrina651:Yes, I am feeling somewhat better about this trip but I am still hesitant about the latter part in China. I spoke to my TA today and my cancellation penalty is bearable if I cancel by Thursday. My TA is checking to see if she would be able to change the flight home.

You are so right - fear of the unknown! Thank you for your encouragement.

Peregrina651 · March 6, 2013

Hi Peregrina, I am reaching out to you for some guidance. My wife and I will be on the Imperial Jewels, Shanghai to Beijing tour June 20 and I have posted on Roll Call to this effect. However, you made a reference some time back regarding linking and I am lost on how you do this. I think it is a reference to posting on the general River Cruise forum the same info but advising of a Roll Call availability.

This is our first River Cruise and also a special celebration of our Golden Wedding, so we are looking forward to it immensely. We have sailed on numerous Ocean going cruises, so our sea legs are fine and we are just back from Peru and Machu Picchu, so we are a young spirited older couple. Any help appreciated. Joe and Pat

Joe--and anyone else--, please e-mail me using the link in my signature below and I will be happy to give you step by step instructions for any Cruise Critic how-to. Just click on the link and it open an e-mail window or right click on it to copy my e-mail address.

justmesk · March 6, 2013

Please change that link so that it links to the Apr 4 roll call

I don't know how to make the link....but here was the roll call for Apr 4

viking Emerald Imperial Jewels of China - Apr 4-2013-roll call

justmesk · March 6, 2013

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/newre...e=1&p=37348095

here is the link to Apr 4 Imperial Jewels Emerald

justmesk · March 6, 2013

I notice that link is broken , but please notice the one you have listed for April 4 ...is actually April 14 who ever made the post posted it as 4-14-13 so that is actually april 14, can you please change the link so it goes to my post of the roll call for April 4 Thank you

Peregrina651 · March 6, 2013

I notice that link is broken , but please notice the one you have listed for April 4 ...is actually April 14 who ever made the post posted it as 4-14-13 so that is actually april 14, can you please change the link so it goes to my post of the roll call for April 4 Thank you

I tested the links after you commented the first time I posted the links and couldn't figure out what you were talking about. I read it very carefully; it said 4/4/2013. I tested it 5 more times this evening and each time I read 4/4/2013. It took 5 times before I realized that it did actually say 4/14/2013. I apologize for whatever glitch was going on in my brain.

I cannot go back and change what has already been posted but I can post a corrected list here and try to get the powers that be to delete the posts with the wrong information; no guarantees.

Links to Roll Calls--the place to meet up with folks who will be on your cruisetour and get to to know one another before you leave.

March 3 Jewels

March 27 Cultural Delights

CORRECTED

(sharing cruise with April 21 Jewels)

April 21 Jewels

May 18 Explorer

June 20 Jewels