Viking China (Part 2)

[Peregrina651]

I've been watching the site for months, have called a couple times, and when I put this one on hold yesterday, I asked about 2014 again and was told that if it hadn't been posted by now, it was doubtful they would be doing it next year. Guess anything's possible though. :confused:

 

Somewhere in this thread, Viking has posted a contact e-mail address. Write to them and ask. They are a bit further up the food-chain and might be able to get you a more definitive answer. Look on page 86 of this thread, post#1718 for the contact info.

[zelker]

Somewhere in this thread, Viking has posted a contact e-mail address. Write to them and ask. They are a bit further up the food-chain and might be able to get you a more definitive answer. Look on page 86 of this thread, post#1718 for the contact info.

 

Wow! That was fast. I just emailed and already got a response that "it is not currently in the planning for 2014". :(

[shebawalk]

BSK sounds like it's the experience of a lifetime. I'm traveling solo and the website says that it's a 4 person minimum. It also says that there is a lunch option. Is anyone familiar with that?

 

Xiexie

[79ti]

Peregrina, can you add Sept 15 Explorer to the roll call list? Thanks!

Also, how do I get notifications in my emails?

[Peregrina651]

Wow! That was fast. I just emailed and already got a response that "it is not currently in the planning for 2014". :(

 

Well I'm bummed! I was seriously considering a repeat journey somewhere down the road just to do Explorer. Now I really understand your dilemma and have to pedal back on the 100% satisfied thing.

[sissabagrama]

BSK sounds like it's the experience of a lifetime. I'm traveling solo and the website says that it's a 4 person minimum. It also says that there is a lunch option. Is anyone familiar with that?

 

Xiexie

Check out their website again, lunch options are for the cooking school offerings and fill very quickly. My husband and I got reservations for a Thursday night (not listed as possible, but it was . . .) Apr. 4th. We didn't make it into the kitchen table group, but we had a simply fantastic time - you can join the kitchen group throughout the cooking, but our table of guests from the UK, Belgium and Wisconsin (us) had so much fun, we seldom bothered with it after the first parts. Just eating and enjoying new company was over the top. We had the Wine and Dine 300 RMB pkg, it was $48.50 pp including wonderful wines and jasmine tea! I put a review on Tripadvisor.com, there are many there to look through.

[zelker]

Well I'm bummed! I was seriously considering a repeat journey somewhere down the road just to do Explorer. Now I really understand your dilemma and have to pedal back on the 100% satisfied thing.

 

Here was the amended email that came shortly after the first one:

 

Allow me to apologize, I sent off the previous e-mail without finishing it. We do not currently plan for the China Explorer in 2014. While we do believe that our current offering covers the best China has to offer, we will, from time to time, introduce new programs in all regions where our ships travel if and when we see opportunities to provide our guests with interesting, fresh experiences. We hope and trust that, in the future, you will find other new programs that will be compelling.

 

I replied that his response miffed me since they offer the same trips repeatedly in most places in the world and that this one seemed to be quite popular since it sold out quickly and that I was quite surprised they wouldn't offer it again.

 

Heck, what do I know, right? :p

[Peregrina651]

Peregrina, can you add Sept 15 Explorer to the roll call list? Thanks!

Also, how do I get notifications in my emails?

 

Here's a link for September 15 Explorer

 

Any time you post to a thread, you are automatically subscribed to that thread and you can choose how often you wish to be notified about new posts: instantly, daily digest, weekly digest or not at all.

 

You manage your subscriptions in the UserCP. There is a link to it in the CC header at the top of every page. On the left side of the page, choose LIST SUBSCRIPTIONS. Now you see the entire list and it will tell you what kind of notification you have opted for. Also in the far right hand column of the list is a check-box. Underneath the list is a drop-down labeled Selected Threads.

 

To make changes to your subscriptions (including deleting them), check the box of the subscription you wish to make changes to. Next go to the Selected Threads menu, click on the down arrow, choose the action you wish to take and then click on GO. That should do it.

 

To change how new subscriptions are handled (maybe your settings are set for no notifcation and you want that to be daily in the future), go to EDIT OPTIONS in the UserCP.

 

 

 

 

[Peregrina651]

Here was the amended email that came shortly after the first one:

Allow me to apologize, I sent off the previous e-mail without finishing it. We do not currently plan for the China Explorer in 2014. While we do believe that our current offering covers the best China has to offer, we will, from time to time, introduce new programs in all regions where our ships travel if and when we see opportunities to provide our guests with interesting, fresh experiences. We hope and trust that, in the future, you will find other new programs that will be compelling.

I replied that his response miffed me since they offer the same trips repeatedly in most places in the world and that this one seemed to be quite popular since it sold out quickly and that I was quite surprised they wouldn't offer it again.

 

Heck, what do I know, right? :p

 

Right, what do we know! We can only guess from what we read here and other places and from what we see on the Viking website. Also, don't read too much into the 'sold out' because they probably allotted only a busload worth of cabins (15-16)per sailing to the itinerary. Jewels, Explorer and Tibet all share the cruise portion and Jewels is the bread-and-butter.

[QLT408]

My husband, Tony, and I have booked this trip along with the Hong Kong extension. This is a wonderful thread...lots of helpful information. Thank you to all who have posted. I have started a Roll Call thread for this sailing.

 

Barbara

[Peregrina651]

May 11 Jewels

May 18 Explorer

May 31 Jewels

June 3 Jewels

June 20 Jewels

June 30 Jewels

July 3

July 7 Explorer

July 20 Roof (Tibet)

August 2 Jewels

September 8 Jewels

September 15 Explorer

October 11 Jewels

 

 

2014

June 17 Jewels

[sissabagrama]

As we've talked with our new friends from our April 4 Imperial Jewels tour, I have heard and agreed with a thought I think I should share. Our home visit in a hutong via rickshaws was wonderful. The older woman and her niece were informative, gracious and welcoming. The niece continues her family's craft of painting inside glass bottles. She's been featured in the 2008 Olympics Artisans booklet. Many of us bought one or more of her works, starting with a very tiny perfume type bottle at $22.

Later, on the Emerald, the artist there with his bottles was a much higher level of artist, and prices were better for better works.

Still, that said, buying something from the young niece was memorable and shouldn't be discarded, but I think it's worth noting to future travelers that for larger, higher level art in this craft, you will find it on the ship - made to order with bottle and design choice. Just an FYI.

[79ti]

Thanks so much, will try that now!

Lori

[Homerun6320]

We returned last week from China Explorer, Mar 28 - Apr 15. This was Viking’s first ever run with this particular itinerary and included two new ports - Chengdu and Lijiang. As might be expected, there were a few hiccups but, all in all, an excellent trip. I’ll devote most of this post to the new stops but will include a few items that seem to have changed since last season.

Flight over and Beijing. VRC flew us over a day early (3/28) nonstop (14 hrs) from Washington Dulles and we arrived about 3:00 PM in Beijing. A Viking tour escort met about 40 of us near baggage claim, collected our checked luggage and bussed us to our hotel, the Fairmont. They paid for the additional “forced night” as well as breakfast the next morning - a great start! Didn’t go that way for everyone though - one couple didn’t get in until about 11:00 PM on 3/29 and started the tour early the next morning.

We can confirm that there are plenty of cabs in Beijing. However, you can’t always find one willing to take you where you want to go, at least not near our hotel. It seems to have something to do with zones and allowable charges. We nearly missed our Black Sesame Kitchen reservations when numerous cabs refused us.

If you are going to be moving about on your own, I recommend the subway. Yes, it’s a full contact sport but both signs and announcements are in English. Just be sure you have an up dated subway map. It should show recently opened Line 6.

VRC has split the opera and the Peking Duck dinner so that they occur on consecutive nights. The dinner got mixed reviews from our group.

Beijing was still cool, especially in the evenings and there was still some left over snow at the Great Wall. Layered clothing came in handy.

Xi’an. The Terracotta warriors were a highpoint and VRC has added a day to the stop for seeing the old City Wall.

Chengdu. This stop is unique to China Explorer and the Giant Pandas at the Research Station are the main attraction. The bears are divided among 3 different enclosures to try and spread out the crowds. We were there during a week long holiday (Tomb Sweeping) and it was crowded. The fee charged for holding a baby panda has increased to $340 and there were no appointments left by midday.

A Sichuan opera is included on day 6 and we thought this one was way better than the Beijing opera. You get to see one of the character put on his makeup and the last third of the show has several face changers. They are amazing.

Lijiang This stop is very much different from any of the others. It is a much smaller city and the schedule gives you a considerable amount of free time. The elevation there is about 7900 ft and several of us with respiratory problems were a little uncomfortable the first day.

There is a Naxi Embroidery Institute about 12 km north of the Old Town where you can see young Naxi women creating their very intricate embroidery. (You will have seen examples of this craft at the Jade Factory where you stopped for lunch on Day 3). There is a gallery where about 50 works by Masters and Instructors are for sale. This place is not on Viking’s itinerary but I can provide contact information if anyone is interested. (My email is rwchasteen@cox.net).

Chongqing, Emerald, Jingzhou, Wuhan and Shanghai All these have been covered in detail elsewhere in this thread so I won’t repeat the info. China Explorer has a very full itinerary and events are closely scheduled. If you are a shopper, you will find few opportunities except for the places Viking takes you, usually combined with lunch. If you need more time or are looking for something specific, you may have to give up an event ( eg.a museum visit or a meal) to make time for it. Finally, I am sorry to see that Viking apparently does not intend to offer Explorer in 2014. Maybe a loud chorus of approval from those of us who have been might change that.

Homerun

 

　

[rahrah50]

Homerun, so glad you had a wonderful trip. I can hardly wait to hear about fabric shopping. Did you have a chance to do any fabric shopping at all???

[Turtles06]

Homerun: welcome home, and thanks for taking the time to post in detail about the Explorer itinerary, which definitely intrigued so many of us who traveled to China with Viking before this was offered. Glad you had a wonderful time. It does seem a shame that VRC is not offering this again, at least not next year. Maybe the logistics were just too much, or there was insufficient profit from the additional stops. (It's hard to believe there wasn't sufficient demand...)

[Homerun6320]

RahRah50,

Here, for what they're worth, are our experiences.

In Beijing we went to Rui Fu Xiang at 5 Dazhalan Jie in Chongwen District (there is another outlet at 190 Wangfujing Dajie). The opening price for silk brocade was $30 per meter. Some hard bargaining got it down to abt $15 -still too high!

In Shanghai we shopped at Shi Liu Pu Cloth Market, 168 Dongmen Lu (abt 20 min from Yu Yuan Gardens) and at the South Bund Material Market, 399 Lu Jia Bang Rd. Each of these is a 3 story building filled with individual stalls selling silk, silk brocade and other fabric. Shi Liu Pu is less frantic with less sales pressure. Prices ran $5 - $6 per meter after bargaining and the quality was good.

I'm sure there were other places (including an underground mall in Chongquing we never found) but time and the language barrier make this difficult. Let us know how you do.

Homerun

[rahrah50]

Thank you so much Homerun!!!! I was especially happy to hear about the good quality. I will take this information with me. Coming home from China without silk would be a big disappointment!!!

[bettybc]

I'm sitting in my hotel room at the St. Regis in Lhasa while writing this. I'll post a full review when I get home. so far the trip has been go, go go and not for the faint of heart. Due to mild altitude illness I begged off the Patella experience.

The breakfasts have been fine but the lunch and suppers have been not great - and I'm not a fussy eater. But you can only face so many meals of 'mystery meats' with fat and sauces before you say enough is enough. Twice here in Lhasa we have opted to eat in (not a cheap option) and have not regret doing that.

So just be warned. And if your expectations are low, you won't be disappointed. We've been to China before and eaten well and chepaply so not sure why Viking would have chosen these restaurants. There's a rumour that the restaurants are chosen for them :p

All for now. More to come when we get home.

[Queen of DaNile]

Thanks for the update Bettybc. Too bad you had to miss the Potala Palace but best to put your health first. Interesting comments about the food. Guess we will be packing some energy bars for our trip in September. Looking forward to reading a full report when you safely get home.

[readytogo12/07]

Hi All,

 

I hope I have absorbed all the great information from this thread. We leave tomorrow am for Shanghai...for the Jewels cruise.

 

Will post our experiences when we return...not taking a laptop.

 

Please send good thoughts our way. I started spinal decompression 2 months ago and had thought no pain by this time. It has quite worked out that way. I have a couple of herniated disks....but I will do my best. I am excited anyway!

 

Good luck and great times to all the cruisers coming up later.

 

Susan

[Turtles06]

Hi All,

 

I hope I have absorbed all the great information from this thread. We leave tomorrow am for Shanghai...for the Jewels cruise.

 

Will post our experiences when we return...not taking a laptop.

 

Please send good thoughts our way. I started spinal decompression 2 months ago and had thought no pain by this time. It has quite worked out that way. I have a couple of herniated disks....but I will do my best. I am excited anyway!

 

Good luck and great times to all the cruisers coming up later.

 

Susan

 

Have a wonderful time, and I hope you aren't in pain. We look forward to hearing your thoughts when you return.

[purestone2004]

Hello all. We are getting ready to book well in advance for the "Roof of the World" trip in August 2014. First river cruise/tour. Couple of questions. (okay 3 questions)

 

1. Anyone had any issues paying full in advance? I see that if you cancel 120 days in advance you get refund less $100 or so.

 

2. We were looking at a junior suite but really for the extra $1500 or so per person and the cruise being only 6 days is it really "worth it"? Other than a bit more space is there any difference from a "regular" room?

 

3. We are most likely going to book the air also with Viking just to have it all in a package. Off far in advance do they give you your flights? I am assuming for us to go get our visas we will need that information. Also did you need a seperate visa for Tibet? or is just one for China include Tibet?

 

Thanks. Karen

[travelfirst]

I have my 4th Viking cruise booked and never had a problem with paying in advance.

 

I don't think you will need the suite. I went with a friend to China in 2010 and we had two beds and a sitting area, there was a lot of room. We had a balcony also but never had time to go and sit out there.

 

I took the Viking air twice now and never had a problem. I am taking their air for November also. I can't remember when we got our flight information. I know I called once in awhile to see if they had our air schedule so I could book our seats.

 

We went on the Imperial Jewels of China so never went to Tibet.

[Peregrina651]

Hello all. We are getting ready to book well in advance for the "Roof of the World" trip in August 2014. First river cruise/tour. Couple of questions. (okay 3 questions)

 

1. Anyone had any issues paying full in advance? I see that if you cancel 120 days in advance you get refund less $100 or so.

 

IMHO, trip/cancellation insurance bought with a few days of booking is a must. That will cover the 120 days between the 100% cut off date and departure. You never know what life will bring you. Look at what Viking offers and compare it to other companies. It will also cover you for medical expenses overseas, baggage loss, etc.

 

2. We were looking at a junior suite but really for the extra $1500 or so per person and the cruise being only 6 days is it really "worth it"? Other than a bit more space is there any difference from a "regular" room?

 

All passengers travel on the same ship, eat in the same dining room, ride on the same buses and receive the same services. The only thing you get with the suite is more space in more cabin space. All the cabins have balconies.

 

I'd add the Hong Kong extension before I upgrade a cabin.

 

3. We are most likely going to book the air also with Viking just to have it all in a package. Off far in advance do they give you your flights? I am assuming for us to go get our visas we will need that information. Also did you need a seperate visa for Tibet? or is just one for China include Tibet?

 

How far out you get your flights depends on a lot of things.

 

Flights are a complicated issues. There is a lot to consider.

 

Read whatever Viking has posted on its website about flights, air fare (including about gateway cities) and custom and deviation fees.

 

Do some homework (immediately) to get idea of how well you can do air fare on your own compared to Viking. Keep in mind that booking flights with Viking means that you get airport transfers; otherwise, you are on your own.

 

Unless you are willing to put up with whatever arrangements Viking gives you (and that might include stopovers, late night arrivals and early morning departures), pay the Custom Air fee and talk with Viking about flights.

 

Viking's prices might be lower than what you can get on your own but sometimes price isn't everything. You might not be able to accumulate FF miles on certain legs (because of the class of ticket offered); you might not be able to use miles to upgrade. These are things to consider.

 

Viking will supply information about visas. In any case, it is one of the areas of questioning where, imho, you should rely on Viking for answers and not the crowd (we're good but were aren't perfect).

 

Hope this helps get you started.

Edited May 1, 2013 by Peregrina651