13n Imperial Jewels of China Cruisetour –
Viking River Cruise & land trip from Beijing to Shanghai         6/15/10

Thank you for the chocolates.  It was an unexpected, wonderful surprise. Yes, we had a wonderful time -had virtually no jet lag in China.  But when we got home we experienced a long adjustment.  I have a shift at the Red Cross on Mondays and last night, almost a week after we got back, I was nodding off.  So, I really haven't poked my head out much and that is why I haven't written you.

It WAS a trip of a lifetime.  It would take a day to describe all the wonderful experiences.  I have only two negative comments.  The food wasn't as good as I expected.  The Chinese food we had was westernized.  Not that I want to eat live squid.  They seemed to cater to our customized tastes.  I was expecting some different spices so I had very little that I hadn't had before.  I loved the hotel breakfast buffets.  Had aloe compote for the first time. And I loved the congee that I could add all kinds of new condiments to.  My other comment deals with the crowds.  I was severely disappointed in the World Expo.

Viking gave virtually no support, except to drop us off.  And to tell us to get advance reservations when we entered to avoid the 4-6 hour queues for the popular pavilions.  They failed to tell us that the tickets go fast and by 9:30 when we arrived they were all gone.  I saw an escorted german travel group that got VIP scheduling--they slipped them in the back door to avoid the queue. For $599 a day, I think Viking could have given us more support. We just went the first day--the full, long day until the bus picked us up.  But it was another slice of Chinese life.  Saw very little visitors.  The government is talking up the Expo to the Chinese people.  We had a blast the second day.  We preferred to spend the day by ourselves, although Viking so thoughtfully kept the group together from beginning to end.  That way it was like a little family.  So, the second day we used the subway to get around.  And we really enjoyed observing the Chinese people.  Not just the ones at the tourist attractions.  Also, the local guide they assigned to us (in dropping us off and picking us up) was not very informative.  I asked her about going to a local market and she told me that the Chinese go to the little stores near the hotel.  But in our travels the second day, when we dropped the Expo, we came upon a wonderful market.  She could have told us about it.

We met many world travelers and we enjoyed hearing about their experiences.   And we met people who have gone on multiple Viking cruises.  I think Viking was the way to go for a trip to China, but I can't see using them again, except maybe for Egypt.  It is very efficient way to see the maximum number of sites.  But I did resent all the money making opportunities for them (glass painting workshop combined with the Houtong visit; the silk carpet workshop, the embroidery factory and others I can't remember just now).  These visits were combined with a so so lunch sometimes provided by the facility.  Probably members of the group are looking for shopping opportunities, and these stops provide that. And Viking gets a big cut on the cost of the lunch. But I'd much rather be let loose in a local market.  I understand that our choices are limited in China.  And maybe this was the choice that was available to Viking.

Loved the hotels and food at them.  Viking ship food met my expectations but certainly did not exceed them. I had no stomach problems until my first meal on the ship.  Bill was the same.

Viking changed their policy to unlimited water, soft drinks and wine at dinner.  And they provided unlimited water.  So, we didn't have any beverage charges.  That was a nice treat.

We were impressed that the ship staff would remember our names.  And when Bill was out of commission for 2 days because of stomach problems, they asked about him.  

Loved our escort.  His English was so good that he sounded like an American.  You had to really pay attention to pick up any differences.  I liked this because he was so easy to understand.  We didn't have to strain to follow him. 

If you are going to do an escorted trip, I think Viking would probably be one of the best.  My comments probably relate to any tour of its kind.  And our travel style is probably towards the independent side.

Thank you for recommending Viking and for giving us so much valuable support.

Bill has his next knee replacement probably this summer.  So, we're not looking to travel again for awhile.  I'm interested in the silk road.  And we're talking about Turkey.  I would not want to do a tour though.  Maybe next spring.  

Thanks again.  
Bonnie & Bill
Vienna, VA

Pride of America, 7n Hawaii        5/12/10

YES!!!  All of the last minute planning to add Jimmy was worth it just to get to Hawaii...we all had the best time EVER!!!  WE will return but next time I want you to get me the shortest route there...comin’ back was much nicer than going....it's a trip to remember....thank you for all you did to make the trip wonderful......

And if we ever return, the Outrigger Reef on the Beach is where I would like to stay again...Very Nice...our room was on the beach....loved every minute...
thanks again

Happy Mother's Day
Luv U.

Connie & Ray
Chocowinity, NC

 
Norwegian Jewel, 7n Western Caribbean             4/7/10

Dear Sally.
We are back and I’m already promoting & recommending a cruise.  I really want to be the Ambassador of cruises and tell my stressed colleagues about the cruise and have also copied them your business card. 

You did something very Special...You took care of us while I was taking care of my hectic work schedule and ensured that we were registered and kept in touch right up to the point when we boarded the ship..... Now I understand the importance of a Cruise Planner....it goes with NCL motto of S.T.Y.L.E.

I’m glad that I booked my cruise through you.  One more time, thank you. 

Heidi & Ketumile
Scarsdale, NY

Norwegian Sky, 4n Bahamas          3/3/10

Caribbean Princess, 14n Southern Caribbean      2/23/10

Hi, Stu,
We would like to thank you for a wonderful vacation aboard Caribbean Princess! The time was great, and we'd like to make this experience once again. Next destination will be Alaska but before we have to take our families on a cruise to Mediterranean.

We will certainly contact you once we decide to make another cruise.
Thank you for your great help and perfect guidance!

Best regards,
Tomasz & Ewa
Warsaw

Enchantment of the Seas, 5n Western Caribbean       10/20/09

Hi Sally
Thank you so much for your help! We had a wonderful time! Joanne and Moe seemed especially to enjoy the trip :). We got lots of sun and had a chance to walk a bit at each port with Joanne in wheelchair and Moe in his stroller (or giving Carol a workout in her arms!). It worked out well considering.

Ate way too much. Dessert every night! Next time I need a cruise where I don't like any of the food haha! Rick probably doesn't want me around right now because I made him snack too much haha :)

We didn't try bungee but did try the rock climbing. Carol successfully rang the bell at the top :). I got too scared of the height half way up. Arlene made it half way too.

The sun was intense. Carol and Rick came back with killer tans. Moe and I look sunkissed :). Moe's got Rick's coloring so his melatonin kicks in at the thought of sun!

As soon as I can get pix organized I will send you. Mostly Moe. He is so cute and funny! He loves the camera. Hollywood here he comes!

Ready for the next cruise when Moe is :) He will be able to stay in my room next time :) BTW the interior cabin was perfect for rest...quiet dark cozy...wonderful!

Thank you for your help! :)
Jana
New York, NY

The glacier calving was awesome too.  A crack that sounds like thunder, and then a piece of the glacier falls off into the water.  A spectacular sight and a sound you'll never forget.  I'm actually watching the video I took as I type.  We didn't get to go dog sledding (which I was really looking forward to and actually rebooked it 3 times but each time it got cancelled because of the weather).

We met Jeff King, the 4 time Iditarod Champion!  We went to his house, and met him and his puppies, and he gave us a tour of his kennel as well as an overview of what it is like to run in the Iditarod.  It was really great...especially because I love dogs. 

The train ride was nice, it was more comfortable than I expected.  Very well run.  Princess really did a very good job of coordinating the luggage and everything.  It was cloudy out (9 of the 11 days was cloudy) but it was still beautiful.  We got to see a rainbow at the end of the train ride which was a nice ending to a wonderful trip.  I'll include that in the pictures as well.  I'm hoping to get through all of them by the end of the weekend.

We saw lots of eagles, and some seals, a few caribou, and we saw a moose on the way to the airport.  It was just eating on the side of the road.  It was HUGE, and not to mention, not very pretty.  lol  No bears though, we were hoping to see bears.

Tons of shopping!  I never knew Alaska was known for its shopping.  We stuffed everything into the luggage (just made the 50lbs limit by .2lbs!) and had very heavy carry-ons.  But yes, next time I do go (I plan on going back in a few years, so prepare yourself!) I'm going to have to bring a larger carry-on. 

Laurie
Nanuet, NY

 
Carnival Legend, 7n Western Caribbean         7/9/09