This was a wonderful trip. We were treated as VIP's throughout the tour. It is a hybrid cruise and tour. Because of language barriers the guides have to work harder and they did a great job assisting every person. Don't expect as much free time just wandering around but every minute is a wonderful memory. Our guides went above and beyond. Jenna Chen, our tour escort, was wonderful, funny, intelligent and super helpful. We asked her to make reservations at NOBU in Beijing and she totally took care of it. She arranged taxis and helped us with every request. All the guides helped informing the group about everything we were going to experience. They were always patient with our group (even when some of the people talked through everything they said and they had to tell them over and over)...the longest delay our group experienced was one hour in the Xian airport...the trip was always on time All the Hotels were five star. The ship was wonderful...The crew accommodated every request. They were friendly and helpful...They anticipated every need. If you wanted chili paste with your food they remembered and had it waiting for you. Jamie, our program director, was informative and had a wonderful sense of humor. It was her first cruise as program director but it seemed she had been doing it forever. Ben was fun and made the cruise more fun. Lois and Nora put up with our nonsense with good humor. Bella and Maggie waited on us hand and foot...

We had a Junior Suite which was conveniently located to everything. It was still extremely quite. We were not able to book a Suite so this was a great compromise. It gave us some extra room. With size of our bags that was great. We didn't spend much time in our room because we were always on the viewing deck, lounge or dining. But, the cabin was extremely nice. Beds were comfortable. Bathrooms were a little dated but functional (It is China)...Baths took care of all my requirements. Veranda was wonderful. Super nice experience...Cabin was always clean and tidy....Super wonderful cabin.....CLEAN, Great Veranda and Bed....

We made lifelong friends on this tour. The river cruise was something you just can't experience in China any other way. The beauty of the trip just can't be described. The Viking River Cruise arranged for us to be the only quests at the Wuhan Museum for a Concert of the Bronze Bells. We traveled to China during the National Holiday but spent the Holiday on the cruise down the Yangtze...So we missed most of the crowds...But, the crew was still aware of the issue and arrange things to avoid as much of the crowds as they could. Definitely would advise to take the Shanghai to Beijing trip gives you a chance to relax and adjust to the time change. The crew and guides made this trip so special...The facilities were wonderful...I would definitely travel with Viking again. I would recommend this trip to anyone...Don't hesitate to take this trip but remember it isn't Europe...There aren't always Western Toilets (but the guides warn you where to use them) The Peking Duck was super....Loved the Tang Dynasty Show. It was beautiful (food was yuck but worth the it)...I can't say enough about how great the food on the ship was.. Loved every excursion. Read more