Practically on a lark (price was inexpensive), I booked a March 10th Highlights of Yangtze River tour for my wife and me. We have been to China once before and but I have never taken a tour (anywhere for that matter). Planning is part of the fun. Now that I have prepaid, I would love to have some practical answers from you veterans.
For example:
I noticed that Northwest 747 at the back (rows 63 to 66) is a 242 configuration. Anybody know why they would not be the best coach seats (if you cannot get exit or bulkhead seats) for couple?
I noticed that Pacific Delight is saying we ~ on Northwest ~ are limited to one piece of checked baggage (with size limitations) and one carry on (again with size limitations). I also notice they are saying you are limited to 44 pounds on the one checked bag within China. Does Northwest or China domestic airlines check size and weight carefully? If so, is the excess baggage cost very high? I would love to have one hard sided bag dedicated to bring back breakables.
I printed out cabin layout for Victoria Prince. We will be in one of their standard cabins. Normally certain cabins stand out as preferred. I cannot immediately see any preference on cabins. Have any of you traveled on this ship and can share with me preferred cabins or decks?
In Beijing, I keep seeing high marks for Li Family Restaurant. Does anybody know what you can expect as a cost per person? It looks as if they just have one large round table. Do they take reservations at different times? I guess the best way to get reservations is to write them a letter and then follow up when we get to Beijing. Any comments?
We have reserved an English speaking car and driver for one day in Beijing. We want to visit Mutianyu and then use him to help us bargain for antiques. How long does it take ~ round trip ~ to visit Mutianyu (assuming 2 hours there)? Does anybody know if the cable car runs mid March? We would like 3 or 4 hours to go antique shopping. I know there are a lot of reproductions. Anybody feel comfortable with any shops that sell the genuine article? Would appreciate your suggestions.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Hopefully, your answers will help other China travelers. By the way, is anybody out there going on the same tour?
Could you please help me with a Pacific Delight China Tour?
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Duck,
Alot of questions ... here's my best with the answers:
1. on NWA 747, the rest of the seats are pretty similar in eocnomy. Depending on whether you sleep much on teh plane would suggest whether you request a window seat or aisle seat.
2. Northwest does allow 2 checked bags, and also allows 1 carry-on that is small enmough to fit overhead or under your seat. This is disclosed in the Pacific Delight terms and conditions.
Within China, there is a limit of 1 checked bag. Note however, luggage is weighed for the whole group that is on the tour ... if the weight exceeds 44 lbs times the number of passengers, then there will be extra charges, which will be levied upon the actual cusotmer with the extra bags. Most passengers stay under the weight limit, so there is a pretty good chance that you will not be charged extra ... but it is a risk that you take. The charge is roughly $1 per kilo for each flight that the extrra bag is checked in for.
3. Most customers prefer a hihger vs. lower deck ... if you want a bridge deck, Pacific Delight can request for you.
4. The Li Family restaurant is a small restaurant, and usually need reservation several months in advance ... and is pretty expensive ... roughly $80 per person and up. Usually this restaurant is reserved for banquets / large groups. You can ask Pacific Delight to try to arrange this if you wish.
5. A good trip to Mutianya takes about a day. Yes, the cable car is in operation in March. Regarding antiques, you do need to know what you are buying, just as in the US. The Frinedship stores and Government run antique stores do a better jo in making sure that antiques are real.
Regarding visit to Mutianyu - I left Beijing last time at 7am. Got there by 8.30am (before the tour groups arrive) and spent 3 hours there. Arrived back in Beijing by early afternoon.