From an iconic skyline overlooking a glorious harbor to lush green mountains and sprawling parks, Hong Kong has all you could want (and more) in a world-class city. Gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s culture and history at Man Mo Temple, ride the world’s steepest funicular to Victoria Peak and cruise through a fishing village by sampan. Escape the urban bustle with a walk along the soft, golden sands of Repulse Bay. Dive into classic favorites like dai pai dong (street-food stalls) and yum cha (tea and dim sum) after conquering a dizzying assortment of shopping venues in this commercial hub of Asia.
Worlds collide on this tour of Hong Kong. From Aberdeen, a village on the water, to the soaring heights of Victoria Peak, experience Hong Kong from every vantage point. Gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s culture and traditions by visiting key attractions such as Stanley Market and the Western District, riding a tram to Victoria Peak and cruising through a fishing village by sampan.
Day 1
After arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport and going through the luggage claim and Customs, you will be met at Arrival Hall B and transferred to the Kowloon Shangri La Hotel, where you will spend the evening.
Although every effort will be made to have rooms ready before check-in at 3:00pm, this cannot be guaranteed. If you have an early arrival, you may wish to book an extra night so that your room will be available upon arrival.
The remainder of the day will be at your leisure and meals will be on your own. Feel free to simply settle in and relax or you might explore areas of Hong Kong not on the itinerary.
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Hong Kong Island. For the ultimate view of the surroundings, you will ride the tram up to Victoria Peak. The world’s steepest funicular railway, the Peak Tram opened in 1888 and has been providing spectacular panoramas ever since. As you ascend, you may notice that the steep slope causes an optical illusion in which the skyscrapers seem to be standing at impossible angles.
After pausing for photos at the peak, you will drive on to Aberdeen fishing village and board a sampan boat. While on the water, you can expect to see fishing boats, Chinese junks and villagers doing chores. The experience offers a candid look into daily life, as does your next stop—a tour of a gem factory where you will learn how the craftsmen process the stones for sale or to be set into jewelry.
Then following lunch, it’s on to vibrant Stanley Market, a highly popular shopping destination for merchandise such as silk garments, Chinese costume jewelry and art. As an alternative in Stanley, you might explore Tin Hau Temple, which once stood at the edge of the sea, and the Murray House, an early 19th-Century building that was moved from its original site to the seaside.
Your next destination is Victoria Harbor. Board the renowned Star Ferry for a scenic cruise where you will experience the rhythm and vitality of the city from the water while enjoying the magnificent views offered by the Hong Kong skyline. Disembark and stroll along the Avenue of Stars which wraps around the waterfront. After viewing some of the icons of Hong Kong you will return to your hotel where the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Tung Chung, a city on Lantau, Hong Kong’s largest island. The landscape is lush and mountainous, and you will enjoy a wonderful view of it while riding a cable car to Ngong Ping village.
Nearby, you will find Po Lin Monastery. Once a rather remote monastery, it gained prominence in 1993, when a Big Buddha statue was erected here. More than 100 feet high, it attracts pilgrims from all over Asia. Be sure to have your camera ready for photos of the iconic Buddha.
After a vegetarian lunch at the monastery, you will explore Ngong Ping village on your own. The large Buddha here is also impressive, as is the teahouse with its intricate architectural carvings and curved roof.
In time, you will return to Tung Chung and on the hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day and evening on your own. Dinner is on your own.
NOTE: Due to the amount of guests that may participate in this program, guests may be split into two groups and Days 2 and 3 may be reversed. For this reason, it is imperative to advise Regent Seven Seas Cruises at least 14 days before the program starts of any travelling companions so that our ground operator may do their utmost to place you in the same group.
Day 4
Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will be transferred to the cruise ship for embarkation.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. •Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
Day 1
Arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport. You will be met at Arrival Hall B after luggage claim and customs.
Transfer to the Kowloon Shangri La Hotel where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure and meals will be on your own. Check in is 3:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms ready before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. Meals are on your own.
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
Day 2
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Depart for Hong Kong Island
9:45am Ride the tram to Victoria Peak
10:15am Photo stop at Victoria Peak
10:40am Drive to Aberdeen fishing village
11:10am Explore the village aboard a sampan boat
11:30am Drive to a gem factory outlet
11:35am Gem talk and visit
12:15pm Scenic drive to Stanley Market
12:50pm Buffet lunch at King Ludwig (or similar restaurant)
2:15pm Free time at Stanley Market or visit Tin Hau Temple and Murray House (entrance fee not included)
3:15pm Drive to Central Pier
4.00pm Experience a ride on renowned Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor
4.15pm Stroll along the Avenue of Stars
4:45pm Return to your hotel
The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri La Hotel or similar
Day 3
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
9:30am Depart for guided tour of Tung Chung on Lantau Island
10:10am Ride cable car (or coach if cable car is not working) to Ngong Ping Village
11:10am Visit Po Lin Monastery
12:30pm Vegetarian lunch at the monastery
1:45pm Free time to explore Ngong Ping Village
2:45pm Drive back to Tung Chung
3:30pm Transfer to the hotel
4:15pm Arrive at the hotel
The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri La Hotel or similar
NOTE: Due to the volume of guests who may participate in this program, guests may be split into two groups by our local operator and Days 2 and 3 may be reversed. For this reason, it is imperative to advise Regent Seven Seas Cruises at least 14 days before the program starts of any travelling companions so that our ground operator may do their utmost to place you in the same group.
Day 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
11:00am Check out of the hotel
11:45am Transfer to the pier
12:15pm Approximate arrival at the port for embarkation
Expected Weather:
57-66 °F (14-19°C) in February
70-82 °F (21-28 °C) in March
68-76 °F (21-28 °C) for November
What to Bring:
Light comfortable clothing, a jacket and warmer clothing during the cooler months, good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, umbrella and camera
Local Currency:
HK dollars. U.S. dollars are widely accepted but subject to the shops’ discretion.
Electricity:
220V of 50 cycles. The HK plug is 3 flat pins. Adaptors are available at the hotel but subject to availability, therefore we recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Hong Kong is generally visa free for most countries. For details regarding valid passports and visas, please contact or visit your local embassy for Hong Kong.
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels are requiring these details for reservations. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms can not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
Hotel addresses:
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes prior to travel, then the hotel listed will be used.
Program Includes for guests
•Three nights at the Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel - deluxe room
•All transportation with English-speaking local guides
•All sites mentioned in the program including entrance fees
•Meals as specified with one standard drink per person e.g. local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s culture and traditions by visiting key attractions such as Stanley Market and the Central District, riding a tram to Victoria Peak and cruising through a fishing village by sampan.
Day 1
Disembark the ship and proceed to Hong Kong Island. For the ultimate view of the surroundings, you will ride the tram up to Victoria Peak. The world’s steepest funicular railway, the Peak Tram opened in 1888 and has been providing spectacular panoramas ever since. As you ascend, you may notice that the steep slope causes an optical illusion in which the skyscrapers seem to be standing at impossible angles.
After pausing for photos at the peak, you will drive on to Aberdeen fishing village and board a sampan boat. While on the water, you can expect to see fishing boats, Chinese junks and villagers doing chores. The experience offers a candid look into daily life, as does your next stop—a tour of a gem factory where you will learn how the craftsmen process the stones for sale or to be set into jewelry.
Then following lunch, it’s on to vibrant Stanley Market, a highly popular shopping destination for merchandise such as silk garments, Chinese costume jewelry and art. As an alternative in Stanley, you might explore Tin Hau Temple, which once stood at the edge of the sea, and the Murray House, an early 19th-Century building that was moved from its original site to the seaside.
Your next destination is Victoria Harbor. Board the renowned Star Ferry for a scenic cruise where you will experience the rhythm and vitality of the city from the water while enjoying the magnificent views offered by the Hong Kong skyline. Disembark and stroll along the Avenue of Stars which wraps around the waterfront. After viewing some of the icons of Hong Kong you will return to your hotel where the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Tung Chung, a city on Lantau, Hong Kong’s largest island. The landscape is lush and mountainous, and you will enjoy a wonderful view of it while riding a cable car to Ngong Ping village.
Nearby, you will find Po Lin Monastery. Once a rather remote monastery, it gained prominence in 1993, when a Big Buddha statue was erected here. More than 100 feet high, it attracts pilgrims from all over Asia. Be sure to have your camera ready for photos of the iconic Buddha.
After a vegetarian lunch at the monastery, you will explore Ngong Ping village on your own. The large Buddha here is also impressive, as is the teahouse with its intricate architectural carvings and curved roof.
In time, you will return to Tung Chung and on the hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day and evening on your own. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then a day at leisure to explore the sights on your own or simply relax and enjoy the amenities of the hotel.
Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, sits in the famous shopping and entertainment district of Tsim Sha Tsui East. The moment you step out, your adventure begins!
Lunch and dinner are on your own.
NOTE: Due to the volume of guests who may participate in this program, guests may be split into two groups by our local operator and Days 2 and 3 may be reversed. For this reason, it is imperative to advise Regent Seven Seas Cruises at least 14 days before the program starts of any travelling companions so that our ground operator may do their utmost to place you in the same group.
Day 4
Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will be transferred the Hong Kong International Airport for your flight home. Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with late flights.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
Day 1
8:30am Disembark the ship and collect your luggage
9:00am Depart for Hong Kong Island
9:45am Ride the tram to Victoria Peak
10:15am Photo stop at Victoria Peak
10:40am Drive to Aberdeen fishing village
11:10am Explore the village aboard a sampan boat
11:30am Drive to a gem factory outlet
11:35am Gem talk and visit
12:15pm Scenic drive to Stanley Market
12:50pm Buffet lunch at King Ludwig (or similar restaurant)
2:15pm Free time at Stanley Market or visit Tin Hau Temple and Murray House (entrance fee not included)
3:15pm Drive to Central Pier
4.00pm Experience a ride on renowned Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor
4.15pm Stroll along the Avenue of Stars
4:45pm Return to your hotel
The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri La Hotel or similar
Day 2
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
9:30am Depart for guided tour of Tung Chung on Lantau Island
10:10am Ride cable car (or coach) to Ngong Ping Village
11:10am Visit Po Lin Monastery
12:30pm Vegetarian lunch at the monastery
1:45pm Free time to explore Ngong Ping Village
2:45pm Drive back to Tung Chung
3:30pm Transfer to the hotel
4:15pm Arrive at the hotel
The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri La Hotel or similar
Day 3
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
The day is at your leisure with lunch and dinner on own
Day 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out of the hotel
TBA Transfer to the Hong Kong International Airport for your flight home
Transfers will be set up based on the flight times provided
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather:
57-66 °F (14-19°C) in February
70-82 °F (21-28 °C) in March
68-76 °F (21-28 °C) for November
What to Bring:
Light comfortable clothing, a jacket during the cooler months, good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, umbrella and camera
Local Currency:
HK dollars. U.S. dollars are widely accepted but subject to the shops’ discretion.
Electricity:
220V of 50 cycles. The HK plug is 3 flat pins. Adaptors are available at the hotel but subject to availability, therefore we recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Hong Kong is generally visa free for most countries. For details regarding valid passports and visas, please contact or visit your local embassy for Hong Kong
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels are requiring these details for reservations. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms can not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
Hotel addresses:
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes prior to travel, then the hotel listed will be used.
Program Includes for guests
•Three nights at the Kowloon Shangri-La - deluxe room or similar hotel
•All transportation with English-speaking local guides
•All sites mentioned in the program
•Meals as specified with one standard drink per person e.g. local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Zip to and from the naturally beautiful Guilin on a high-speed train and enjoy a night cruise around the city, another cruise on the glorious Li River, an exploration of Reed Flute Cave and a lavish outdoor musical show.
Day 1
Disembark the ship in Hong Kong and proceed to the baggage reclaim area to identify your luggage. Any excess luggage not accompanying you to Guilin will be separated at this point and sent to the hotel in Hong Kong for storage. Please make sure to pack accordingly before disembarking.
Meet your guide and transfer to the train station for a high-speed train ride. Upon arriving in Guilin, you will proceed through Customs with your luggage. Afterwards, a local guide will assist you in the transfer to your hotel.
Time will be allotted for you to relax and dine at the hotel before transferring to the pier for a night cruise. Guilin will look absolutely radiant in the evening as you cruise through four lakes and two rivers.
After returning to the hotel, you will spend a delightful evening.
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the pier and board a cruise boat for a scenic trip on the Li River. The river is so incredibly beautiful and celebrated that it is featured on Chinese stamps and currency. You will pass the exact area shown in illustration on the back of the 20 yuan note, which is by the dock in Yangshuo.
After enjoying a buffet lunch on board, you will disembark at Yangshou to visit a local farmhouse and take in the gorgeous karst landscape. You will also see a typical rice paddy as a prelude to watching the Impression Liu Sanjie musical night dinner show. With the Li River as a backdrop, the setting for the outdoor performance is particularly stunning. The distinguished film director Zhang Yimou produced the show, as well as the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
Following the performance, you will return to Guilin for the evening.
Day 3
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will visit the Reed Flute Cave, a karst cave named for the verdant reeds growing around the outside of it, with which artisans make flutes. Inside, you will find a spectacular underground world of stalactites, stalagmites and unusual geological formations illuminated for enhanced drama. The interior of the cave is so extraordinary that it is known as the Palace of Natural Arts.
Following your exploration of Reed Flute Cave, you will transfer to the train station for the return high-speed train ride to Hong Kong. Upon arriving, you will complete Hong Kong and China Immigration clearance, meet a representative at the Arrival Hall and transfer to the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel. Your stored luggage will be delivered to your room. The evening will be free to do as you please.
Day 4
Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will be transferred the Hong Kong International Airport for your flight home. Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with late flights.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
TBA Disembark the ship and proceed to baggage reclaim area to identify your luggage.
Excess luggage not going to Guilin will be transferred to your hotel in Hong Kong
10:15am Transfer to the train station in West Kowloon
Complete Hong Kong and China Immigration clearance prior boarding train
11:54am Hi-speed Train from Hong Kong to Guilin (time subject to change)
3:54pm Arrive Guilin and go through customs clearance
Meet your local guide in the Arrival Hall, transfer to your hotel
5:45pm Check-in
6:30pm Dinner at your hotel restaurant
8:15pm Short drive to pier for night cruise
9:15pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at the Shangri-la Hotel Guilin or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Scenic drive to the pier
9:30am Board a cruiser boat for a ride on the Li River
Buffet lunch served on board
2:30pm Disembark in Yangshuo Town for a visit
Photo stop of the sparkling Yulong River
5:30pm Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
7:30pm Enjoy the Impression Liusanjie Show
8:45pm Drive back to Guilin city and overnight
10:15pm Arrive at the hotel
Overnight at the Shangri-la Hotel Guilin or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8.30am Check out
9:15am Visit the mysterious Reed Flute Cave
11:15am Drive to the train station
12:15pm Arrive at the train station
12:54pm Hi Speed train from Guilin to Hong Kong (time subject to change)
4:53pm Arrive in Hong Kong and go thru China and Hong Kong immigration clearance
Meet your local guide in the Arrival Hall for transfer to your hotel
Check-in, reunited with any stored luggage
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
From 7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
12.00pm Check out time at the hotel
TBA Transfer to the Hong Kong International Airport for your flight
Transfers will be arranged according to the flight details provided.
Luggage storage will be available at the hotel for guests with late flights.
Extra Nights:
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers:
•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather:
Hong Kong – February - 57-66 Fahrenheit and 14-19 in Celcius
Guilin – February - 41-60 Fahrenheit and 5-15 in Celcius
What to Bring:
February is cool so we suggest bringing clothing that can be layered and to keep warm. Don’t forget your cameras, batteries or chargers, medications, comfortable walking shoes, hat, umbrella in case of rain.
Local Currency:
Hong Kong – Hong Kong Dollars is the local currency. US Dollars are widely accepted but subject to shops’ discretion.
Guilin - Renminbi is the local currency
Electricity
Hong Kong - 220V of 50 cycles and HK plug is 3 flat pins
Guilin - 220V of 50 cycles and China plug is 2 flat pins
We recommend bringing your own universal travel adaptor for electric devices
Luggage:
Note that guests must carry their own luggage on and off the train and through the train stations as porters are not available.
Guests are permitted to bring one piece of luggage on the train weighing no more than 20kg or 44lbs
Luggage should not exceed 130cm in dimension. One small carry-on or purse is also permitted.
Excess luggage can be stored at the hotel in Hong Kong while guests are travelling to China. Please pack accordingly prior to departing for Guilin on Day 1. Make sure that any stored luggage is clearly marked with your name and cabin number, ship name and cabin number on the ship. Make sure to bring any documents, medications and valuables with you. The cruise line nor our local ground operator can take responsibility for any items left behind.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels are requiring these details for reservations. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms can not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
For Guilin a China visa is required and must be purchased in advance of the cruise.
***If your cruise visits other Chinese ports on the voyage itinerary, then a MULTIPLE ENTRY CHINESE VISA is required to be purchased.
In general Hong Kong is visa free for most of the countries worldwide.
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for any of the countries visited on this program
VERY IMPORTANT
The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for train ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by train. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents. Guests are responsible to make sure that there are enough pages in their passports for any visas that are required – Minimum two pages for each visa.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.
Hotel addresses:
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
Shangri-la Hotel Guilin
111 Huan Cheng Bei Er Road, Guilin
Guangxi 541004, China
Phone: (86 773) 269 8888
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•One night in a deluxe Room at Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel or similar hotel
•Two nights in a deluxe Room at the Shangri-la Guilin or similar hotel
•Breakfast daily
•Meals as specified with two standard drink per person (local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water wherever applicable)
•All transportation by coach with English speaking local guide
•All sites mentioned on the program with entrance fee if any unless specified
•High speed train Hong Kong – Guilin – Hong Kong
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided
Program Excludes for guests:
•Personal expenses
•Travel insurance
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Visa fees
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Hong Kong is a city of contrasts with the old and new intertwined everywhere you look. Century-old temples and gardens share the same streets with multi-storied offices, skyscrapers and residential housing. Enjoy a ride on the Peak Tram to the soaring heights of Victoria Peak, visit the highest observatory in the city for a birds eye view, stroll through the Tang Dynasty Nunnery and Garden and check out over 900 priceless national treasures displayed at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
Day 1
Disembark the ship and proceed to Hong Kong Island. For the ultimate view of the surroundings, you will ride the re-vitalized tram up to Victoria Peak. The world’s steepest funicular railway, the Peak Tram opened in 1888 and has been providing spectacular panoramas ever since. As you ascend, you may notice that the steep slope causes an optical illusion in which the skyscrapers seem to be standing at impossible angles.
Hong Kong has spent $799 million HKG to make the Peak Tram a more efficient and comfortable experience. There are new larger capacity tramcars, ropes and track rails, updated control and signaling systems, a brand new terminal, covered and temperature controlled waiting area and platforms and tramcar floors have been aligned to provide step-free access for people with disabilities. There are also five new engaging zones that include “Eye of Infinity”, “The Beating Heart”, “An Icon is Born”, “Once Upon a Tram” and “Go Wild at the Peak” – all located at the Central Terminus.
After pausing for photos at the peak, you will drive on to Aberdeen fishing village and board a sampan boat. While on the water, you can expect to see fishing boats, Chinese junks and villagers doing chores. The experience offers a candid look into daily life, as does your next stop—a tour of a gem factory where you will learn how the craftsmen process the stones for sale or to be set into jewelry.
Following lunch, it’s on to vibrant Stanley Market, a highly popular shopping destination for merchandise such as silk garments, Chinese costume jewelry and art. As an alternative in Stanley, you might explore Tin Hau Temple, which once stood at the edge of the sea, and the Murray House, an early 19th-Century building that was moved from its original site to the seaside.
Your next destination is Sky100 - the highest indoor observation deck on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre, the tallest building in town offering a magical bird’s-eye sweep of the world-famous panoramic view of the city. If the timing is right you may even catch the sunset over the city.
Following your visit, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure and dinner on your own.
At 8:00pm, don’t miss the spectacular 10-minute “Symphony of Lights” show around Victoria Harbor!
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart to visit the hidden gems in the City – the sacred Chi Lin Nunnery, a Buddhist temple complex, and the charming Nan Lian Garden of the Tang Dynasty where each stone, tree, rock or water element is landscaped after specific rules and regulations. With the backdrop of Chi Lin Nunnery, you will find the typical Hong Kong high-rise buildings making for an interesting clash of old, new, calm and hustle.
Next, drive to Tai Po and enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfront and Tolo Harbor at the Spiral Lookout Tower - a large-scale landmark established to mark the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong to China in 1997.
Visit a bustling food market that sells all kinds of fresh products, dried herbs and seafood. Next door is the century old Man Mo Temple dedicated to the gods Man (Literature) and Mo (Martial Arts). It serves as a center of worship for the community.
After sampling a Chinese dim sum lunch at a local restaurant, you will be transferred back to Kowloon with a stop the West Kowloon Cultural District. Visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum which presents over 900 priceless treasures from the Beijing Palace Museum. Many are on display for the first time in Hong Kong, while others have never been shown to the public before. The Museum also regularly presents special exhibitions featuring Chinese art and culture, as well as art and treasures from other parts of the world.
After your visit, return to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own. Perhaps try the famous Peking Duck – Shangri La’s Concierge can make a reservation for you the best restaurants!
Day 3
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then a day at leisure to explore the sights on your own or simply relax and enjoy the amenities of the hotel.
Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, sits in the famous shopping and entertainment district of Tsim Sha Tsui East. The moment you step out, your adventure begins! Regent’s hospitality desk representatives can help you plan your day. Don’t miss the vibrant Night Market!
Lunch and dinner are on your own.
NOTE: Due to the volume of guests who may participate in this program, guests may be split into two groups by our local operator and the activities on Day 1 and Days 2 may be reversed. For this reason, it is imperative to advise Regent Seven Seas Cruises at least 14 days before the program starts of any travelling companions so that our ground operator may do their utmost to place you in the same group.
Day 4
Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will be transferred the Hong Kong International Airport for your flight home. Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with late flights.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
8:30am Disembark the ship in Hong Kong
9:00am Meet your guide and depart for a full day sightseeing tour
9:45am Peak tram to Victoria Peak
10:15am Photo stop at Victoria Peak
10:45am Drive to Aberdeen
11:10am Board a sampan boat to explore the unique floating village
11:35am Short drive to Gem Factory outlet
11:40am Gem talk and visit the outlet, restroom stop
12:10pm Scenic drive to Stanley
12:50pm Buffet lunch at King Ludwig Restaurant or similar venue
2:00pm Free time for souvenir shopping at the renowned Stanley Market or visit the famous Tin Hau Temple and Murray House
3:30pm Drive back to Kowloon
4:30pm Visit Sky100 for the splendid view of the city
5:30pm Return to your hotel
Remainder of day at leisure and dinner on own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Day 2
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
10:30am Scenic drive to Tai Po Promenade with photo stop of Spiral Tower – a memorial landmark
11:15am Short drive to visit a bustling fresh market and the historic Man Mo Temple
12:15pm Chinese dim sum lunch served at local restaurant
1:30pm Drive to West Kowloon Cultural District
2:30pm Visit the renowned HK Palace Museum
5:30pm Return to your hotel, evening at leisure
Dinner on own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Day 3
From 7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
The day is at your leisure with lunch and dinner on own
Visit the Regent Seven Seas Hospitality desk for suggestions on how to spend the day
Hospitality Desk hours TBA – check your Welcome Letter
Day 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out of the hotel, don’t forget to settle any incidentals before departure
TBA Transfer to the Hong Kong International Airport for your flight home
Transfers will be set up based on the flight times provided
Extra Nights:
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers:
•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather:
57-66 °F (14-19°C) in February
70-82 °F (21-28 °C) in March
68-76 °F (21-28 °C) for November
What to Bring:
Light comfortable clothing, a jacket during the cooler months, good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, umbrella and camera
Local Currency:
HK dollars. U.S. dollars are widely accepted but subject to the shops’ discretion.
Electricity:
220V of 50 cycles. The HK plug is 3 flat pins. Adaptors are available at the hotel but subject to availability, therefore we recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Hong Kong is generally visa free for most countries. For details regarding valid passports and visas, please contact or visit your local embassy for Hong Kong
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels are requiring these details for reservations. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms can not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
Hotel addresses:
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes prior to travel, then the hotel listed will be used.
Program Includes for guests
•Three nights at the Kowloon Shangri-La - deluxe room or similar hotel
•All transportation with English-speaking local guides
•All sites mentioned in the program
•Meals as specified with one standard drink per person e.g. local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Fly to Xi’an, the energetic capital of the Shaanxi Province, and tour its most spectacular attractions, including the Terracotta Warriors Museum, Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, Grand Mosque and Tang Dynasty Theatre.
Special Notes: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Please review the documentation section further below as a single or multiple Chinese Visa is required for this program depending on how many Chinese ports are visited on your cruise itinerary.
Day 1
After arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport and passing through baggage claim and Customs, you will be met at ARRIVAL HALL B and transferred to the Kowloon Shangri La (or similar hotel). The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax, settle in and explore wherever you please. Check in time is at 3:00pm. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee your room is ready when you arrive.
Meals are on your own.
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Xi’an. Upon arriving in Xi’an and passing through immigration, customs and baggage claim, you will start your tour with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. One of China’s most revered pagodas, it was built in 652 A.D. to house the sutras and figurines of Buddha that a Chinese monk brought to Xi’an. The building was eventually expanded to ten stories, although only seven stories remain, as the others were damaged in various wars. Nevertheless, the pagoda is recognized as a symbol of Xi’an.
Next you will travel to the nearby Defachang Restaurant, popularly known for its dumplings. Carefully hand-prepared, the dumplings are available in dozens of different shapes and colors and filled with a variety of local ingredients. You can expect the meal to be wonderfully traditional. After dinner, you will drive back to the hotel to spend the evening.
Following dinner, proceed to the Shangri La Xi’an (or similar hotel) for check in.
Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a repository for thousands of clay soldiers that were buried with China’s first emperor to accompany him in his eternal rest. Considered one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures, the 7,000 life-size terracotta warriors and horses were buried for centuries until excavated in 1974.
The warriors are grouped in battle order, rank by rank, some mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others in infantry groups armed with spears, swords and crossbows. Each figure was individually created with unique characteristics.
Following the tour and a traditional Chinese lunch at a nearby restaurant, visit the Shaanxi History Museum. Inside, seemingly countless exhibits depict the history of China from prehistoric times to the mid-19th century. It offers an enlightening overview of the country, with a particular emphasis on the Shaanxi Province.
Return to your hotel to freshen up before driving to the Tang Dynasty Theatre for dinner and a cultural performance. The costumed show features ancient music, poetry, singing and dance, some of which were developed as parts of ritual prayers for a good harvest. Following the lively performance, you will return to the hotel to spend the evening.
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel and check out comes an exploration of the Muslim Quarter and its Grand Mosque. Muslims have lived in the quarter for more than 1,000 years ago, beginning with the merchants from Arabic countries that settled at this terminus of the Silk Road. The Grand Mosque is particularly fascinating, as it reflects traditional Chinese and Muslim styles.
Then, it’s on to a traditional hot pot restaurant for lunch, before driving to the airport for the flight back to Hong Kong. Upon arriving in Hong Kong, you will be transferred to the Kowloon Shangri La where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Day 5
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and transferring to the port for embarkation.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
Day 1
Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport
Meet and greet at Arrival Hall B after luggage claim and Customs
Transfer to your hotel
3:00pm – check in time at the hotel
The remainder of the day is at your leisure and meals are on your own.
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri La or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
Day 2 – below is a sample itinerary as timings are dependent on actual flight times
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Check out of the hotel. Excess luggage to be stored at the hotel
8:30am Transfer to the airport and check in for the flight to Xi’an
11:30am Flight from Hong Kong to Xi’an (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
Direct flights not guaranteed
2:35pm Arrive in Xi’an and go through immigration, Customs and baggage claim
3:50pm Meet your guide outside the arrivals hall and proceed to the Wild Goose Pagoda
4:00pm Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda
6:00pm Drive to the Defachang restaurant for dinner
6:30pm Sample various signature dumplings at the restaurant
8:00pm Begin driving back to the hotel
8:30pm Arrive at the hotel and check in
Overnight at the Shangri La Xi’an or similar hotel
Day 3
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Drive to the Terra Cotta Warriors museum
9:30am Visit the Terra Cotta Warriors museum
11:30am Drive to the lunch venue
12:20pm Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
1:30pm Continue to the Shaanxi History Museum
2:30pm View the Murals of Tang Dynasty
4:30pm Return to the hotel to freshen up
6:00pm Drive to the Tang Dynasty Theatre
6:30pm Enjoy dinner and a cultural show
8:45pm Begin driving back to the hotel
9:30pm Arrive at the hotel
Overnight at the Shangri La Xi’an or similar hotel
Day 4 – below is a sample itinerary as timings are dependent on actual flight times
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Check out of the hotel
9:00am Drive to the Muslim Quarter
9:30am Tour the Muslim Quarter and the Grand Mosque
11:30am Drive to the Hot Pot restaurant
12:00pm Enjoy a Hot Pot lunch
1:00pm Drive to the airport
1:50pm Arrive at the airport and check in for your flight
3:50pm Fly from Xi’an to Hong Kong (flight details TBA and subject to change) Direct flights not guaranteed
7:05pm Arrive in Hong Kong, passing through immigration and luggage claim
7:45pm Meet and greet at Arrival Hall B for a transfer to your hotel
8:45pm Arrive at the hotel and check in
The remainder of the evening is at your leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri La or similar hotel
Day 5
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
9:30am Luggage to be collected for transfer to the pier in separate luggage truck
11:00am Check out of the hotel, settle any incidentals
11:45am Transfer to the pier
12:15pm Approximate arrival at the pier for embarkation
Expected Weather:
Hong Kong in February – average temperature 66 F / 19 C
Xian in February – average temperature 46 F / 8 C
Hong Kong in March – average temperature 82 F / 28 C
Xian in March - average temperature 68 F / 29 C
Hong Kong in November – average temperature 76 F / 24 C
Xian in November - average temperature 54 F / 12 C
What to Bring:
Pack warm clothes, a hat, sunglasses, umbrella and good walking shoes as well as cameras and chargers
Documentation:
In general Hong Kong is visa free for most of the countries worldwide however guests will require a Visa to travel to Xian for this land program.
It is essential that your China visa is obtained prior to travel. If there are other Chinese ports visited on the cruise itinerary, a multiple entry Visa will be required for this land program. If not, then a single-entry Visa will be required.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and visa must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of return from China and it must have one entire blank page for the visa.
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels and airlines are requiring these details for reservations and ticketing. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms and flight tickets will not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
NOTE: Visa requirements are subject to change and Visa procurement is the responsibility of each guest.
* Please consult with your local Chinese Embassy at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain the necessary documentation or for any questions on the above in relation to this program.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Currency:
The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the currency of Hong Kong.
Electricity:
The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotel bathrooms also have outlets for 100 volts. If not, you will need a transformer for electrical devices. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged UK-style plug. We recommend bringing an adaptor in case the hotel cannot supply one.
Luggage:
On the flight from Hong Kong to Xi’an, guests are permitted to check in one piece of luggage not exceeding 20 KG (44 lbs). Carry-on luggage must not be large than 22x14x9 inches / one piece per person.
Excess luggage that you do not wish to take on the flight will be stored at the hotel in Hong Kong where you will be re-united with it on Day 4. If you exceed your luggage allowance on the flight, you will be subject to the fees imposed by the airline and payable upon check in at the airport.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Accommodation:
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel – deluxe room
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
Shangri La Xi’an
38B Keji Road, Xi’an, China, Shaanxi Province, China
Phone: (86 29) 8875 8888
*If similar hotels are required due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be advised well in advance of any changes. If guests are not advised in advance of travel of any changes then the hotels listed will be used.
Program includes:
•2 nights at the Kowloon Shangri La Hong Kong including breakfast – deluxe room – or similar hotel
•2 nights at the Shangr La Xi’an including breakfast – deluxe room – or similar hotel
•All transportation by private mini-coach or coach and English-speaking local guide
•Entrance fees per the itinerary
•Meals as indicated in the itinerary
•Two standard drinks per person during included lunches or dinners (local beer, soft drinks, water)
•Economy-class flights from Hong Kong to Xi’an and Xi’an to Hong Kong – direct flights not guaranteed
•Excess luggage storage in Hong Kong while in Xi’an
•Archaeologists at the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum and the Shaanxi Museum (not on Mondays)
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes:
•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service
•Gratuities to the drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
•Meals or drinks not listed above
•Excess luggage fees on the flights to or from Xi’an
•Visa fees
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Enjoy different perspectives of Hong Kong by visiting characteristic neighborhoods, cruising around a coastal UNESCO geopark and spending an entire day and every evening free to explore the dynamic metropolis on your own.
Day 1
Following disembarkation in Hong Kong, you will drive to Sham Shui Po, an historical textile district that has been transformed into a trendy neighborhood. Fashions are still a mainstay, but shops offering other merchandise, contemporary cafés and enticing street food stalls are now prominent, too.
For a panoramic view of Sham Shui Po and beyond, you will walk to the top of Garden Hill. The views are well worth the 500 concrete steps you must climb to reach the summit. Continuing on, you will visit Mei Ho House, a building that is notable for being the sole remains of an early public-housing project. Now a folkloric museum, it was constructed after a devastating fire in 1953 left tens of thousands of people homeless.
A dim sum lunch in Sham Shui Po follows, after which you will check into the hotel. The remainder of the evening and dinner will be on your own.
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Sai Kung, a district known for its lush surroundings, idyllic beaches and the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. A scenic cruise around the islands just offshore will present some of the geopark’s highlights. Unusual geological formations are abundant. They include craggy sea stacks, sea caves and volcanic hexagonal rock columns, which you will observe on High Island.
Disembarking at the island, you will visit Tin Hau, a temple dedicated to its namesake goddess of the sea. The fact that there are more than 70 temples in Hong Kong dedicated to Tin Hau underscores the significance of the goddess.
Back on the pier in Sai Kung, you will enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant before returning to the hotel. The remainder of the evening and dinner will be on your own.
Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with meals on your own. Feel free to simply relax, walk around wherever you please or you might contact the hotel’s hospitality desk staff for suggestions on how to spend your day in Hong Kong. Possibilities include shopping in Stanley Market, cruising the harbor in a Chinese junk, taking in the views from the soaring Sky100 observation deck and riding the Peak Tram to the highest point on Hong Kong Island.
Day 4
After breakfast and check out at the hotel, you will be transferred to the Hong Kong International Airport per the flight details received. If your flight departs late in the day, luggage storage is available at the hotel or you may wish to book an extra night so that you can keep the room until your transfer, as check-out is noon.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•The latest itineraries will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. The Destination Services Team will provide final itineraries with updated details once you board the ship. Please review the final itinerary carefully for amendments.
•The hotels for this land program will be the ones listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
Day 1
9:00am Disembark in Hong Kong
9:30am Depart for Sham Shui Po
10:00am Ascend Garden Hill
10:45am Photo stop at Garden Hill summit
11:05am Walk down to Mei Ho House museum
11:40am Visit Mei Ho House museum
12:30pm Stroll through Sham Shui Po
1:15pm Drive to restaurant
1:30pm Enjoy a dim sum lunch
2:45pm Drive to the hotel and check-in
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Day 2
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Depart for Sai Kung
9:30am Scenic cruise towards High Island
10:15am Visit Tin Hau Temple on High Island
10:50am Cruise to UNESCO geo sites near East Dam
1:00pm Lunch at waterfront restaurant in Sai Kung
3:30pm Return to the hotel
Evening at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Day 3
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
Explore Hong Kong independently
Lunch and dinner on your own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Day 4
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out of the hotel
TBA Transfer to the Hong Kong International Airport
Extra Nights
If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Hotel check-out is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of the program.
Transfers
Guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure that the cruise line has their updated flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
If you book extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
If you have a late-departing flight, you may wish to book an extra night so that you can occupy your room until departure. Otherwise, check out is 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather
57-66 °F (14-19°C) in February
70-82 °F (21-28 °C) in March
68-76 °F (21-28 °C) for November
What to Bring
Light comfortable clothing, a jacket during the cooler months, good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, umbrella and camera.
Currency
HK dollars. U.S. dollars are widely accepted but subject to the shops’ discretion.
Electricity
220V of 50 cycles. The HK plug is 3 flat pins. Adaptors are available at the hotel but subject to availability, therefore, we recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
Hong Kong is visa free for most countries. For details regarding valid passports and visas, please contact or visit your local embassy for Hong Kong.
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels are requiring these details for reservations. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms can not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
Hotel addresses
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes prior to travel, then the hotel listed will be used.
Program Includes for guests
•Three nights at the Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel in a deluxe room
•Breakfast at the hotel daily
•Meals as specified with one standard drink per person (e.g. local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water)
•All transportation by coach with English-speaking local guide
•All sites mentioned on the program with entrance fees
Please Note
Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests
•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Fly to Xi’an, the energetic capital of the Shaanxi Province, and tour its most spectacular attractions, including the Terracotta Warriors Museum, Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, Grand Mosque and Tang Dynasty Theatre.
Special Notes: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Please also review the documentation section below as a single or multiple entry Chinese Visa is required for this program and will depend on how many Chinese ports are visited on your cruise.
Day 1
Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi’an. Upon arriving in Xi’an and passing through immigration, customs and baggage claim, you will start your tour with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. One of China’s most revered pagodas, it was built in 652 A.D. to house the sutras and figurines of Buddha that a Chinese monk brought to Xi’an. The building was eventually expanded to ten stories, although only seven stories remain, as the others were damaged in various wars. Nevertheless, the pagoda is recognized as a symbol of Xi’an.
Next you will travel to the nearby Defachang Restaurant, popularly known for its dumplings. Carefully hand-prepared, the dumplings are available in dozens of different shapes and colors and filled with a variety of local ingredients. You can expect the meal to be wonderfully traditional. After dinner, you will drive back to the hotel to spend the evening.
Following dinner, proceed to the Shangri La Xi’an (or similar hotel) for check in.
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a repository for thousands of clay soldiers that were buried with China’s first emperor to accompany him in his eternal rest. Considered one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures, the 7,000 life-size terracotta warriors and horses were buried for centuries until excavated in 1974.
The warriors are grouped in battle order, rank by rank, some mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others in infantry groups armed with spears, swords and crossbows. Each figure was individually created with unique characteristics.
Following the tour and a traditional Chinese lunch at a nearby restaurant, you will explore the Muslim Quarter and its Grand Mosque. Muslims have lived in the quarter for more than 1,000 years ago, beginning with the merchants from Arabic countries that settled at this terminus of the Silk Road. The Grand Mosque is particularly fascinating, as it reflects traditional Chinese and Muslim styles.
After visiting the mosque, you will return to the hotel to freshen up before driving to the Tang Dynasty Theatre for dinner and a cultural performance. The costumed show features ancient music, poetry, singing and dance, some of which were developed as parts of ritual prayers for a good harvest. Following the lively performance, you will return to the hotel to spend the evening.
Day 3
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will visit the Shaanxi History Museum. Inside, seemingly countless exhibits depict the history of China from prehistoric times to the mid-19th Century. It offers an enlightening overview of the country, with a particular emphasis on the Shaanxi Province.
Then, it’s on to a traditional hot pot restaurant for lunch, before driving to the airport for the flight back to Hong Kong. Upon arriving in Hong Kong, you will be transferred to your hotel for the evening. Dinner is on your own.
Day 4
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Check out time is at 12:00pm. You will be transferred to the Hong Kong International Airport based on your flight details. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage will be available at the hotel until your transfer time.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
Day 1 – below is a sample itinerary as timings are dependent on actual flight times
8:00am Disembark the ship, proceed to baggage claim to identify your luggage. Luggage will be transferred to the airport by truck
8:30am Transfer to the airport and check in for your flight to Xi’an
11:35am Flight from Hong Kong to Xi’an - Flight details TBA and subject to change
Direct flights not guaranteed
2:35pm Arrive in Xi’an. Go through immigration and customs clearance and baggage claim
2:35pm Arrive in Xi’an and go through immigration, Customs and baggage claim
3:00pm Meet your guide outside the arrivals hall and proceed to the Wild Goose Pagoda
4:00pm Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda
6:00pm Drive to the Defachang restaurant for dinner
6:30pm Sample various signature dumplings at the restaurant
8:00pm Begin driving back to the hotel
8:30pm Arrive at the hotel and check in
Overnight at the Shangri La Xi’an or similar hotel
Day 2
Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Drive to the Terra Cotta Warriors museum
9:30am Visit the Terra Cotta Warriors museum
11:30am Drive to the lunch venue
12:20pm Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
1:30pm Continue to the Muslim Quarter
2:30pm Visit the Muslim Quarter and the Grand Mosque
4:30pm Return to the hotel to freshen up
6:00pm Drive to the Tang Dynasty Theatre
6:30pm Enjoy dinner and a cultural show
8:45pm Begin driving back to the hotel
9:30pm Arrive at the hotel
Overnight at the Shangri La Xi’an or similar hotel
Day 3 – below is a sample itinerary as timings are dependent on actual flight times
Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Drive to the Shaanxi History Museum
9:30am Visit the museum
11:30am Drive to the Xian Hot Pot Restaurant
12:00pm Enjoy a famous Hot Pot lunch
1:00pm Drive to the airport
1:50pm Arrive at the airport and check in for your flight
3:50pm Flight from Xi’an to Hong Kong - flight details TBA and subject to change - Direct flights not guaranteed
7:00pm Arrive in Hong Kong - go through immigration and luggage claim
7:45pm Meet and greet at Hall B for your transfer to your hotel
8:45pm Arrive at your hotel - check in
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri La or similar hotel
Day 4
Breakfast at your hotel
12:00pm Check out room and settle incidental charges if any.
Transfer to the Hong Kong Airport based on your flight details. For guests with late flights, luggage storage will be available at the hotel
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather:
Hong Kong in February – average temperature 66 F / 19 C
Xian in February – average temperature 46 F / 8 C
Hong Kong in March – average temperature 82 F / 28 C
Xian in March - average temperature 68 F / 29 C
Hong Kong in November – average temperature 76 F / 24 C
Xian in November - average temperature 54 F / 12 C
What to Bring:
Pack warm clothes, a hat, sunglasses, umbrella and good walking shoes as well as cameras and chargers
Documentation:
In general Hong Kong is visa free for most of the countries worldwide however guests will require a Visa to travel to Xian for this land program.
It is essential that your China visa is obtained prior to travel. If there are other Chinese ports visited on the cruise itinerary, a multiple entry Visa will be required for this land program. If not, then a single-entry Visa will be required.
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels and airlines are requiring these details for reservations and ticketing. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms and flight tickets will not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and visa must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of return from China and it must have one entire blank page for the visa.
NOTE: Visa requirements are subject to change and Visa procurement is the responsibility of each guest.
* Please consult with your local Chinese Embassy at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain the necessary documentation or for any questions on the above in relation to this program.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Currency:
The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the currency of Hong Kong.
Electricity:
The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotel bathrooms also have outlets for 100 volts, but if not, you will need a transformer for any appliance or electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged UK-style plug. We recommend travelling with your own adaptors in case your hotel cannot supply one.
Luggage:
On the flight from Hong Kong to Xi’an, guests are permitted to check in one piece of luggage not exceeding 20 KG (44 lbs). Carry-on luggage must not be large than 22x14x9 inches / one piece per person.
Excess luggage that you do not wish to take on the flight will be stored at the hotel in Hong Kong and you will be re-united with it on Day 3. Please pack accordingly before disembarkation. Any pieces of luggage not going with you will be taken as soon as you disembark.
If you exceed your luggage allowance on the flight, you will be subject to the fees imposed by the airline and payable upon check in at the airport.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Accommodation:
Shangri La Xi’an
38B Keji Road, Xi’an, China, Shaanxi Province, China
Phone: (86 29) 8875 8888
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
*If similar hotels are required due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be advised well in advance of any changes. If guests are not advised in advance of travel of any changes then the hotels listed will be used.
Program includes:
•1 night at the Kowloon Shangri La Hong Kong including breakfast – deluxe room – or similar hotel
•2 nights at the Shangri La Xi’an including breakfast – deluxe room – or similar hotel
•All transportation by private mini-coach or coach & English-speaking local guide
•Entrance fees per the itinerary
•Meals as indicated in the itinerary
•Two standard drinks per person during included lunches or dinners (local beer, soft drinks, water)
•Economy class flights from Hong Kong to Xi’an and Xi’an to Hong Kong – direct flights not guaranteed
•Excess luggage storage in Hong Kong while in Xi’an
•Archaeologists at the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum and the Shaanxi Museum
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes:
•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service
•Gratuities to the drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
•Any meals or drinks not listed above
•Excess luggage fees on the flights to or from Xian
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Zip to and from the naturally beautiful Guilin on a high-speed train and enjoy a night cruise around the city, another cruise on the glorious Li River, an exploration of Reed Flute Cave and a lavish outdoor musical show.
Day 1
After arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport and passing through baggage claim and Customs, you will be met at Arrival Hall B for the transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure to relax, settle in and explore wherever you please. Meals will be on your own.
Guests are permitted to bring one piece of luggage plus a small carry-on size bag or purse on the train to Guilin on Day 2. Small bags will be kept at your seat. Please pack accordingly this evening. Guests will have to carry their own luggage through the train stations and on and off the train as there are no porters at the stations.
Day 2
After storing your excess luggage at the hotel and enjoying breakfast, you will check out and transfer to the train station for a high-speed train ride. Upon arriving in Guilin, you will proceed through Customs with your luggage. Afterwards, a local guide will assist you in the transfer to your hotel.
Time will be allotted for you to relax and dine at the hotel before transferring to the pier for a night cruise. Guilin will look absolutely radiant in the evening as you cruise through four lakes and two rivers.
After returning to the hotel, you will spend a delightful evening.
Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the pier and board a cruise boat for a scenic trip on the Li River. The river is so incredibly beautiful and celebrated that it is featured on Chinese stamps and currency. You will pass the exact area shown in illustration on the back of the 20 yuan note, which is by the dock in Yangshuo.
After enjoying a buffet lunch on board, you will disembark at Yangshou to visit a local farmhouse and take in the gorgeous karst landscape. You will also see a typical rice paddy as a prelude to watching the Impression Liu Sanjie musical night dinner show. With the Li River as a backdrop, the setting for the outdoor performance is particularly stunning. The distinguished film director Zhang Yimou produced the show, as well as the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
Following the performance, you will return to Guilin for the evening.
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will visit the Reed Flute Cave, a karst cave named for the verdant reeds growing around the outside of it, with which artisans make flutes. Inside, you will find a spectacular underground world of stalactites, stalagmites and unusual geological formations illuminated for enhanced drama. The interior of the cave is so extraordinary that it is known as the Palace of Natural Arts.
Following your exploration of Reed Flute Cave, you will transfer to the train station for the return high-speed train ride to Hong Kong. Upon arriving, you will complete Hong Kong and China Immigration clearance, meet a representative at the Arrival Hall and transfer to the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel. Your stored luggage will be delivered to your room. The evening will be free to do as you please.
Day 5
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will be transferred to the pier to embark the cruise ship.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport
You are met at ARRIVAL HALL B after luggage re-claim and customs clearance and transferred to your hotel
Check in time at your hotel is 3.00pm.
Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
From 7:00am Breakfast at your hotel, excess luggage separation for storage, Check out
10:15am Transfer to hi-speed train station in West Kowloon
Complete Hong Kong and China Immigration clearance prior boarding train
11:54am Hi-speed Train from Hong Kong to Guilin (time subject to change)
3:54pm Arrive Guilin and go through customs clearance
Meet your local guide in the Arrival Hall, transfer to your hotel
5:45pm Check-in
6:30pm Dinner at your hotel restaurant
8:15pm Short drive to pier for night cruise
9:15pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at the Shangri-la Hotel Guilin or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Scenic drive to the pier
9:30am Board a cruiser boat for a ride on the Li River
Buffet lunch served on board
2:30pm Disembark in Yangshuo Town for a visit
Photo stop of the sparkling Yulong River
5:30pm Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
7:30pm Enjoy the Impression Liusanjie Show
8:45pm Drive back to Guilin city and overnight
10:15pm Arrive at the hotel
Overnight at the Shangri-la Hotel Guilin or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8.30am Check out
9:15am Visit the mysterious Reed Flute Cave
11:15am Drive to the train station
12:15pm Arrive at the train station
12:54pm Hi Speed train from Guilin to Hong Kong (time subject to change)
4:53pm Arrive in Hong Kong and go thru China and Hong Kong immigration clearance
Meet your local guide in the Arrival Hall for transfer to your hotel
Check-in, reunited with any stored luggage
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 5
7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
9:30am Baggage to be collected by hotel porters and transferred to the pier
11:00am Check out and settle incidental charges if any
11:45am Transfer to the pier
12:15pm Arrive at the port of Hong Kong and embark the ship
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
Expected Weather
Hong Kong – February. 57-66 Fahrenheit/14-19 Celsius
Guilin – February. 41-60 Fahrenheit/5-15 Celsius
What to Bring
February is cool so bring clothing that can be layered for warmth. Don’t forget cameras, batteries, chargers, medications, comfortable walking shoes, hat and an umbrella in case of rain.
Local Currency
Hong Kong – Hong Kong Dollars is the local currency. US Dollars are widely accepted but subject to shops’ discretion.
Guilin - Renminbi is the local currency
Electricity
Hong Kong - 220V of 50 cycles. Electrical plugs have 3 flat pins.
Guilin - 220V of 50 cycles. Electrical plugs have 2 flat pins.
Bring a universal travel adaptor for electric devices
Luggage
Guests must carry their own luggage on and off the train and through the train stations as porters are not available.
Guests are permitted to bring one piece of luggage on the train weighing no more than 20kg or 44lbs.
Luggage should not exceed 130cm in dimension. One small carry-on or purse is also permitted.
Excess luggage can be stored at the hotel in Hong Kong while guests are travelling to China. Please pack accordingly prior to departing for Guilin on Day 2. Make sure that any stored luggage is clearly marked with your name room number, ship name and cabin number on the ship. Bring valuables such as documents and medications with you. Neither the cruise line nor our local ground operator can take responsibility for any items left behind.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels are requiring these details for reservations. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms can not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
For Guilin, a China visa is required and must be purchased in advance of the cruise. If your cruise visits other Chinese ports on the voyage itinerary, then a Multiple Entry Chinese Visa must be purchased.
Hong Kong is visa-free for most of the countries worldwide. However, check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for any of the countries visited on this program.
VERY IMPORTANT
The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for train ticket purchase for this program, otherwise guests may be denied travel by train. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents. Guests are responsible to make sure that there are enough pages in their passports for any visas that are required. Minimum two pages for each visa.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. It is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure that they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country through which you will be traveling to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.
Hotel addresses:
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
Shangri-la Hotel Guilin
111 Huan Cheng Bei Er Road, Guilin
Guangxi 541004, China
Phone: (86 773) 269 8888
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•Two nights in Deluxe Room at Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel Hong Kong or similar hotel
•Two nights in Deluxe Room at Shangri-la Guilin or similar hotel
•Breakfast in hotels daily
•Meals as specified with two standard drink per person (local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water)
•All transportation by coach with English speaking local guide
•All sites mentioned on the program with entrance fees
•High speed train from Hong Kong – Guilin – Hong Kong
•Excess luggage storage in Hong Kong
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Personal expenses
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Visa fees
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Hong Kong is a city of contrasts with the old and new intertwined everywhere you look. Century-old temples and gardens share the same streets with multi-storied offices, skyscrapers and residential housing. Ride in a traditional Sam Pan, visit the bustling local markets, enjoy a ride on the Peak Tram to the soaring heights of Victoria Peak, visit the highest observatory in the city for a birds eye view, stroll through the Tang Dynasty Nunnery and Garden and check out over 900 priceless national treasures displayed at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
Day 1
After arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport and going through the luggage claim and Customs, you will be met at Arrival Hall B and transferred to the Kowloon Shangri La Hotel, where you will spend the evening.
Although every effort will be made to have rooms ready before check-in at 3:00pm, this cannot be guaranteed. If you have an early arrival, you may wish to book an extra night so that your room will be available upon arrival.
The remainder of the day will be at your leisure and meals will be on your own. Feel free to simply settle in and relax or you might explore areas of Hong Kong not on the itinerary. At 8:00pm, don’t miss the spectacular 10-minute “Symphony of Lights” show around Victoria Harbor!
Day 2
After breakfast, proceed to Hong Kong Island. For the ultimate view of the surroundings, you will ride the re-vitalized tram up to Victoria Peak. The world’s steepest funicular railway, the Peak Tram opened in 1888 and has been providing spectacular panoramas ever since. As you ascend, you may notice that the steep slope causes an optical illusion in which the skyscrapers seem to be standing at impossible angles.
Hong Kong has spent $799 million HKG to make the Peak Tram a more efficient and comfortable experience. There are new larger capacity tramcars, ropes and track rails, updated control and signaling systems, a brand new terminal, covered and temperature controlled waiting area and platforms and tramcar floors have been aligned to provide step-free access for people with disabilities. There are also five new engaging zones that include “Eye of Infinity”, “The Beating Heart”, “An Icon is Born”, “Once Upon a Tram” and “Go Wild at the Peak” – all located at the Central Terminus.
After pausing for photos at the peak, you will drive on to Aberdeen fishing village and board a sampan boat. While on the water, you can expect to see fishing boats, Chinese junks and villagers doing chores. The experience offers a candid look into daily life, as does your next stop—a tour of a gem factory where you will learn how the craftsmen process the stones for sale or to be set into jewelry.
Following lunch, it’s on to vibrant Stanley Market, a highly popular shopping destination for merchandise such as silk garments, Chinese costume jewelry and art. As an alternative in Stanley, you might explore Tin Hau Temple, which once stood at the edge of the sea, and the Murray House, an early 19th-Century building that was moved from its original site to the seaside.
Your next destination is Sky100 - the highest indoor observation deck on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre, the tallest building in town offering a magical bird’s-eye sweep of the world-famous panoramic view of the city. If the timing is right, you may even catch the sunset over the city.
Following your visit, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure and dinner on your own. Don't miss the vibrant Night Market!
Day 3
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart to visit the hidden gems in the City – the sacred Chi Lin Nunnery, a Buddhist temple complex, and the charming Nan Lian Garden of the Tang Dynasty where each stone, tree, rock or water element is landscaped after specific rules and regulations. With the backdrop of Chi Lin Nunnery, you will find the typical Hong Kong high-rise buildings making for an interesting clash of old, new, calm and hustle.
Next, drive to Tai Po and enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfront and Tolo Harbor at the Spiral Lookout Tower - a large-scale landmark established to mark the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong to China in 1997.
Visit a bustling food market that sells all kinds of fresh products, dried herbs and seafood. Next door is the century old Man Mo Temple dedicated to the gods Man (Literature) and Mo (Martial Arts). It serves as a center of worship for the community.
After sampling a Chinese dim sum lunch at a local restaurant, you will be transferred back to Kowloon with a stop the West Kowloon Cultural District. Visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum which presents over 900 priceless treasures from the Beijing Palace Museum. Many are on display for the first time in Hong Kong, while others have never been shown to the public before. The Museum also regularly presents special exhibitions featuring Chinese art and culture, as well as art and treasures from other parts of the world.
After your visit, return to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own. Perhaps try the famous Peking Duck – Shangri La’s Concierge can make a reservation for you the best restaurants!
NOTE: Due to the amount of guests that may participate in this program, guests may be split into two groups and Days 2 and 3 may be reversed. For this reason, it is imperative to advise Regent Seven Seas Cruises at least 14 days before the program starts of any travelling companions so that our ground operator may do their utmost to place you in the same group.
Day 4
Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will be transferred to the cruise ship for embarkation.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
Day 1
Arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport. You will be met at Arrival Hall B after luggage claim and customs.
Transfer to the Kowloon Shangri La Hotel where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure and meals will be on your own. Check in is 3:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms ready before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. Meals are on your own.
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
Day 2
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Meet your guide and depart for a full day sightseeing tour
9:45am Peak tram to Victoria Peak
10:15am Photo stop at Victoria Peak
10:45am Drive to Aberdeen
11:10am Board a sampan boat to explore the unique floating village
11:35am Short drive to Gem Factory outlet
11:40am Gem talk and visit the outlet, restroom stop
12:10pm Scenic drive to Stanley
12:50pm Buffet lunch at King Ludwig Restaurant or similar venue
2:00pm Free time for souvenir shopping at the renowned Stanley Market or visit the famous Tin Hau Temple and Murray House
3:30pm Drive back to Kowloon
4:30pm Visit Sky100 for the splendid view of the city
5:30pm Return to your hotel
Remainder of day at leisure and dinner on own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Day 3
From 7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
10:30am Scenic drive to Tai Po Promenade with photo stop of Spiral Tower – a memorial landmark
11:15am Short drive to visit a bustling fresh market and the historic Man Mo Temple
12:15pm Chinese dim sum lunch served at local restaurant
1:30pm Drive to West Kowloon Cultural District
2:30pm Visit the renowned HK Palace Museum
5:30pm Return to your hotel, evening at leisure
Dinner on own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Day 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
11:00am Check out of the hotel
11:45am Transfer to the pier
12:15pm Approximate arrival at the port for embarkation
Expected Weather:
57-66 °F (14-19°C) in February
70-82 °F (21-28 °C) in March
68-76 °F (21-28 °C) for November
What to Bring:
Light comfortable clothing, a jacket and warmer clothing during the cooler months, good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, umbrella and camera
Local Currency:
HK dollars. U.S. dollars are widely accepted but subject to the shops’ discretion.
Electricity:
220V of 50 cycles. The HK plug is 3 flat pins. Adaptors are available at the hotel but subject to availability, therefore we recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Hong Kong is generally visa free for most countries. For details regarding valid passports and visas, please contact or visit your local embassy for Hong Kong.
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels are requiring these details for reservations. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms can not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
Hotel addresses:
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes prior to travel, then the hotel listed will be used.
Program Includes for guests
•Three nights at the Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel - deluxe room
•All transportation with English-speaking local guides
•All sites mentioned in the program including entrance fees
•Meals as specified with one standard drink per person e.g. local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Enjoy different perspectives of Hong Kong by visiting characteristic neighborhoods, cruising around a coastal UNESCO geopark and spending an entire day and every evening free to explore the dynamic metropolis on your own.
Day 1
After arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport and going through the luggage claim and Customs, you will be met at Arrival Hall B and transferred to the Kowloon Shangri La Hotel, where you will spend the evening.
Although every effort will be made to have rooms ready before check-in at 3:00pm, this cannot be guaranteed. If you have an early arrival, you may wish to book an extra night so that your room will be available upon arrival.
The remainder of the day will be at your leisure and meals will be on your own. Feel free to simply settle in and relax or you might explore areas of Hong Kong not on the itinerary.
Day 2
After breakfast, meet your guide and drive to Sham Shui Po, an historical textile district that has been transformed into a trendy neighborhood. Fashions are still a mainstay, but shops offering other merchandise, contemporary cafés and enticing street food stalls are now prominent, too.
For a panoramic view of Sham Shui Po and beyond, you will walk to the top of Garden Hill. The views are well worth the 500 concrete steps you must climb to reach the summit. Continuing, you will visit Mei Ho House, a building that is notable for being the sole remains of an early public-housing project. Now a folkloric museum, it was constructed after a devastating fire in 1953 left tens of thousands of people homeless.
A dim sum lunch in Sham Shui Po follows, after which you will check into the hotel. The remainder of the evening and dinner will be on your own.
Day 3
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Sai Kung, a district known for its lush surroundings, idyllic beaches and the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. A scenic cruise around the islands just offshore will present some of the geopark’s highlights. Unusual geological formations are abundant. They include craggy sea stacks, sea caves and volcanic hexagonal rock columns, which you will observe on High Island.
Disembarking at the island, you will visit Tin Hau, a temple dedicated to its namesake goddess of the sea. The fact that there are more than 70 temples in Hong Kong dedicated to Tin Hau underscores the significance of the goddess.
Back on the pier in Sai Kung, you will enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant before returning to the hotel. The remainder of the evening and dinner will be on your own.
Day 4
Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will be transferred to the cruise ship for embarkation.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
Day 1
Arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport. You will be met at Arrival Hall B after luggage claim and customs.
Transfer to your hotel where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure and meals will be on your own. Check in is 3:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms ready before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. Meals are on your own.
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
Day 2
From 7:30am Breakfast at your hotel
9:30am Depart for Sham Shui Po
10:00am Ascend Garden Hill
10:45am Photo stop at Garden Hill summit
11:05am Walk down to Mei Ho House museum
11:40am Visit Mei Ho House museum
12:30pm Stroll through Sham Shui Po
1:15pm Drive to restaurant
1:30pm Enjoy a dim sum lunch
2:45pm Drive to the hotel and check-in
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Day 3
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Depart for Sai Kung
9:30am Scenic cruise towards High Island
10:15am Visit Tin Hau Temple on High Island
10:50am Cruise to UNESCO geo sites near East Dam
1:00pm Lunch at waterfront restaurant in Sai Kung
3:30pm Return to the hotel
Evening at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel
Day 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
11:00am Check out of the hotel
11:45am Transfer to the pier
12:15pm Approximate arrival at the port for embarkation
Expected Weather
57-66 °F (14-19°C) in February
70-82 °F (21-28 °C) in March
68-76 °F (21-28 °C) for November
What to Bring
Light comfortable clothing, a jacket during the cooler months, good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, umbrella and camera.
Currency
HK dollars. U.S. dollars are widely accepted but subject to the shops’ discretion.
Electricity
220V of 50 cycles. The HK plug is 3 flat pins. Adaptors are available at the hotel but subject to availability, therefore, we recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
Hong Kong is visa free for most countries. For details regarding valid passports and visas, please contact or visit your local embassy for Hong Kong.
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels are requiring these details for reservations. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms can not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
Hotel addresses
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes prior to travel, then the hotel listed will be used.
Program Includes for guests
•Three nights at the Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel in a deluxe room
•Breakfast at the hotel daily
•Meals as specified with one standard drink per person (e.g. local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water)
•All transportation by coach with English-speaking local guide
•All sites mentioned on the program with entrance fees
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests
•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Fly to Xi’an, the energetic capital of the Shaanxi Province, and tour its most spectacular attractions, including the Terracotta Warriors Museum, Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, Grand Mosque and Tang Dynasty Theatre.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. Please review the documentation section below for important details on passports and visas.
Day 1
After arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport and passing through baggage claim and Customs, you will be transferred to the Kowloon Shangri La (or similar hotel). The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax, settle in and explore wherever you please. Check in time is at 3:00pm. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee your room is ready when you arrive.
Meals are on your own.
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Xi’an. Upon arriving in Xi’an and passing through immigration, customs and baggage claim, you will continue on to the Shangri La Xi’an (or similar hotel) for check in.
In the early evening, you will be transferred to nearby Defachang, a popular restaurant known for its dumplings. Carefully hand-prepared, the dumplings are available in dozens of different shapes and colors and filled with a variety of local ingredients. You can expect the meal to be wonderfully traditional. After dinner, you will drive back to the hotel to spend the evening.
Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a repository for thousands of clay soldiers that were buried with China’s first emperor to accompany him in his eternal rest. Considered one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures, the 7,000 life-size terracotta warriors and horses were buried for centuries until excavated in 1974.
The warriors are grouped in battle order, rank by rank, some mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others in infantry groups armed with spears, swords and crossbows. Each figure was individually created with unique characteristics. You will be welcomed by one of the Museum’s Archaeologists who will give a short lecture prior to your visit.
Following the tour and a traditional Chinese lunch at a nearby restaurant, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. One of China’s most revered pagodas, it was built in 652 A.D. to house the sutras and figurines of Buddha that a Chinese monk brought to Xi’an. The building was eventually expanded to ten stories, although only seven stories remain, as the others were damaged in various wars. Nevertheless, the pagoda is recognized as a symbol of Xi’an.
Next comes an exploration of the Muslim Quarter and its Grand Mosque. Muslims have lived in the quarter for more than 1,000 years ago, beginning with the merchants from Arabic countries that settled at this terminus of the Silk Road. The Grand Mosque is particularly fascinating, as it reflects traditional Chinese and Muslim styles.
After visiting the mosque, you will return to the hotel to freshen up before driving to the Tang Dynasty Theatre for dinner and a cultural performance. The costumed show features ancient music, poetry, singing and dance, some of which were developed as parts of ritual prayers for a good harvest. Following the lively performance, you will return to the hotel to spend the evening.
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will visit the Shaanxi History Museum. Inside, seemingly countless exhibits depict the history of China from prehistoric times to the mid-19th century. It offers an enlightening overview of the country, with a particular emphasis on the Shaanxi Province. A museum Archaeologist will guide you as you view the murals of the Tang Dynasty.
Then, it’s on to a traditional hot pot restaurant for lunch, before driving to the airport for the flight back to Hong Kong. Upon arriving in Hong Kong, you will be transferred to the pier to embark the ship.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
Day 1
Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport
Meet and greet at Arrival Hall B after luggage claim and Customs
Transfer to your hotel
3:00pm – check in time at the hotel
The remainder of the day is at your leisure and meals are on your own.
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri La or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
Day 2 – below is a sample itinerary as timings are dependent on actual flight times
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Check out of the hotel. Excess luggage to be stored at the hotel
9:00am Transfer to the airport and check in for the flight to Xi’an
12:05pm Flight from Hong Kong to Xi’an (Flight details TBA and subject to change) Direct flights not guaranteed
2:50pm Arrive in Xi’an and go through immigration, Customs and baggage claim
3:50pm Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel
4:50pm Check in
6:00pm Drive to the Defachang restaurant for dinner
6:30pm Sample various signature dumplings at the restaurant
8:00pm Begin driving back to the hotel
8:30pm Arrive at the hotel
Overnight at the Shangri La Xi’an or similar hotel
Day 3
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Drive to the Terra Cotta Warriors museum
9:30am Visit the Terra Cotta Warriors museum
11:30am Drive to the lunch venue
12:20pm Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
1:30pm Drive to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
2:00pm Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Temple
2:45pm Continue to the Muslim Quarter
3:00pm Visit the Muslim Quarter and the Grand Mosque
4:30pm Return to the hotel to freshen up
6:00pm Drive to the Tang Dynasty Theatre
6:30pm Enjoy dinner and a cultural show
8:45pm Begin driving back to the hotel
9:30pm Arrive at the hotel
Overnight at the Shangri La Xi’an or similar hotel
Day 4 – below is a sample itinerary as timings are dependent on actual flight times
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Check out of the hotel
9:00am Drive to the Shaanxi History Museum
9:30am Tour the museum
11:30am Drive to the Hot Pot restaurant
12:00pm Enjoy a Hot Pot lunch
1:00pm Drive to the airport
1:50pm Arrive at the airport and check in for your flight
3:50pm Fly from Xi’an to Hong Kong (flight details TBA and subject to change) Direct flights not guaranteed
6:45pm Arrive in Hong Kong, passing through immigration and luggage claim
7:30pm Meet and greet at Hall B for your transfer to the pier for embarkation
8:30pm Arrive at the pier and embark your ship
Expected Weather:
The average daily high temperature in Xi'an is a cool 14 °C (57 °F), and the average daily low temperature is a cool 4 °C (39 °F). Pack warm clothes, a hat, sunglasses and good walking shoes.
Documentation:
In general Hong Kong is visa free for most of the countries worldwide however guests will require a Visa to travel to Xian for this land program.
It is essential that your China visa is obtained prior to travel. If there are other Chinese ports visited on the itinerary, a multiple entry Visa will be required for this land program. If not, then a single entry Visa will be required.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and visa must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of return from China and it must have one entire blank page for the visa.
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels and airlines are requiring these details for reservations and ticketing. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms and flight tickets will not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
NOTE: Visa requirements are subject to change and Visa procurement is the responsibility of each guest.
* Please consult with your local Chinese Embassy at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain the necessary documentation or for any questions on the above in relation to this program.
Currency:
The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the currency of Hong Kong.
Electricity:
The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotel bathrooms also have outlets for 100 volts. If not, you will need a transformer for electrical devices. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged UK-style plug. We recommend bringing an adaptor in case the hotel cannot supply one.
Luggage:
On the flight from Hong Kong to Xi’an, guests are permitted to check in one piece of luggage not exceeding 20 KG (44 lbs). Carry-on luggage must not be large than 22x14x9 inches / one piece per person.
Excess luggage that you do not wish to take on the flight will be stored at the hotel in Hong Kong and transferred to the port for embarkation. If you exceed your luggage allowance on the flight, you will be subject to the fees imposed by the airline and payable upon check in at the airport.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Accommodation:
Shangri La Xi’an
38B Keji Road, Xi’an, China, Shaanxi Province, China
Phone: (86 29) 8875 8888
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel – deluxe room
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
*If similar hotels are required due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be advised well in advance of any changes. If guests are not advised in advance of travel of any changes then the hotels listed will be used.
Program includes:
•1 night at the Kowloon Shangri La Hong Kong including breakfast – deluxe room – or similar hotel
•2 nights at the Shangr La Xi’an including breakfast – deluxe room – or similar hotel
•All transportation by private mini-coach or coach and English-speaking local guide
•Entrance fees per the itinerary
•Meals as indicated in the itinerary
•Two standard drinks per person during included lunches or dinners (local beer, soft drinks, water)
•Economy-class flights from Hong Kong to Xi’an and Xi’an to Hong Kong – direct flights not guaranteed
•Excess luggage storage in Hong Kong
•Archaeologists at the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum and the Shaanxi Museum
Please note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the most current arrival information so your transfer can be arranged. However, if you book additional hotel nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive your flight details in time, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes:
•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service
•Gratuities to the drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
•Meals or drinks not listed above
•Excess luggage fees on the flights to or from Xi’an
.Visa fees
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Fly to the ancient city of Chengdu to interact with panda bears and feed them bamboo, an enlightening prelude to delving even deeper into the Sichuan province by browsing the enigmatic artifacts in the Sanxingdui Museum.
Special Notes: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
See further below for document requirements as a single or multiple entry Chinese Visa is required for this program depending on how many Chinese ports are visited on your cruise.
Day 1
After you fly into the Hong Kong International Airport, re-claim your luggage and clear Customs, the local guide will meet you at Arrival Hall B. You will then transfer to your hotel.
Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner than the scheduled 3:00pm check in, this cannot be guaranteed. If you arrive substantially earlier, you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee that your room will be available upon arrival.
You will spend the evening at the hotel, and meals will be on your own for the day.
Be sure to pack a small separate bag for the days in Chengdu. Your excess luggage will be stored at the hotel in Hong Kong, where you will be reunited with it on Day 4.
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the airport for the flight to Chengdu. Upon arriving, you will proceed to the Shangri-la Hotel Chengdu for check in and time to settle in and refresh.
Later in the afternoon, you will travel to the Jinli Cultural Street, a typically bustling network of alleyways lined with handicrafts shops and traditional restaurants. Few places offer such an array of merchandise and browsing the stores with the aroma of freshly cooked food wafting through the air will be quite the experience.
Dinner will be served back at the hotel, where you will spend a relaxing evening.
Day 3
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Dujiangyan Panda Base, a prime spot to interact with pandas, learn about their behavior and discover firsthand why these endangered bears are so lovable.
Upon reaching the panda enclosure in a golf cart, you will observe the animals up close. The panda keeper will explain how to care for them, as that will soon be your shared responsibility. Feel free to ask questions.
During the interactive experience that follows, you will feed the pandas bamboo, which makes up their entire diet in the wild. Bamboo is low in nutrition, and the pandas must eat voraciously to maintain their energy, even though they have a low metabolism. The distinctive roundness of their faces is in part a result of their powerful jaw muscles.
During the break that follows, you will be served lunch and then watch a documentary film on pandas. By the time you depart the Dujiangyan Panda Base, you will have a much deeper understanding of these beloved animal ambassadors.
After returning to the hotel to freshen up, you will depart for a Sichuan hot pot dinner in which the ingredients are simmered in soup stock at the dining table. A Sichuan opera show follows, during which the performers will demonstrate the art of face-changing by switching multiple masks at lightning speed.
In time, you will return to the hotel for the evening.
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will depart for the Sanxingdui Museum, a collection of pieces excavated from the Three-Star Piles archaeological site. The artifacts include magnificent bronze sculptures, jade ware and pottery from the beginning of the ancient Shu society that lived in the area perhaps 4,800 years ago. As no texts were unearthed and no other cultures mention Sanxingdui, the discoveries remain somewhat enigmatic.
After browsing the museum, you will proceed to the airport for the flight to Hong Kong. Lunch will be served at the airport before departure.
Once you arrive in Hong Kong, you will reclaim your luggage, clear Customs and meet our representative at Arrival Hall B. From there, you will transfer to your hotel where you will spend the evening. You will also be reunited with your excess luggage that was stored at the hotel on Day 2.
Day 5
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will enjoy leisure time until checking out. Around midday, you will transfer to the pier and embark your cruise ship.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
Day 1
Fly into the Hong Kong International Airport.
Transfer to the Kowloon Shangri-la hotel or a similar hotel for a 3:00pm check in.
Meals will be on your own.
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2 - timings are subject to change based on flight details, which will only be available approximately 60 days before sailing.
From 6:00am Breakfast at the hotel and check out
Excess luggage will be stored at the hotel
7:00am Transfer to the airport
10:15am Fly from Hong Kong to Chengdu (flight details TBA and subject to change)
1:05pm Arrive in Chengdu, pass through immigration, clear Customs clearance and claim baggage - Meet your local guide in the Arrival Hall and transfer to the hotel
2:30pm Check into the hotel
4:30pm Stroll on Jinli Cultural Street
6:00pm Drive back to the hotel
7:30pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the Shangri La Chengdu or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Drive to the Dujiangyan Panda Habitat
9:30am Ride a golf cart to the panda enclosure
9:45am Visit the pandas
10:15am Panda keeper briefing and Q&A session
11:15am Feed the pandas
11:45am Drive to a restaurant for lunch
1:15pm Return to the panda habitat
1:15pm Watch a documentary film about pandas
2:15pm Make souvenir cakes
3:00pm Drive back to Chengdu
4:30pm Arrive at the hotel
6:00pm Depart for a restaurant
6:30pm Enjoy a hot pot dinner and Sichuan Opera show
9:00pm Return to the Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu for the evening
DAY 4 - timings are subject to changed based on flight details which will only be available approximately 60 days before sailing
AM Early breakfast at the hotel
6:30am Check out of the hotel
7:00am Drive to the Sanxingdui Museum
8:30am Visit the museum
10:15am Drive to the airport
11:30an Chinese lunch at an airport restaurant
12:20pm Check in for the flight
2:20pm Fly from Chengdu to Hong Kong (flight details TBA and subject to change)
5:05pm Arrive in Hong Kong and transfer to the hotel
Dinner on your own
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri-la
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out from the hotel
12:30pm Transfer to Hong Kong cruise terminal to embark the cruise ship
Expected Weather
Hong Kong in February - average high is 57F /19C
Chengdu in February - average high is 52F / 11C
Hong Kong in March – average high is 82F / 27C
Chengdu in March — average high is 68F / 20C
Hong Kong in November – average high is 76F / 24C
Chengdu in November - average high is 70F / 21C
What to Bring
Warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hat, umbrella, camera and charger.
Local Currency
In Hong Kong, HK dollars is the local currency. U.S. dollars are widely accepted but subject to each shop’s discretion. In Chengdu, the local currency is the Renminbi (RMB). U.S. dollars are not widely accepted here.
Electricity
Hong Kong—220V of 50 cycles. HK plug is 3 flat pins
Chengdu—220V of 50 cycles. China plug is 2 flat pins
Guests may borrow an adapter at each hotel, however they are subject to availability. We recommend bringing your own universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Aircraft type (subject to change)
Airbus 321 or similar of approximate 100-200 seats
Luggage information (subject to change)
On the flights to and from Chengdu, guests are permitted to check one piece of luggage (max 20kg / 44lbs. One piece of hand luggage is permitted on the aircraft with a size limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Excess luggage will be stored in Hong Kong for the duration of the program and you will be re-united with it on Day 4 at your hotel. Please pack accordingly and bring any medications and important documents with you.
Make sure that stored luggage is properly labelled with your name and suite number on the ship. Excess overweight luggage brought with you will be subject to fees imposed by the airline and will be payable by guests at the time of check in.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a doctor’s certificate that notes their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or other type).
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements
In general, Hong Kong is visa free for most countries. However, consult your local embassy prior to travel for further information and requirements based on your nationality.
For Chengdu, a Chinese visa is required and must be secured prior to arrival in Hong Kong. Please consult your local Chinese embassy for details on requirements and procedure. If your cruise will visit other Chinese ports then a multiple entry Chinese visa will be required. If no other Chinese ports are visited, a single entry Chinese Visa will be required
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and visa must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase, otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel, and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels and airlines are requiring these details for reservations and ticketing. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms and flight tickets will not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.
NOTE: Visa requirements are subject to change and visa procurement is the responsibility of each guest.
*Please consult with your local Chinese Embassy at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain the necessary documentation or for questions on the above in relation to this program.
Hotel addresses
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
Shangri-la Hotel Chengdu
9 Binjiang Road East, Chengdu 610021, China
Phone: (86 28) 8888 9999
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If guests are not notified of changes before departure, then the hotels listed in the program will be used.
Program Includes for guests
•Two nights at the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel in Hong Kong or similar (deluxe room)
•Two nights at the Shangri-la Chengdu or similar (deluxe room)
•Breakfast daily
•Meals as specified in the itinerary with two standard drinks per person (local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water)
•All transportation by coach with an English-speaking local guide
•All sites mentioned on the program with entrance fees
•Excess luggage storage in Hong Kong
•Economy-class flights between Hong Kong and Chengdu (direct flights not guaranteed)
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests
•Personal expenses
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Excess or overweight luggage fees on the flights
•Visa fees
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered no-shows and their hotel space released.
