Travel Alerts

EARTHQUAKE IN CHINA

May 13, 2008

A 7.8-magnitude earth quake hit Wenchuan in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan Monday afternoon local time. The epicenter was approximately 60 miles, from the provincial capital of Chengdu and tremors were felt as far away as Beijing and Shanghai. All Viking Rivers Cruises passengers are safe and accounted for. Viking River Cruises Los Angeles is in communication with our local offices in Beijing and Chongqing, our ships and our tour escorts, most tours are proceeding as planned or with minor changes.

Current programs in China

  • Apr 29 Roof of the World, flying from Wuhan to Shanghai as planned.

  • May 3 Imperial Jewels running as planned

  • May 5 Cultural Delights, onboard Viking Century Sun currently cruising between jingzhou and Yichang as planned.

  • May 9 Roof of the World, as a precaution flight landed in Taiyuan, while enroute to Xian, we expect this flight to be able to continue on to Xian shortly. It is unlikely we will take passengers to Chengdu as planned, rather divert them to Taiyuan for 1 night then 2 nights in Chongqing. This will be decided tomorrow as communications are not restored in Chengdu Viking feels it is best to avoid the city as this time.

    Below is the final itinerary:
    May 14(Wed), fly CZ6470 12:45/13:45) to Taiyuan, box lunch for pax. Upon arrival, bus ride to Ping Yao Ancient City (World Heritage), Hotel check-in: World Trade Hotel. (hotel dinner)
    May 15(Thu), morning Family Qiao’s Courtyard. Lunch (local noodle banquet), then transfer to airport to catch MU5830 (15:30 / 17:25) to Chongqing. Check-in Chongqing JW Marriott. (hotel dinner)
    May 16(Fri), whole day tour to Dazu, lunch in Dazu Hotel (2F), back to Chongqing Marriott hotel. (Chongqing Hotpot dinner)
    May 17(Sat), morning tour to Chongqing zoo (incl. arts gallery), Stilwell Museum, E-ling Park (to overview the city), lunch in local restaurant, embark CSK. Back to regular program.

  • May 10 Imperial Jewels flying from Shanghai to Wuhan, as planned.

  • May 12 Cultural Delights, arrival in Beijing today, beginning of tour, fine

Due to the large amount of calls going into China communication by both phone and email can be intermittent at times.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this tragedy.

Viking River Cruises Management