Excursion booking for PANDA opens next week. What are folks planning? Which night for acrobats in Shanghai? Anyone hiring private guide for Shanghai or just using ship's excursions?

Funny, I was just looking at excursions for PANDA and for the next segment. We also are interested in going to the acrobats in Shanghai. I still need to do some research on Nagasaki and on Pusan. I don't think there is much (if any) experience from Regent cruisers on these ports.

I was also looking at your Vietnam recommendations. However, thus far, I don't see the helicopter to Hanoi on Regent's list. For Saigon, I did not see the Cao Dai temple mentioned on any of the excursions, including the Cu Chi Tunnels. I have a link to guides that I think you used (trailsofindochina), but I'm not sure at what ports these might be relevant or if last year's cruise went to the exact same ports. (Can you send me your review of your time in Vietnam if it is handy?)

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Eugene

The acrobats were most enjoyable in Shanghai. Cheers, Anne

Eugene, I didn't do a review; just responded to various questions on the boards.

We used the private guide in Da Nang. Primarily since my step father had served two tours in Da Nang and wanted to see all of the old locations. We also used them for Siem Reap.

The Cao Dai temple was a wonderful addtion to the tour of the Cu Chi tunnels. Truthfully, extra time in Saigon might have been a better deal.

For Hanoi, some on the boards used a private car which is faster than bus. Bus is not too bad, it is just that you get to Hanoi so late in the morning.

As for acrobats, are you looking at first or second night?

Nagasaki I think we are going to just do on our own. For Pusan, the two trips to see the temples seem best but we haven't decided. Definitely decided on the kite flying for Dalian.

I second the acrobats - they were incredible! We also did the kite flying in Dalian. Not much wind that day but we still had fun and we got to take kites home with us. The excursion also included an interesting walking tour of the city.

Does anyone know - if we have been to "Peking Acrobats" type shows in the US, is what we would see in Shanghai any different? Plate spinning, chair stacking, and so on?

Dena

It's similar, Dena. Unicycle/bike riding, tumbling and other kinds of things

Cheers, Anne

After reading all the excursion descriptions, I think we're going to mostly go independent.

Nagasaki - sounds like the city is fairly compact and easy to do on your own or with a local guide.

Pusan - considering the tour to Gyeongju - it sounds interesting (I've seen it described as sort of the "Kyoto of Korea") but I think with the short time in port and the travel time involved (over 1 hour each way) along with lunch and a folklore show, I'm not sure we'd really see that much. We'll probably explore the city and nearby beaches.

Dalian - Walking Tour with Kite Flying looks good.

Shanghai - I think we can hit the major sites on our own. We love to walk a lot and move at our own pace. :) And we won't have to worry about missing the ship until the last day...

Dena

We have friends who have traveled to Shanghai and I am going to see if I can get some tips...

Mitch, I would be interested in any info you have....

Has anyone made more excursion plans?

I just signed up today for the Temple and city highlights in Pusan, the city highlights and family visit in Dailan and the Acrobat show for the second night in Shanghai (October 6).

I might sign up for something the first morning in Shanghai just to get "the lay of the land".

Any other takers for the acrobat show on the second night?

Lauri, we are also at the Acrobat show on the second night. We still haven't done anything for Pusan.

Getting close!!

Marc,

Great! Maybe more PANDEES will join us for the acrobats!

I only signed up for the Pusan tour as I know nothing about that port and I think we are only there for a brief time. If it turns out to be an easily accessible city, I'll probably just do my own walking tour.

It's getting really close; it still doesn't quite seem real, maybe once those documents get here
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Dena, these are much like what you see here, except that they had, I think, EIGHT motorcyclists in a large mesh orb at the same time. That was pretty incredible.

Having said that, we're skipping the acrobats this time, as we just saw them in Shanghai in February. We're hoping to have dinner on the Bund this time.

Betty

Betty, I keep forgetting that you and Al are on PANDA. I'm jealous!! You all are going to have such a great time with such a fun bunch of LCTers. It won't seem right you two there this year without us! :mecry: Oh well, we'll be busy getting ready for Jill's wedding Oct. 27th.

I am looking forward to seeing Betty and Al again, too! Haven't seen them since ROAR!