Heather Viking, recognized as the number one Viking travel agent in Travel Leaders Network for verified five-star reviews, has officially completed the cruise portion of her Epic Asia Executive Retreat aboard the Viking Yi Dun and transitioned into Viking's signature China Post-Cruise Extension, beginning with two immersive nights in Xi'an. This marks the formal conclusion of Heather's shipboard executive training sessions with Viking leadership, including onboard meetings with Vice President Michele Saegesser, Training Officer Ting Xu, the ship's captain, Hotel Manager Tokutaro, and the Cruise Director. Together, they reviewed enhancements to guest experience, Asia program logistics, air support workflows, and the newest Viking Journey tools being rolled out to the agent community in 2026.
The final days of the cruise included time in Shanghai, where Heather and Club Cruise CEO Amanda Huber explored historic temples, enjoyed Viking's included shore excursions, and experienced the local culture that has made Shanghai a guest favorite on Viking Asia itineraries. The ship's Farewell Party brought together guests, officers, and the Viking host team for an evening celebrating the journey from Japan to Korea and onward into China. Immediately after disembarkation in Tianjin, Heather and Huber were escorted through a seamless Beijing airport transfer and flown to Xi'an, the ancient capital of China and home of the world-famous Terra Cotta Warriors.
Viking's Post-Cruise Extension includes flights between Beijing and Xi'an, a two-night hotel stay at either the Grand Hyatt or Wyndham Grand Xi'an South, a full-day Terra Cotta Warriors experience, a Viking-hosted welcome dinner, return flight to Beijing, Temple of Heaven tour, and optional hutong rickshaw ride. The extension represents Viking's comprehensive approach to handling all logistics for travelers. The Terra Cotta Warriors remain one of Earth's greatest archaeological discoveries, with the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Site Museum welcoming over 11.2 million visitors per year and up to 65,000 visitors per day during peak seasons. More details about the Xi'an experience are available at https://clubcruise.com/heather-viking-blogs/f/heather-viking-at-the-terra-cotta-warriors-inside-xi%E2%80%99an-china.
After completing the Xi'an extension, Heather and Amanda will continue to Beijing for the Temple of Heaven, leisure time in the city, optional cultural excursions, and next week's grand finale of walking the Great Wall of China. This completes the full arc of Heather's Epic Asia Executive Retreat from Yokohama to Osaka, Busan to Shanghai, and now deep into China's imperial past. The hands-on experience provides travel professionals with critical insights into cultural nuances, timing strategies, and guest experience enhancements that benefit future Viking travelers preparing for this extraordinary destination. Additional information about travel services can be found at https://clubcruise.com/HeatherViking and https://clubcruise.com.
