Heather Viking, recognized as the number one Viking travel agent in Travel Leaders Network for verified five-star Viking reviews, has officially completed the cruise portion of her Epic Asia Executive Retreat aboard the Viking Yi Dun. The transition marks the beginning of Viking's signature China Post-Cruise Extension, starting with two immersive nights in Xi'an.
The shipboard executive training sessions concluded with meetings between Heather and Viking leadership, including Vice President Michele Saegesser, Training Officer Ting Xu, the ship's Captain, Hotel Manager Tokutaro, and the Cruise Director. These sessions focused on reviewing enhancements to guest experience, Asia program logistics, air support workflows, and new Viking Journey tools scheduled for rollout to the agent community in 2026. Heather described the experience as an honor, noting the ship operates with both warmth and precision, serving as the heart of Viking's Asia program.
Final cruise days included time in Shanghai, where Heather and Club Cruise CEO Amanda Huber explored historic temples and participated in Viking's included shore excursions. The farewell party aboard the Viking Yi Dun brought together guests, officers, and the Viking host team to celebrate the journey spanning Japan, Korea, and China.
Following disembarkation in Tianjin, Heather and Huber were escorted through a seamless Beijing airport transfer before flying to Xi'an, the ancient capital of China and home to the world-famous Terra Cotta Warriors. Viking's Post-Cruise Extension package 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, a Temple of Heaven tour, and optional hutong rickshaw rides.
Heather emphasized the value of Viking's guidance in navigating Xi'an, noting that even with real-time translation technology, the destination requires expert coordination. The Terra Cotta Warriors experience represents one of Earth's greatest archaeological discoveries, with the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Site Museum welcoming over 11.2 million visitors annually and up to 65,000 visitors daily during peak seasons. Guests tour Pit 1 featuring the massive infantry formation, Pit 2 with cavalry and specialized units, Pit 3 serving as the command headquarters, active archaeological labs, and on-site cultural exhibits.
Heather continues her study of Viking's Asia programs in Xi'an, documenting cultural nuances, timing strategies, and guest experience enhancements to assist future travelers. The journey continues to Beijing for the Temple of Heaven, leisure time in the city, optional cultural excursions, and next week's grand finale walking the Great Wall of China. This completes the full arc of Heather's Epic Asia Executive Retreat, spanning from Yokohama to Osaka, Busan to Shanghai, and deep into China's imperial past. Additional details about the Terra Cotta Warriors experience are available at https://clubcruise.com/heather-viking-blogs/f/heather-viking-at-the-terra-cotta-warriors-inside-xi%E2%80%99an-china.
