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 formal conclusion of her shipboard executive training sessions with Viking leadership, including meetings with Vice President Michele Saegesser, Training Officer Ting Xu, the ship's captain, Hotel Manager Tokutaro, and the Cruise Director.
During these sessions, the team reviewed enhancements to guest experience, Asia program logistics, air support workflows, and the newest Viking Journey tools scheduled for rollout to the agent community in 2026. Heather described the experience as an honor, noting that everything aboard the Yi Dun operates with both warmth and precision, making the vessel the heart of Viking's Asia program.
The 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 ship's Farewell Party 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 experienced Viking's seamless post-cruise extension, beginning with an escorted Beijing airport transfer and flight to Xi'an. The ancient Chinese capital serves as home to the world-famous Terra Cotta Warriors, with Viking's extension package including a two-night hotel stay at either the Grand Hyatt or Wyndham Grand Xi'an South, a full-day Terra Cotta Warriors experience, Viking-hosted welcome dinner, return flight to Beijing, Temple of Heaven tour, and optional hutong rickshaw ride.
Heather emphasized the value of Viking's guidance in navigating complex destinations like Xi'an, noting that even with real-time translation technology, the location presents challenges best handled through Viking's 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 daily during peak seasons. Guests tour multiple pits containing infantry formations, cavalry units, command headquarters, active archaeological labs, and cultural exhibits.
Heather continues her study of Viking's Asia programs in Xi'an, documenting cultural nuances and timing strategies to assist future travelers. The journey continues to Beijing for Temple of Heaven visits, leisure time, optional cultural excursions, and next week's grand finale walking the Great Wall of China. This completes the full arc of Heather's executive retreat from Yokohama through China's imperial past. Additional 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.
