China & Japan 2024: 18-Day Tour & Cruise Combo with Royal Caribbean from Shanghai & Roundtrip International Flights

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.

• Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
• Traveller Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 60 days of departure may result in losing your spot on the tour.
• If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
• Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
• Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes’ Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise if the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
• Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com, who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
• For tours that allow children, the child must be 10 years or over and must share a room with an adult.
• Children are the same price as adults.

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

• All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
• Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
• For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

• Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
• Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
• Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
• Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
• For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
• Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

• Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
• In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
• You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

• After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
• Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

• You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your My Escapes.

Please note:

• Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
• Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request. Subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
• Maximum room capacity (Twin Share) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.

Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation is not available for this tour. Please contact the contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.

• Return international flights
• Visas
• Shore excursions
• Tips and gratuities throughout China (A$12 per traveller per day)
• Single supplement
• Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
• Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
• Travel insurance (required)
• Tips and gratuities
• Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.

Transfers

• Arrival and departure transfers are available on the first and last day of your tour only.
• If you have booked your pre- and post-tour accommodation through Luxury Escapes, transfers may be available for select tours (not available for Trusted Partner operated tours).
• If you have booked pre- or post-tour accommodation outside of Luxury Escapes, you will forfeit your complimentary airport transfers.
• Please note ‘Private Transfers’ refers to transfers that are exclusive for your tour group and may be shared among other members of your group if arriving on the same flight or another flight arriving within a 30-minute window.
• Flight information must be provided to Luxury Escapes 60 days prior to departure in order to book transfers. Please see Destination information for airport pick-up and drop-off information.

Flights

• Roundtrip economy-class airfares are included in your package, departing from Sydney or Melbourne, Australia with Air China or similar. Surcharges to depart from other cities will apply. Flights from Melbourne or Sydney to Xian are not direct and include a connecting flight.
• Please note: Due to availability and scheduling restrictions, your flight may depart the day prior to commencing your tour itinerary. You will be notified directly of the confirmed departure day and time.
• Departures from Brisbane or Adelaide will incur a surcharge of A$400 per person and may travel via Sydney or Melbourne.
• Departures from Perth will incur a surcharge of A$600 per person and may travel via Sydney or Melbourne.
• Preferred airline seating is the responsibility of the passenger. For any specific airline seat reservations, contact the airline with the booking number included in your tour summary email.
• Business Class flight upgrades: For information on Business Class upgrades, please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Cruise

• IMPORTANT: The Twin-Room Package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin room). You must purchase TWO PACKAGES.
• Solo Traveller Surcharge: Solo travellers must pay a surcharge and packages are subject to availability. Please contact Luxury Escapes to enquire.
• Please note that packages cannot be split.
• Some itineraries may include tender ports.

Cabin Sizes and Bedding Configuration

This cruise includes the following cabin types:

• Interior Stateroom: 15sqm, royal king bed that converts into two twin beds
• Ocean View Stateroom: 16sqm, royal king bed that converts into two twin beds, with a porthole window
• Balcony Stateroom: 18sqm, royal king bed, that converts into two twin beds, with balcony
• IMPORTANT:
• Cabins are on a ‘guarantee’ basis and will be allocated by the cruise line closer to sailing. Specific cabin, deck and location requests cannot be accommodated.
• Some cabins may have obstructed views and/or porthole window.
• Maximum room capacity is one adult for solo travellers, two adults for twin-share cabins/suites/staterooms or four people for quad-share cabins.
• Wheelchair accessible cabins are not available. They are on application only prior to purchase. Surcharges may apply.
• Please contact the Luxury Escapes sales team on sales@luxuryescapes.com for further information.

Onboard Dining

• Dining times onboard can vary between sailings. We ask for your preference, however, your preferred dining time may not be available. We suggest that you speak with the maître d’ once onboard.
• Included dining is available at the following restaurants: Main Dining Room, Windjammer, Dog House, Noodle Bar, The Café@Two70, Sorrento’s Pizza.
• Royal Caribbean provides all guests with select non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. Guests may purchase other drinks for an additional cost during the cruise.

Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Passports & Visas

• A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
• You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).

Important Visa Information

• Securing a tourist visa for China is a mandatory step. Ensure a seamless travel experience by reaching out to the nearest Chinese embassy/consulate for visa eligibility and other travel essentials.
• Visit the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to understand eligibility criteria and visa options. Stay informed, as entry and exit conditions can change abruptly. For up-to-date information on visas, currency, customs, and quarantine regulations, contact the closest Chinese embassy or consulate. Traveller Details
• Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller. This information can be added directly to your ’My Escapes’ account.
• Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
• We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact tours@luxuryescapes.com so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
• Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
• Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
• If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
• Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Tour Pace

• It’s important to note that specific activities and intensity levels may vary between different tour operators and destinations. When selecting a group tour, it’s advisable to carefully review the itinerary, activity descriptions and fitness requirements to ensure a suitable match for your preferences and physical capabilities.
  • Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
  • Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
  • Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
• Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
• Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

• Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour.
• There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
• Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Your tour begins and ends with international roundtrip flights from either Melbourne Airport (MEL) or Sydney Airport (SYD) to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) and from either Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) or Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to your airport of origin.

Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately.** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**

Your tour begins at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) on Day 1. Please note, included international flights may depart the day before to ensure arrival in Xian on Day 1. Your tour ends at either Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) or Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on Day 17, with flights to Sydney or Melbourne included in your package. Flights to other Australian cities are available for a surcharge. Please see the ‘Important Information’ for details.

Roundtrip international economy-class flights from Melbourne or Sydney are included in your package. Departures from other cities are available for a surcharge. Please see ‘Important Information’ for details.

Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only. If you have booked your pre- or post-accommodation with us, please advise our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com to arrange your transfer.

You must complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.

Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.

Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Important Destination Information:

China

Time zone: UTC+8 (China Standard Time)

Telephone: +86

Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city.

Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, Hunanese

Climate: In the north, the climate is temperate, with summer temperatures around 25°C and very cold winters. In the south, it is subtropical with very hot summers and mild winters.

Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.

Japan

Time zone: GMT +09:00

Telephone: +81

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)

Accessing money: Cash is widely accepted and the preferred method of payment. ATMs are readily accessible in 7-Eleven. Ask your tour leader/guide about the best place to change money once you begin your tour. Please note: some ATMs may only accept four-digit pins.

Language: Japanese

Climate: Japan has four distinct seasons: cherry blossoms in spring (March-May), cool and leafy in autumn (September-November) and humid and muggy at times in summer (June-August) with snowfall at higher altitudes during winter (December-February).

• Please note: For complimentary transfers to be fulfilled outside of arrival and departure date, all pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings must be booked through Luxury Escapes no later than 60 days before departure. After this time, any pre- or post-tour accommodation bookings made will not be eligible for complimentary transfers.

• Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23kg on tour.
• Passengers are permitted one additional, small personal bag.