On This Page
- What is a Yangtze River cruise ?
- What kind of ships can I choose on the Yangtze River ?
- Are cruise itineraries subject to change ?
- Can we stay in touch with the outside ?
- What shall I dress on the ship ?
- Can I see the Three Gorges Dam ?
- Will I get seasick ?
- What is the difference between the upstream and downstream cruise ?
- What is the best time to have the cruise ?
- Do I have to participate in the cruise line's organized activities ?
What is a Yangtze River cruise?
The over-6300-kilometer-long Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third longest river in the world. Originated from the TanggulaMountains of the Tibetan Plateau, it runs eastward and inpours in Shanghai into the East China Sea. This river passes through ten principals or municipalities and regarded by Chinese as the MotherRiver. The river is divided into three parts. It is the upstream area from the origin to Yichang, Hubei province, the midstream area from Yichang to Jiujiang, Jiangxi province and downstream area from Jiujiang to the East China Sea. Yangtze River cruise mainly refers the cruise through the Three Gorges that are situated between Chongqing and Yichang in the upstream area. The Three Gorges are Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, which are the most beautiful and magnificent of the Yangtze River.
Top of page
What kind of ships can I choose on the Yangtze River ?
Ships that sail on the Yangtze River are many in variety for your choice. The most popular are the star-rated sightseeing ships. They are rated from five-star ships like Regal China and Oriental Royal Cruises to three-star ships such as Yuxiang and Isabella series. Some are run by native ship companies but some are by international companies, such as Victoria Cruises. Most ships were made or renovated in recent years. The higher the ship is rated, the more comfortable you will feel on the ship. Besides star-rated ships, there are also ferry boats and speed boats. Ferry boats serve mainly as the local residents' means of daily transport. Hence, ferry boats are not so comfortable and sightseeing-prone as star-rated ships, but they are a challenge to adventurers. Speed boats can sail through the whole Three Gorges in a day with very short time stops here and there. We do not recommend them to our customers, but it can be an alternative for visitors short of time.
Top of page
Are cruise itineraries subject to change ?
Yes, all cruise itineraries are subject to change. The ship will try to sail according to the planned itinerary, but guest safety is the number one priority for the cruise lines. On rare occasions, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances require a change in itinerary. In these situations, the cruise line staff will do everything in their power.
Top of page
Can we stay in touch with the outside ?
Quite easily. Most ships have televisions in the rooms. Star-rated ships have a cell phone available at the reception. A certain amount of fee is charged for either answering or making a phone call. Also many ships offer fax capabilities and some have internet lounges. There are charges, too. Please check with the purser to find out exact amounts.
Top of page
What shall I dress on the ship?
No special formal dresses are required on the ship. Wear what you like, but when you have a shore excursion or enjoy scenery on the top ship deck, be sure to take proper clothes to protect you from the hot sun in summer and strong wind in winter.
Top of page
Can I see the Three Gorges Dam ?
All the ships sailing throughout the year, except the very special sailing itineraries in winter, pass the Three Gorges dam ship locks. Passengers on the ship will experience the passing in person and can have a close look at the dam. Besides it, some ships also offer a shore excursion to dam site.
Top of page
Will I get seasick ?
Seasickness is rare on larger cruise ships because they are equipped with stabilizers which are designed to minimize the feeling of movement. If you should feel queasy, medicine is available from the ship doctor.
Top of page
What is the difference between the upstream and downstream cruise ?
There are no material differences whether you sail from Chongqing to Yichang/Wuhan (going downstream) or from Yichang/Wuhan to Chongqing (going upstream). In the cruises of both directions, the ship tries to pass the most splendid part of the gorges in the day time. However, the following differences are still worth considering when you decide which to take.
- Shore excursions. The places that a ship will stop for shore excursions are the Ghost City, the Wan county, the Shibaozhai, the White Emperor City, the Lesser Three Gorges, the Shennong Stream, the Three Gorges dam site, the Jingzhou and the Yueyang Tower. Every ship has its own itinerary and won't cover them all. Even as to a single ship, itineraries of upstream and downstream sailings are also probably different. Take the itinerary of Regal China in 2003 for an instance. The shore excursions are to the GhostCity, the Shennong Stream and the Three Gorges dam site when the ship sails downstream and to the Three Gorges dam site, the Lesser Three Gorges and Wan county when sailing upstream.
- Time. Sailings upstream take one or two more days than sailings downstream.
- Price. Price of upstream sailings is lower than that of downstream sailings for large part of the ships.
Top of page
Will I get seasick ?
The best seasons to take a Yangtze River cruise are spring and autumn. To put it more specific, it is April, May, September and October when the weather is cool and comfortable. These four months are often called high seasons. Despite the factor of weather, the best time is in winter in terms of price. The prices are the lowest for the winter cruises and the highest in high seasons.
Top of page
Will I get seasick ?
The organized activities include shore excursions and activities on board. On a cruise, the choice is yours. You may do what you want. You can do it all or just relax on the deck.
