Yangtze Cruise On-board Experience

The on-board experience of a Yangtze River cruise blends comfort, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making it an enjoyable way to explore the majestic landscapes and historical sites of China. Depending on the cruise line and ship, you can expect a range of amenities, activities, and services that cater to different types of travelers, from luxury seekers to adventure enthusiasts.

Accommodation

Cabins aboard Yangtze cruises are typically designed for comfort and relaxation. You can choose from various types of rooms, including:

• Standard Cabins: These generally come with private balconies, offering stunning views of the river and its surrounding scenery, like the Three Gorges.
• Suites: For a more luxurious experience, suites provide extra space, upgraded amenities, and often more personalized services. Rooms are equipped with modern conveniences such as air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and entertainment systems.

Food

Three meals a day will be offered. Breakfast is usually self-help, both Western food and Chinese food. Lunch and supper are Chinese cuisines.

Catering times are announced on the public address system. Each sitting will last 1-2 hours. However, room service is offered on request anytime.

Passengers who are likely to have the same eating habits will be arranged together in the dining hall. Thus your place at table is usually fixed to ensure better service.

If you require special dishes, please order in advance. Chefs on-board will try their best to satisfy your needs.

Drinks

Non-alcoholic beverages are provided at each meal with no extra charge. Alcoholic drinks will be charged for.

Sightseeing and Shore Excursions

While the views from the ship are breathtaking, shore excursions are an important part of the on-board experience:

• Three Gorges Exploration: Cruising through the Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges offers dramatic scenery of towering cliffs and misty mountains.
• Shore Visits to Historical Sites: Many cruises offer guided excursions to significant cultural and historical sites, such as the Fengdu Ghost City, the Shibaozhai Pagoda, or the Three Gorges Dam.
• Local Interactions: Some cruises arrange visits to small villages along the river, giving travelers a glimpse of rural life and the opportunity to interact with local communities.

Onboard Facilities

Yangtze cruise ships are typically well-equipped with facilities designed for leisure and relaxation:

• Spas and Wellness Centers: Many ships offer massage treatments, saunas, and beauty services to help you unwind during the journey.
• Lounges and Bars: Common areas like lounges and observation decks allow for socializing or enjoying panoramic views while sipping on drinks.
• Swimming Pools: Some luxury cruises feature pools or hot tubs, providing a relaxing way to take in the riverside scenery.

Service and Hospitality

The onboard staff on Yangtze cruises are known for their attentive and friendly service. English-speaking guides and crew members are usually available to assist international travelers with any needs. Cruise staff also help coordinate activities, excursions, and dining, ensuring that each passenger has a smooth and pleasant experience.

Consume On-Board

Generally, extras such as laundry, haircut/hairdressing, recreational activities, and tips are not included in our quotations. Further, one will be expected to pay for the use of office facilities such as faxes, photocopying, and over-head projector as well as the meeting room.

Others like shopping, special order of food, medical treatment on board, drinks in recreational rooms are excluded from our quotations. Some amount of small par value money should be better prepared for souvenirs and something you are interested to buy.

Entertainment

A Yangtze Cruise not only involves sightseeing and the on-shore excursion, it is also a chance to get to know something of Chinese culture. There are various recreational activities on board which provide you a chance to know about China from a specific perspective.

Theme Lectures: 

Three Gorges and the Three Gorges Project, Chinese calligraphy and painting, Chinese food, and Chinese medicine.

Performances: 

Traditional Chinese dance and songs, acrobatics, opera and other games or contests in which passengers can participate. Activities (for passengers to learn): Chinese Shadowboxing, Martial arts, Dancing, and Calligraphy, watching classic films.

Recreation rooms: 

Chinese chess, the game of go, mahjong, gymnasium, cafe bars and karaoke and library.

Usually, the written form of the time table is sent to every passenger beforehand. Programs are clearly listed on it and passengers choose to participate in those activities or not. Any change of the schedule will be broadcast in advance.

Disembark

Passengers settle bills the day before arrival at the destination, and the collection of luggage is arranged at the same time. The tagged luggage left by the door of your cabin will be transferred to the bus you will take when you disembark. Please make sure that there is nothing left in your cabin or in depositaries at the service center.

The Farewell Show will be held in the last evening. One is expected to dress somewhat formally.

Please note that the keys of the cabin should be returned to the reception desk.

Overall, the onboard experience of a Yangtze River cruise is a blend of leisure, culture, and stunning natural scenery, offering travelers a unique way to explore one of China’s most iconic rivers in comfort.