China Travel FAQ - Yangtze River Cruises

The gorgy topography features strong wind, humid and less sunshine. The average temperature reaches 30 C in July and 10 C in January. Spring and autumn are therefore the best seasons for making the river cruises. In summers, dramatic thunderstorms and torrential rains often happen and heavy rainfalls cause the high water between July and September (Which is usually coincided with the Flood Season on the cruising itineraries). The winters are short and cold.

Cruise prices vary from different seasons. The high season refers to April, May, September and October in which the weather is at its most temperate and most suitable to take the cruise and the prices are the highest. The winter season refers to December, January and February in which only few ships have sailings and the prices are the lowest. The rest of the months belong to shoulder seasons. Though ships have their own classifications of the seasons, the exchange of seasons is just 7-15 days earlier or later.

To make your trip on boat more interesting, the ship will stop at some famous places along the Three Gorges and make arrangement for you to go shore to visit. The local guide assigned by the cruise will meet you in the lobby and then lead you to the parking lot on the shore. A bus will wait there and take you to the scenic spot. After sightseeing, the same bus will send you back to the pier. The places for shore excursion include 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 and also other places. 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.

Normally for foreigners we recommend 4 star and 5 star cruises. It is very safe to travel on this kind of cruise. There are security guards on board who ensure the safety of the whole boat. There is also safety box in your cabin, where you can put your important stuff. If there is no safety in your room, leave your valuable things in the front desk of the boat. If you lose something on board, you can go to the Lost and Found session to find it.
Although it is safe on board, we still advise you not to leave your valuable things in your room. When the boat is anchored at the pier or when you go for the shore excursion, please lock your window, especially for those who stay in the first floor.

Soft drink including mineral water, Cola, Sprite is provided free of charge when you have the lunch or dinner. But wine and beer are on your own account if you want. They are quite expensive on board, more than 100 yuan/per bottle for wine and 15 yuan/per bottle for beer. I advise you to buy some in the super marker in the city where you board the cruise and bring them to the ship. If you bring the beer and wine you bought in the market to the club or bar on boat and drink there, you have to pay for the service charge (we call the service of opening the bottle). But if you drink inside your cabin, no one will charge you extra money. Some cruises provide 2 bottles of mineral water in your cabin which are free for passengers.

A printed program for the next day will be provided in your cabin each day. So you have the idea of what activity to be held on the boat and where to visit for the shore excursion.

The boat is well equipped with beauty saloon, massage room, meeting room, fitness room and bar which will make your trip on the boat more pleasant and comfortable.

According to the program of the cruise, you will go for the shore excursion to visit some famous scenic spots along the Yangtze River. Before you go, prepare the mosquito repellent, skin lotion, torch, umbrella, hat, sunglasses and some drinks, put them in a small bag and bring with you. Please wear casual cloth and comfortable shoes because sometimes you will need to walk a lot for the whole day. Bring some Chinese currency in small bill with you in case you want to buy something or need to offer tips to the local guide.
Please follow the local guide all the time and don’t go far away from the group. If you get lost, it will be very difficult for you to find the way back to the boat. Maybe you will meet local people who recommend and invite you to visit some other places. Don’t follow them to go, or you will have great trouble. Never purchase the foodstuff and drinks in the local market because the quality is not reliable. You can buy small items as souvenirs.

There are all kinds of entertainment activities on boat, including the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner, the Captain's Farewell Dinner, Birthday Party and Dancing and Singing Performed by the Crew Members. It is better to dress up for such a formal occasion. We recommend jacket and tie for gentlemen and dresses or pantsuits for ladies
In early morning there are professions who teach you how to practice “Taiji”. Lectures on such themes as Chinese culture, Chinese history, Chinese painting and silk will also be given on the boat every day.

Yes, laundry service is available including washing and pressing but no dry cleaning on board. Laundry fare is not very expensive, just like that in the hotels.

Internet access is available on board which enable you to receive and send email. But it is not broad band access. So the speed is quite slow and you need the patience.
You can also contact with your friends or family 24-hours a day via the Satellite Service on ship. Secretarial service such as photocopying, simultaneous translating, typing, personal computers, fax capabilities are available in Business Center. But you need to pay extra charge.