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2. How long do the cruises take?

A: Currently, the cruise ships on the river are sailing 4-5 different ways: (1) The most popular section is between Chongqing and Wuhan. It usually takes 4 day3 night downstream and 6 day 5 night upstream. Whatever ships sailing in this section will be good enough for foreign tourists. (2) Some are sailing between Chongqing and Shashi (or or Jingzhou). This section usually takes 3 day 2 night downstream and 5 days 4 night upstream; (3) Some ships are sailing just the Three Gorges section, between Chongqing and Yichang. It usually takes 4 days 3 night upstream and 3 day 2 night downstream. (4) A few ships are extending the itinerary from Chongqing down to Shanghai, and make a 10-day itinerary. (5) A few ships are sailing Yichang-Fengjie-Yichang. It takes 3 days. But those smaller ships sail on such an itinerary only in the wintertime.

A: I suggest upstream Wuhan to Chongqing, or downstream Chongqing to Wuhan.

As you see from the previous answers, besides the difference of time they take and the different scenery to see, the transportation is something you need to consider. At this moment, Shashi has no airport, no train station. All passenger board and get off the ship have to connect from or to Wuhan. Although we have a newly built highway under very good condition, it takes 2-3 hours from Shashi to Wuhan. Yichang has a small airport and limited flights to limited cities. Wuhan and Chongqing are two big cities and have better infrastructure. The longest one from Chongqing to Shanghai is an irregular routing. You need to find one and try to match its departure date.

4. What are there to attract so many people from all over the world?

A: There are basically three kinds of things for people to see:

First, natural scenery, such as Shennong Stream in Badong; Lesser Three Gorges and Mt. Wushan in Wushan County; Golden Lion Cave and Three Travelers' Cave in Yichang; Honghu Lake in Honghu County; Lotus River and Lotus Cave in Fuling.

Secondly, there are cultural and historical sites, such as Red Cliff (Chibi) in Puqi County; Ancient City wall in Jingzhou; Qu Yuan's Hometown - Zigui; Ghost City in Fengdu; Zhang Fei Temple at Yunyang; Baidi City in Fengiie; Shibaozhai Fortress in Zhong County; Ancient plank road in Qutang Gorge, Shennong Stream and Lesser Three Gorges; Yueyang Tower in Yueyang; Suspended Coffin Museum in Wanxian.

Thirdly, modern architecture. Gezhouba Dam and constructing Three Gorges Dam, etc.

For more details, check the "Yangtze Gallery". It tries to display every reason with beautiful photos and text.

5. Why downstream takes shorter time but more expensive while upstream take longer but less expensive?

A: Just because more people are taking downstream. This is caused by: (1) Chinese traditionally think that downstream means smooth, fast, while upstream means more difficulties taking and more time. (2) Most tour operators, in the past, preferred to set Beijing as the beginning of itineraries. Then the next city must be Xian, then the next city must be Chongqing, going downstream. (3) Many western tourists prefer the short cruise.

6. How much is it for a cruise?

A: Retail prices of the deluxe cruise ship are between 500 USD to 900 USD; medium class ships are between 400 USD to 700 USD; economical class ships are between 300 USD to 600 USD. Price for tourist groups would be lower.

For latest information, check "Yangtze Cruise ship price sheet" in "Service".

7. Is it safe to cruise the Yangtze?

A: Basically, it is safe. We never saw any dreadful accident in the past 14 years since we start the Yangtze River cruise. But you have to be aware that sailing on the river is truly is not that safe as it looks like. The nature has made great scenery, but also made rapids, shoals and rocks, which are very dangerous to the ships, especially in winter with low water level and the summer with floods. That is why you see some sections are prohibited sailing during winter draining season and the flooding season.

All the cruise ships made after 1991 are featured with the following:

a. Double-basin structure;
b. Walls in the stem from bumping;
c. Not sinking if the bottom deck's hold full of water;
d. Ability to sustain the wind;
e. Enough life saving appliance;
f. Modem communication system and monitor system;
g. Fire Prevention and extinguishing System;
h. Fire warning, communications and supervision system;
i. Fire prevention structure, especially in the engine room and working rooms.

All the cruise ships featured in this web site were examined and approved for safety by the Communications Department of P. R. China.

8. Which cabins are better?

A: River cruise ships are smaller than the ocean cruise ships. The cruise ships on the Yangtze are all outside cabins, 4-5 floors. The better cabins should be far from main engine and anchor, far from entertainment area, far from the public passages and working area, to avoid shakes and noises.

A-Class: third floor
B-Class: fourth floor
C-Class: second floor

The third and fourth floors are usually equipped with balconies to most deluxe ships.

A: Booking through a travel agent is preferred.

10. What kind of reservation rules do I have to know?

A: For details, please go to the home page and check Book and Services: Rules.  

11. What is pre-board, how much is that? What do I have to know?

A: Preboard usually means you board the ship one night before the ship leaves Chongqing the next day morning. It usually costs $30-35 per person, but it saves you from getting up early, checking out a hotel, transferring to the ship and checking into your cabin. It would be much more convenient during the winter. There are a couple things you should know: there is no dinner served the day you board the ship and you have to have one before you go to the ship pier. There are some distance between the ship pier and the restaurant you finally find you like on a street. The reason there is no dinner is that all the crews are off for a half day after 5-6 days' upstream sailing, except some guards and a couple attendants at front desk. Another thing you should know is that if you check into your ship after 7 p.m. in Chongqing, there would be no cable car. You would have to walk some distance in the dark to board the ship.

Ships usually would not agree your preboard in Wuhan, as ships normall depart next day afternoon. They have to supply electricity and hot water  even there are only a few of you passengers on board.

12. What extra costs could occur?

A: They are basically personal expenses. The charges are as the following (take East King as example):

Laundry 1-8 USD per piece
Haircut 10-50 USD for man
             10-70 USD for woman
Massage 15-20USD per hour
Drinks and Wines 20-100 USD
Tip 3-5 USD per day
(1-2 USD more if going ashore)

All the above items subject to 15% service charge.

If the cruise ship arranges some unscheduled sightseeing, it can be optional.

A: Please go to "Yangtze River Cruise Ships Reservation Rules" for detailed information. It is a common rule although different ships may have slight different rules.

A: The facilities in the cabins are almost the same whether the ships are old or new, big or small. Most ships have big windows except some older ships like Xiling, Longzhong. 3 ships even have balconies. They are Yangtze Paradise, President I and Qianlong.

Standard cabins usually have the following facilities:

a. Independent bathroom of 2-3 sq. meters with shower, toilet, sink and plug. Four-star and above have telephone extension and dryer in a bathroom. Bathtubs are equipped in the standard cabins of Splendid China and Beidou.

b. Multi-channel radio, usually installed in the table beside the beds.

c. Two double beds paralleled to each other.

d. Telephone. The service of IDD (international direct dial) with satellite is available on the ship. But usually you have to go to business center to make international calls to avoid dispute over the rates or misunderstanding caused by language.

e. Furnishings: chairs, desk, sofa, tea table, beside cupboard, closet, luggage rack.

f. Mini-bar. There are about 5 kinds of spirits, 3-8 kinds of soft drinks, such as mineral water, Coca Cola, beer, chocolate, and nuts.

In deluxe cabins, there are usually surfing massage pool, brand name cleaning stuff, and, of course, more space. Flowers and fruit are usually replaced daily in deluxe and presidential cabins.

A: The standard cabins are from 8 to 16 sq. km not including bathroom. Most cabins measure 10- 12 sq. meters. Some ships have 2 sq. meter private balconies. Splendid China has the largest cabins size: 22 sq. meters. Then East king and East Queen take the second place by 14 sq. meters. Ordinary cabins are not supposed to add a bed, but larger cabin size will make it easier to have another extra bed in the cabin.

Suites are usually doubled the size of the standard cabin, with 30-40 sq. meters. They usually have a king or queen size bed or two double beds, bathtubs, more furnishings. Interior decoration would look much better.

A: almost all the cruise ships offer 24 hour professional laundry service. It's a good time for you to do laundry during your travel in China. These are equipped with washers, manual dry cleaning, mending and ironing services ranging $1-$8 per piece.

A: surely. Meal schedules are always regular and in groups. People need room service for meal delivery should order half day or one day before. For special cuisine, booking upon check-in or on booking the cruise with your travel agent are recommended. This service is not available the last day on board.

A: yes. But you need to order. Free.

A: Shoes shining service is available.

A: some ships can arrange meet and transfer, flower, fruit, and gift delivery, like food basket delivery, etc, based on requests.

A: Yes. Each ship has a massage master. It is15-20 USD per hour and you need to reserve early. Some better ships offer other services. Call your general service desk for more information on your ship.

A: Each ship has a big restaurant, which can accommodate all the passengers on board the ship. So, there are no shifts on board the ship. Passengers are arranged at appointed tables, which are planned by travel group, nationality, habit of food, religion and culture. Usually, there are ten persons in one table. Sometimes, there are three to five persons at one table, which depend on the number of the total passengers. There are many collective activities such as shore excursions and they have fixed schedules, so the meal schedules are fixed, too. It takes 1-2 hours to have a buffet and one hour for delivered-to-table meals. A three-star or above cruise ship provides room dinner service and local flavor banquet if you book half or one day in advance. If you are a patient, or Moslem, or Buddhist, you may give advanced notice. Diet, vegetarian, low sugar and low salt food are also available.

Each ship has a welcome banquet and farewell banquet, on which dishes are delivered to table. East King and East Queen offer authentic western banquets, with silver forks and knives, provide imported butter, cheese. Beside this, most cruise ships arrange buffet meals, with both Chinese and western food.

Most ships also take orders for Chinese dishes. If you want to treat somebody special on the ship, even with a banquet, it can be arranged. The main menu is published on the notice board in front of the restaurant. Ask the waiter or waitress if you are not sure.

As Chinese cuisine has many schools, so are the styles on the ships. Some feature spicy Sichuan cuisine; some are good at Hubei cuisine; some have chef from Shanghai or Jiangsu Province. According to Tourism Administration of Hubei Province, Yangtze Paradise, Splendid China and Sunshine China are famous for their Chinese cuisine, while East King, East Queen, Princess Sheena, etc, are good for their western style food.

Three or above cruise ships offer free tea, local beer and drinks during meals, with certain quantity. You can order other drinks or wines yourself. Some three star or lower cruise ships may only provide tea for free. Extra charges would occur if you order other drinks.

A: The captain is not "the man next to God" on the Yangtze River cruise ships as he is in charge of the technical operation of the ship due to the complicated situation in the sailing courses. But the captain's welcome and farewell dinners are two important social occasions on the cruise. Waiters and waiters will be in uniform, menus are specially arranged. Guests are expected being dressed formally. The captain, usually has been sailing in the dangerous Three Gorges for tens of years, would deliver a welcoming or farewell speech and propose a toast. He would come to each table and express his good will. If you can, just "Gan Bei" or "bottoms up" with him (we have no female captains). To Chinese, people drink up is to show their happiness and satisfaction. But you don't have to do so if you are not a good drinker.

24. What kind of drinks and wines are available on the ships?

A: Storage with different ship varies. Many are limited due to the small stockroom

(1). Chinese Wine
Tsing Tao Dry Wine, Dynasty Dry White Wine, Dynasty Red Wine, Loyal

(2). Cocktail with Alcohol
tw Medini, Grass Hoppor, Whisky Sour, Teqinla Suririse, Planter Punch, Tom Collins, Margarita, Daiquiri, Pina Bloody Mary.

(3). Cocktail without Alcohol
Royal Cruise, Pussy Foot, Fn, iit Punch

(4). Soft Drinks (aerated water, mineral, juice)
Cola, Diet Cola, Spirit Sodri Tonic, Evian Water, Pemer Water, Localwater, Orange Juice, Tomato Juice, Coconut Milk

(5). Aperiiifs
Campari, Pemo4 Martini

(6). Sherry Port
Cream Sheny, Fino Sheny, Sandeman Port

(7). Whisky
Scotch Whisky, Whisky, Irish Whisky, Malt Whisky, Bour Whisky

(8). Vodka
Smimoff Vodka, Stolichiiaya Vodka

(9). Gin, Gordonfs

(10). Rum
Captain Morgen, Bacardi Rum

(11). Congnac
Courvoisier Napolone, Remy Martin. Hennessy

(12). Congnac
Courvoisier X. O, Remy Martin X. O, Hennessy X. O, Martell Cordon Bleu

(13). Spirit
Pernod, Underberg, Tequila

(14). Beer and Stout
Carlsberg, Heineken. San Miguel, Stout

(15). Chinese Spirits
Fen Jiu, Mao Tai, Bai Yun Bian, Wu Liang Ye
There is different storage on different ships.

A: Sure. Most cruise ships offer such a service. Some times you can attach some words to the gift. The gift can be delivered at the time and occasion you ask for. The service costs around $50.

A: It's difficult for the disabled to travel on the Yangtze because there are actually no special rooms for them. At present, there is no lift and no disable access in public area on every ship. The disabled are usually arranged on the second floor, which is the same deck to the restaurant and to the exit of the ship.

Most of the voyages are very primitive rural areas this time. Usually there are no cable car, no lift at the piers. Going to shore excursions means walking a long distance on the stone steps. During winter seasons, the steps could be 20 to 100 long, which are difficult for disabled and some seniors.

In some places, like Lesser Three Gorges and Shennong Stream, passengers have to board small boats to drift on the upper reach tributaries. Transfers are quite inconvenient, and, balance and stability are bad.

Assistance will be available on the cruise ships. But traveling with a family or friend, or pre-arranging an assistant when booking, is strongly recommended.

A: You can take children on a cruise. Four star and above ships provide baby and child carts and chairs, children's play room and child care.

You can share a cabin with your children because usually there is enough space to add a bed for child. But extra charges will apply. Please check "booking and Services" for more information.

The following ships can provide good child care and extra bed service: Splendid China, East King, East Queen, President I, Blue Whale, Sunshine China, Qianlong, Yangtze Pearl, Yangtze Princess, Yangzijiang, Yangtze Prince, Beidou.

A:y legally circulated currency in China is Renminbi (RMB). You have to use the local currency to pay most of your bills. The basic unit is Yuan ( Kuai ). One US dollar equals around 8 RMB yuan; One yuan is ten jiao (Mao); one jiao is ten fen. The denomination of Yuan are: one hundred yuan, fifty yuan, ten yuan, five yuan, two yuan and one yuan. Jiao are five jiao, two jiao and one jiao. Fen are: five fen, two fen and one fen. But you can exchange for USD, Japan Yens, HKD, German marks, French francs and British pounds according to the Chinese exchange rate daily. For on board expenses and transactions, major credit cards and travelers' checks are widely accepted

A: Asking for tips is forbidden by the Chinese government. But tips are welcome and an important income source for the service staff as their averaged monthly salaries are $30-70. Usually, it will be appropriate to pay US$3-5 per day. If you have arrangement to go ashore, a couple of dollars more will be good. If you are with a group, ask the leader how. If you are traveling independently, ask the manager. Some ships have a box at the front desk; some ships prefer you pay to the attendants or waiters or waitress directly. But asking the manager is always a good idea.

You can refuse to pay when being asked for, and complain to the managers on the ship.

A: The Yangtze River is situated at north Latitude 30? The four seasons are clearly demcoated. In winder, the real cold weather is very short, usually in January, and the averaged temperature is above 5°C. In the gorges, average temperature will be 1-2°C higher. Even so, thick sweater and leather jacket, Raincoat with hat are needed to bring. In spring and autumn, the averaged temperature is between 10°C to 20°C, which is the best time to travel the Yangtze, passengers should bring light woolen sweater, jacket and raincoat with hat. In summer, cotton T-shirt, short sleeve shirt, hat and sunglasses are necessities. Some lotion may also helpful under the sun. As there are many walking and climbing every day, a pair of comfortable, convenient sneaker is a necessity. Two pairs would be better. People who do not care much about clothing can buy those in any cities of China. You can also buy the raincoat with ship's logo, 100% cotton T-shirt, cap, etc, on the cruise ships, inexpensive and convenient.

A: When shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs, you can bargain with the sellers but do not offer a high price. If the seller agree on the price, you should not bargain again to avoid unnecessary disputes.

Do not offer prices if you are not interested in buying. Ignore the peddlers at the piers, Pay much attention to the goods below.

Do not buy drinks or snacks at ashore as they might not clean enough.

You need to pay special attention when purchase high value items such as jewels, ancient coins, paintings, etc.

Be careful of the goods recommended by the tour guide. If they sell goods directly and persistently, you can complain them.

A: Bring medicine for cold and digestion;
Do not buy food, fruit and mineral water from local peddlers;
Bring mineral water and napkin paper on the ship;
Bring a little of money, about one hundred to five hundred incidental expenses, such as cable car, drinks, special tickets and tips;
Deposit valuable items in the safe on the ship. Don't forget to fill the list and ask the manager to sign the claim ticket.
Don't drink the water in the tap;
Always drink the water provided by the ships;
Don't drink dirty water and use unclear utensils;
Go to see the doctor in the clinic on the ship when you don't feel well.

A: Sure. You can enjoy the Yangtze while getting connected with your clients and office. Although Internet service is not convenient on the ship at this moment, but you can log on the net with the satellite telephone or fax. Secretary services are available at the business center ?but you have to reserve early, best on the time of booking.

All the phones and faxes are through the satellite and they are much more expensive than in the western countries.

Sending fax: $16 / minute (via satellite)
Receiving fax. $0.6/minute
Int'l or Domestic call: $16 / minute
Computer rental: $10 / hour
Printing. $12 / sheet
Printer rental: $7 / hour
copy: $0.6 / sheet
Secretary: $12.5 / hour

It is subject to 15% service fee.

A: Traveling in China with your pets is unthinkable. Pets are simply not allowed on cruise ships. If you happen to have one, you need to discuss with the manager for some arrangements.

A: There are no rules for the number of the pieces or weight of personal luggage on your cruise ship. But closet space is limited, so bring things you intend to use. There is a luggage rack in every room and luggage deposit service is available. If you are a member of a travel group, your luggage will be sent to ship in advance or arrive at the same time you check in. The luggage will be sent into your cabin by the bellboy once your cabin is assigned. If you are traveling individually, the bellboy will help you. But the ships usually charge $1 per piece, arrival or departure. Please note this is not tip and you have to pay upfront on the spot. This webmaster saw such misunderstanding before. If you want to pay tip, when he has finished his job. Give him one or two ten yuan bills if you do not have a lot stuff.

A: China's standard home electronics use 220 volt. Most ships have 110 and 220- volt (alternating current) outlets. To carry a small adapter if you use electric appliances. A mini- alarm clock and a calculator are also very helpful.

A: You do not have to bring them from home. There are many brand-named films including Kodak in very city, and on cruise ships. But you might need to bring your own camera and batteries. The Yangtze Three Gorges are a great place for picture-takers.

A: different ships have different schedules and activities. Please find the following downstream Chongqing to Wuhan sailing of President I for example.

There is a welcome ceremony when you arrive. At a 30 minutes briefing, the management will give you some basic information of Yangtze River cruise and the ship. The schedules will be sent to your cabin every day. If a flood or rainstorm happens, the drifting down the Shennong Stream could be cancelled for the safety reason. Flood, fog, low water lever and government orders are among the factors that affect the schedules.

A: Here is the list:

Find your cabin location and read the sketch map of emergency evacuation at the back of the room door carefully.

Find the life jacket in the room and learn how to wear it.

Check the brochure and ask the crew if you need, to get familiar with the programs available on the boat and along the river. Find locations of the entertainment and service.

Meet your guide. He or she is going to stay with you for the entire voyage and you might need his or her help on many occasions.

Find your seat in the restaurant because it is usually fixed.

Find the telephone numbers for various services.

Deposit your precious items, such as passport, cash.

Sort out your clothes to be laundered.

Exchange some changes in Chinese currency.

Ask the payment method and price list for service.

Reserve barbershop, massage, beauty service, special cuisine and business center service as soon as you go on the ship, because there is only one barber, one massage master on board. The restaurant needs time to prepare for your special request. If you have reserved them through booking agency, this will confirm your request. And the staff and equipment for business center are also limited.

A: Like in the hotels, most ships just ask you to sign bill and check out before departure. There is a 15% service charge. Major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa, JVB and Diners can be accepted. Various ships have different setup and you need to ask when you get on the ship.

A: If you are the first time to visit China, there surely are some for you to notice.

The young waitress may not dare to face up to you when talk to you. It does not mean she is impolite but just habit of Chinese people.

you are sick or in trouble, many of the crew may come to see you. They just show their carefulness for a member of them, not necessarily mean anything like tips. Being allowed to accept tips to some extend is just a new development in China.

Traditionally, guests would leave some food on the table to show politeness to the host. Nowadays, such tradition has changed. Enjoy the meal and you do not need to do like that.

A: Before leaving the ships, please fill out the value form to help cruise lines get information for better service. If you have problems on the ship, you could complain to the department manager at first; then to the ship manage if the problems can't be solved well. At last you can complain to Hubei Province Tourism Administration, Chongqing City Tourism Administration and China National Tourism Administration in Beijing.

If you have problems on shore, you can make cruise ship manager known, but only the administration department can solve the problems for you. You can complain to Hubei Tourism Administration if the problems occur in Hubei, such as Wuhan, Jingzhou, Chibi, Yichang, Zigui and Badong. To Chongqing if in Chongqing, Fengdu, Wanxian, Wushan and Fengiie.

Telephone and Address for the government offices:

Hubei Tourism Administration

Chongqing Tourism Administration

National Tourism Administration

Please provide with your name, nationality, travel date, sequence, agent, guide, address and telephone. You can ask reasonable compensation. Please also provide with the proofs that support you claim.

Of course, you can always talk to your travel agent, who will forward your complaints to the right persons and get the right answer.

A: The management organizes programs such as visiting ashore three or four times, two or three theme evenings, around four lectures on clinics, Kungfu and fitness, Chinese painting and calligraphy performance, and competition.

Evenings are Orient-style and performers by staff. Sometimes, singer stars, local actors can be invited to the show. For example, there is a orchestra from the Philippines on the East King and East Queen. Some larger cruise lines have their own professional troupe on the ships, although size may vary. You needn't to pay for the ticket during the evening except drinks and wines. There are lectures on some hot subjects, such as China History and Tibet, Three Gorges Dam and Yangtze Ecological Environment Protection, China's Policy on Planned Parenthood and Population, Chinese Medicine and Health, etc. You can learn Chinese Kungfu, such as Taiji boxing, dance, Chinese painting on the ship.

You also have time to have your own activities, such as reading in the library, sauna, massage, chess and card game, fifteens, Ping Pong. But you'd better bring your own books as there are only a few English books on the ships.

A: No smoking in public. You could smoke on the deck outside if you want.

A: Don't leave the group as you please when visit on shore and go back to the ship on time and not to forget the ship card. Don't forget to hand in the room key, bring back the goods deposited and not to pack in the big luggage.

A: The management system on the Yangtze is simple.

The general manager is in charge, which is different from ocean cruise vessels. Captain is in charge of the operation of mechanical part of the ship. He must concentrate on the sailing because there are lots of gorges, reefs and shoals in the river. The captains on the Yangtze River are experienced and have be examined and promoted strictly. Ordinarily, there are one hundred and half travelers and one hundred staffs on one ship.

Lobby

When you have problems on a cruise ship, you can ask the leader of your group, who will seek for help from the department concerned, or tell your guide on the ship. Or just tell the general manager of the ship.

The captain will be introduced to the guests at the briefing meeting, then general manager, housekeeping manager, restaurant manager, entertainment manager, executive chef and cruise director. The captain may present on any party or banquet only for some politeness and protocol reasons. His appearance is a symbol of security.