Yangtze Cruise FAQs

Planning a Yangtze Cruise

Along the Yangtze River, you will pass some cities along the river, and enjoy the natural spectacles of Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream. Also different cruisers choose to stop at different scenic areas for shore excursions, such as the"Ghost City" - Fengdu, or Wanzhou or Shibaozhai, Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream.  

Please note that the scenic spots for shore excursions are subject to change due to the weather conditions or water level.

 

Booking a Yangtze Cruise

The price of the cruise includes the accommodations at the standard cabin, meals as listed in cruise schedule, featured shore excursions as listed in the itinerary, featured entertainments, daily activities, service charge and government taxes.  

The cruise price does not include expenses of transfers and transportation fee to and from the cruise. Also, do not include onboard personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone call, optional activities, tips to cruise staff and guides unless specified. Also does not include the consumption of alcoholic beverages, sauna/massage treatments, meals in specialty restaurant.

 

 

As a personal matter in recognition of good service, tipping has become a wide practice in China’s travel industry, including tour guides, drivers, hotel bellboys and cruise service staff, etc. In most cases, Easy Tour China includes the required tips of the cruise company in the ship fare unless specified. Additional tips for any staff member or shore excursion guides are at your discretion. 

Currently there are only 1 ship sailing between Chongqing/Wuhan and Chongqing/Shanghai respectively, all the other ships sail between Chongqing and Yichang. For the Chongqing/Yichang cruises, upstream itinerary takes 5 days/4 nights, while downstream one takes 4 days/3 nights.  

The upstream cruises sail slower at the average speed of 15-25km/h, therefore, passengers will have more time to enjoy the scenery along the river onboard, the downside is that they keep sailing both day and night, while the downstream cruises sail faster at the speed around 28-30 km/h and usually stop at night, which will give passengers a quieter sleeping time.  

The shore excursion sites are slightly different for the downstream and upstream routes. The prices are similar. Only the cruise going between Chongqing and Shanghai (by Victoria Cruses) has different rates for the downstream and upstream itineraries, the upstream is more expensive.

The climate of Three Gorges of Yangtze River features strong wind, high humidity and less sunshine. The average temperature is 30°C (90°F) in July and 10°C (50°F) in January. Between July and September, thunderstorms and rains often happen to make the water level high. In such situations, the schedule may be adjusted accordingly.  

It is okay to take the cruise all year round when ship departure is available. Considering the weather reason, Easy Tour China recommends the best seasons should be spring and autumn. In month, they are April, May and September, October.

 

 

Preparing for Your Cruise

On-board Facilities & Services

Yes, internet access and phone service are available. But they are via satellite service at your personal expense. We highly recommend you bring your own mobile phone if possible. 

The ship captain, receptionists, and waiters/waitresses and other service staff on 4-5 star ships can speak English. There are also 2-3 professional English-speaking guides on each ship.