Yangtze River Cruise

Downstream cruises are usually shorter than upstream cruises. Downstream sailings are from Chongqing to Yichang or Shanghai are take 4 days and 3 nights, while upstream means the opposite direction and normally takes 5 days and 4 nights.

The shore excursion of the whole cruise is the same but at different time of the day at the same destination.

How to choose an upstream and downstream trip depend on your transport from the departure point, and which disembark port is easy access to your next destination.

They are all luxury cruise company and their vessels that are all rated five stars by the China National Tourism Administration (its highest rating). They has been operating over 15 years and up, ships have been ranked “A” class—the top class by the Yangtze navigation authority. They have been designed to withstand any type of weather conditions along the Yangtze.

Different Cruise Companies have their own features:
Victoria Cruise: The only cruise series operated and managed by American companies on Yangtze, high quality service stander, Victoria Jenna is now the best ship within seven vessels and the largest one.
New Century Cruise: The five-star cruise series built after 2003 on the Yangtze River, cooperate with Viking Cruise. The Century Legend and Century Paragon are their newest and best ship so far that equip with spacious staterooms.
President Cruises – cost effective fleet on Yangtze, President 7 and President 8 is their newest and best ship, recommended to families.

The Yangtze River weather features strong windy and humidity. The average temperature reaches 30 C (86F) in July and 10 C (50 F) in January. Spring and autumn are therefore the best seasons for taking the river cruises. In summers, dramatic thunderstorms and torrential rains often happen and heavy rainfalls cause the high water level between July and September (Which is usually coincided with the Flood Season on the cruising itineraries). Winters are freezing.

No special formal dress is required on the ship. Be sure to take clothes that are suitable for the shore excursions or to enjoy scenery from the ship deck. Clothes to protect you from the hot sun in summer and strong wind in winter are essential.