What is the average weather like if I plan to go on a cruise on Yangtze River ?

Generally, it is windy, humid and few sunshine. The average temperature reaches 30C (86F) in July and 10C (50F) in January. Either spring or autumn is the best season for a river cruise. During summer, thunderstorms are frequent which causes the river water to rise. This usually occurs between July and September. The winters are always short and cold.

What do the high season and the shoulder season refer to on your cruise itineraries listed on your website ?

The high and low seasons in all cruise itineraries refer to the seasons defined by the cruise companies based on their cruise lines and the water level. Usually April, May, September and October are the high seasons for cruising.

How do I get to the ship and how early should I arrive ?

If you have purchased our cruise packages or tours, we will provide and arrange the necessary transfers to the ship, which means that you do not need to check in to the ship all by yourselves. Our tour guide will meet and lead you from your destination airport or train station to the cruise ship.

If you prefer to check in at the cruise ship yourselves, you need to get the details of your itinerary (the port's name and location and the time of departure) from TCT or cruise company. Usually you need to arrive several hours before the cruise ship departs.

What clothes should I bring?

We suggest that you bring a light jacket, jeans, T-shirts and lightweight windbreaker if you are planning to commence your cruise during spring or autumn. A light sweater is handy for cooler days. Bring some cotton Tshirts, shorts, a hat/cap, sunglasses and suntan lotions if your cruise is during summer. Sweaters are a must during winter. Do not forget to bring comfortable walking shoes/ sandals/ sneakers.

Usually there will be two formal nights including the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner and the Captain's Farewell Dinner. We suggest that you dress up accordingly for such a formal occasion. Coat and tie for gentlemen and a formal dress or gown for ladies are recommended.

How do you treat passengers with special medical or physical needs ?

If you have special medical, physical or other relevant needs such as the use of a wheelchair, you must inform us when you book your trip to check if appropriate assistances or necessary facilities are available. Over the years, cruise companies have aimed to improve their facilities so that travelers who are physically challenged can enjoy their trip as fully as possible. Handicapped staterooms on ships for clients with special needs are often available. It is a "converted" regular-sized cabin fit for the needs of physically challenged customers. On some ships narrow corridors, lips on the doorways, and steps at public area are unavoidable. Ships cruising along the Yangtze River may inevitably docks at some of the rural area like small towns or village, elevator and cable cars are not readily available. Wheelchair access may be limited and sometimes impossible. We recommend that passengers with special needs travel with a companion who can provide required assistance.

What if I will be arriving late?

If you think you will probably miss your ship as scheduled due to unavoidable reasons, please contact us immediately. We need to hear from you so that we could contact the cruise company and inform them about your situation. Nevertheless, we will try to provide the best solution.

When I disembark, how and where will I find my guide ?

After the ship anchors, you will see our guide on the landing and holding a board with your name written on it.

What if I plan to disembark earlier than scheduled ?

If you have to disembark before the ship arrives at its terminal, you are requested to get off at the nearest dock. Kindly inform us if you plan to disembark earlier than expected when you make the booking so that you can get the actual fare. To let the ship dock at any other place that is not included in the itinerary will greatly increase the quoted price of your trip.

How long are cruise vacations ?

The length varies on different cruising courses. The shortest one is 4 days from Chongqing to Yichang and the longest could be 9 days or more from Shanghai to Chongqing. To choose a cruise, length is not the only element to consider. You need also consider the cruise schedules, which might not be available daily.

Is it better to take a Yangtze River cruise upstream or downstream? Does it make any difference? Or is it just that downstream is a little faster ?

The biggest difference is downstream takes less time. Usually there are only a few minor differences for shore excursion programs between ships of the same company and most ships will have exactly the same programs for both downstream and upstream cruises.

Can you arrange an extra bed for the cruise ?

Not all cruises provide extra beds in standard twin cabins. It is based on the space in their cabins. For example, American Victoria cruise ships do not provide extra beds, nor does China Regal.

I am confused about the Yangtze River cruises from Chongqing to Wuhan. They are listed as lasting 5 days, but the start and stop days really cover 4 days.

There is one day when you pre-board the cruise ship. This only occurs when the ship is scheduled to sail in the early morning. For example, the downstream cruise of Regal China from Chongqing to Wuhan. The ship is scheduled to sail at 8:00 am. We arrange a one-day city tour in Chongqing then the guide arranges for you to board in the evening.

Please explain a bit about Shennong Stream and why this is offered instead of the Three Little Gorges in some itineraries ?

Both are side trips of the Yangtze River cruise to the unspoiled tributaries, and both feature natural beauty and exciting boating, drifting along crystal streams. Considering the river's water conditions and the schedules of different ships, the cruise company will arrange either Three Little Gorges or Shennong Stream.

Will I have the services of your private tour guide while on board ?

Both are side trips of the Yangtze River cruise to the unspoiled tributaries, and both feature natural beauty and exciting boating, drifting along crystal streams. Considering the river's water conditions and the schedules of different ships, the cruise company will arrange either Three Little Gorges or Shennong Stream.

Is the water onboard safe to drink ?

Advanced water purification and sterilization equipments offer clean tap water, but it is not recommended for drinking.

Do the staff onboard speak English ?

Yes, each cruise has a knowledgeable foreign national cruise director. In addition most of the service staff speaks English as well.

What is the voltage on board? Can I use my hair dryer or shaver

Most ships have 110V outlets in the bathroom and 220V in cabin. Many ships will supply hair-dryers in your cabin for your convenience.

Are special diets catered for ?

Yes. Most ships can accommodate vegetarian, salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise us of this requirement when you book the cruise.

Are medical services available ?

Yes. Most ships can accommodate vegetarian, salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise us of this requirement when you book the cruise.

What is your onboard smoking policy ?

All ships have smoking area and non-smoking areas. Usually smoking is only allowed on the observation deck.

Are there laundry services aboard ?

Laundry services including washing and ironing are usually available, but dry cleaning is not available.

Do you have Internet access on board? Can we stay in touch with the outside world ?

Yes. Internet access and phone call services are available via the Satellite service. Some other secretarial service such as photocopying, simultaneous translating, typing, personal computers, fax capabilities are available in the Business Center. However to use these services you would need to pay an extra fee, which is very high. We strongly suggest you bring your own cell phone onboard.

What currency is used onboard? Is there currency exchange service ?

Usually no cash transactions are made onboard. Instead a tally of expenses is kept for each passenger. Before disembarkation, passengers are required to pay their bills by major currencies, like US dollars, British pounds, Euro, Chinese Yuan or major credit cards, such as VISA, MasterCard, or American Express. There is a currency exchange service available at the reception desk.

Do the cabins have safes?

Yes, each cabin is fitted with a safe.

I have problems walking for a long period. How can I join the shore excursions ?

There are many local porters to serve you during shore excursions. Two of them will carry you in a bamboo chair, for which you only need pay CNY20.00 - CNY30.00 (US$2.50 - US$4.00). We think that this will be very convenient and helpful for you.

How much should I pay the porters when I embark and disembark ?

If you purchase a package tour from us and have transfer services to and from the cruise, you do not need to pay unless you want to tip them. Your guide will pay portage to them.

What about tipping ?

Tipping is a matter of personal preference. Additional tips for any staff member who has provided a special service are at your discretion. Tips to shore excursion guides are also at passengers' discretion.

What does the cruise fare include ?

For the cruise itineraries on our website, the cruise fare includes accommodations on twin sharing-basis, daily meals and shore excursion programs. It excludes personal expenses, like laundry, phone calls, internet etc.

How do I pay for my cruise? Can we pay in the Chinese currency (CN yuan)?

Yes, you can pay by CN Yuan (CNY) but it needs to be paid before you arrive. Although we book the cruise cabins for you, we need to pay for your cabins in advance before you board the ship. Your pre-payments are required. We accept wire transfer (cable transfer), personal checks and main credit cards. The specific information that you may require is accordance with the cruise you book. We suggest you contact us to get more information about booking and paying for your cruise.

May I know the assigned cabin for me now ? I would like to assure myself that I got the best cabin according to my booking.

Sorry, we can not assure you that you will get the exact cabin you want in advance because the cruise company informs us your cabin assignment only 2 or 3 days prior to the scheduled departure.