|
You will find
the answers to the most
common
questions here, however if
you don't see the specific
answer to your question,
please feel free to
email
us
|
|
Yangtze Cruise
Pre-Booking Questions |
|
Q |
When is the
best time to take a Yangtze
cruise ? |
|
A |
In terms of
weather and river conditions
the best months to take a
Yangtze River cruise are
April, May, September and
October These months
are cooler and more
comfortable (high season, so
prices are a little higher).
In terms of your pocket,
March, June, July, August
and November are cheaper
however weather may not be
as comfortable as in high
season. late March
and early November
represent great value! |
|
Q |
What is the difference
between cruising downstream
or upstream ? |
|
A |
The major
difference
between
downstream or
upstream cruises
is the time that
it takes.
Downstream (with
the current)
takes 3 nights
and upstream
(against the
current) take 4
nights.
Arrival times
are slightly
different
upstream cruises
arrive in
Chongqing in the
morning whilst
downstream
cruises arrive
in Yichang
around mid-day.
|
|
Q |
Do the cruise ships cater
for single passengers ? |
|
A |
With exception of Viking
Cruises all other ships can
cater for the single
traveler. Basically you have
two options 1.
Pay a single supplement
(usually around 75% of the
full fare) and have the
cabin to yourself. 2.
Agree to allow the cruise
line to find you a cabin
mate of the same gender and
pay the single fare. 2a.
If the cruise line cannot
find a cabin mate then you
will have the cabin to
yourself at no extra cost. |
|
Q |
What sights will I see
during the cruise ? |
|
A |
All cruises
cover the main
sights and
natural scenery
along the
Yangtze. The
excursions from
Chongqing to
Yichang are
usually: 1.
*Fengdu
Ghost City 2.
*Lesser
Three Gorges
3.
*Shennong
Stream 4.
Three Gorges Dam
Project -
*Some
ships substitute
Fengdu with Snow
Caves and some
will visit
Shennong stream
or Lesser three
gorges but not
both.
|
|
Q |
Can three or more people
share one cabin ? |
|
A |
The regulations governing
question are quite complex
as in many cases it depends
whether it is adults,
children or a combination of
both that wish to share. In
terms of sharing regulations
there are also variations
between the different cruise
lines. Generally speaking we
can find a cruise ship that
will allow three adults to
share a cabin and most ships
will allow children under 12
to share with two adults.
email us
for clarification. |
|
Q |
Can the cruise ships cater
for passengers with special
needs ? |
|
A |
In cases of dietary and
disability needs most ships
have the facilities to cater
to these needs. However if
you have a special
disability, medical or
dietary requirements, please
email us
prior to booking. |
|
Yangtze Cruise Post-Booking
Questions |
|
Q |
How do I get to the ship?
and how early should I
arrive? |
|
A |
If you have booked our
Yangtze Transfer Service
we
will take care of everything
however if you are going it
alone then taxi is the best
option. Cruise ships
normally encourage
passengers to check-in after
4pm but before 8pm however
slightly earlier or later
check-ins can be arranged.
To get your pier number you
will need to contact us or
the cruise line on the day
of boarding, details are on
your cruise voucher. |
|
Q |
How easy is it to use taxis
to get to and from the
cruise ship? |
|
A |
In the bigger Cities,
Chinese Taxi's are usually
plentiful and reasonably
well organized however
seldom can the drivers speak
or understand any English.
We can give our customers
instructions in Chinese
along with a support line
that is available 24 x 7 |
|
Q |
How far are the
cruise ships moored down the
pier? |
|
A |
In many cases the pier
number and location down the
pier is subject to river and
weather conditions. Once you
arrive at the city of
departure you will need to
call us or the cruise line
to get your pier number.
Once at the pier there will
be baggage handlers, the
current rate to carry bags
to the ship is 10 RMB per
piece. |
|
Q |
What documents to I need to
board the cruise? |
|
A |
For bookings that are made
through us you will only
need your passport however
you should take your cruise
voucher as some ship will
require a locator reference. |
|
Q |
What will happen if I miss
the cruise through a late or
cancelled flight? |
|
A |
Firstly for any cruise,
flight or other land
transport arrangements made
by us, we cannot be liable
for any loss caused by any
third party carrier. Please
read our
Booking Terms and
Conditions
If you find yourself in a
position that may cause you
to be late or completely
miss your cruise, please
call us. |
|
Q |
What is the dress code on
board the cruise ships? |
|
A |
Within reason, you are free
to dress as you wish however
smart casual is preferred
general attire and semi
formal for dinners. |
|
Yangtze Cruise On Board
Experience |
|
Q |
Do the staff onboard speak
English? |
|
A |
All the cruise ships that we
list have English speaking
staff on board. The higher
end ships have a higher
ratio of English speakers
and the top two tiers employ
Western chefs, front of
house staff and cruise
directors. |
|
Q |
Is there free bottled
drinking water supplied on
board? |
|
A |
Some of the ships provide
free bottled water.
Bottles of water are also
available on sale on each
ship for around 10 RMB
($1.25 USD) per/bottle.
|
|
Q |
What is the voltage on
board? |
|
A |
Most ships have 110V outlets
in the bathroom and 220V in
cabin. Many ships will
supply hair-dryers in your
cabin for your convenience. |
|
Q |
Is there Internet access on
board? |
|
A |
Internet service
is available but
can be
unreliable. Most
ships have
internet cafes
which can be
used for a fee.
Cabins are not
connected. Other
services
including
photocopying,
translating
typing, personal
computers, fax
capabilities may
be available for
a fee.
|
|
Q |
What will the menu be on my
sailing? |
|
A |
Menus vary from
ship to ship
however
generally meals
are served
buffet style
both in Chinese
and western
style for
breakfast.
Featured Chinese
table service is
served at lunch
and dinner.
|
|
Q |
How big are the cabins? |
|
A |
Most standard
cabins are from
10m2 to 12m2
excluding the
private bathroom
and have twin
beds (2 single
beds). Balcony
cabins have 2m2
private balcony
area. Suites are
usually double
the size of the
standard cabin
ranging from
20m2 - 30m2.
meter. They
usually have one
double bed (a
large bed for
two persons).
|
|
Q |
Are there any safes on
the ships? |
|
A |
Most ships will
have a mini-safe
in the stateroom
closet. If there
is no mini-safe
in your cabin,
please consult
with the front
office counter
on the ship.
|
|
Booking and
Payment for your Yangtze
Cruise |
|
Q |
What does my cruise fare
include? |
|
A |
For the cruise itineraries
on our website, the cruise
fare includes accommodation
on twin sharing-basis, daily
meals (except on night of
boarding unless stated) and
shore excursion programs. It
excludes personal expenses,
like laundry, phone calls,
internet etc. |
|
Q |
How do I pay for my cruise? |
|
A |
You can pay for your cruise
with any major credit card
(4% surcharge), wire
transfer ( No Surcharge) or
Pay Pal (4.5% surcharge) |