Yangtze Cruises FAQ

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What is the best time to visit Yangtze River?

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The best season to visit Yangtze River is April, May, September, October, because weather in those months is very cool and comfortable. These four months are also peak season of Yangtze Cruise and the cruise fare is the highest too. In contract, it is good to visit Yangtze River in winter from December to early of March. This is the low season, so great discount is available.

What is the difference between downstream and upstream? Which one is better?

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Downstream (start from Chongqing) takes less time than upstream, but is more expensive because of the high demand of tourists. Some cruise ships will choose different shore excursions.

What are rooms of the Yangtze River cruises ships like?

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The basic room type on Yangtze cruises ships are standard cabin on twin share basis with or without private balcony. Some of the ships have double bed standard cabin. Besides, deluxe suite, president suite or Shangrila suite are available on most of ships. Room type varies according to different series of ships, please see detail here.

What does your quotation for ships include?

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Our quotation for ships includes shipboard accommodations, daily meals, shore excursions entrance fee, transfers to and from port of calls, onboard entertainment, and 24-hour room service.
Our quotation excludes medical services, purchase from the ship’s gift shop, gratuities, or other items of strictly personal nature, such as drinks, laundry bills, telephone calls, fax charges, massages etc.

Can I choose which floor to stay when I reserve?

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That depends. Some of the ships such as East King, Yangtze 1 etc. charge different for cabins on different floors, so you can choose the floor when making a reservation. But other ships quote the same price for standard cabins on different floors, and the cabins are allocated by the staff onboard the day before you arrive, so it is unpredictable.

How do you give me the ticket for check in?

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You do not need a typed ticket to check in. If you book a package tour with us, you just leave all that procedure to our guide. If you only book a ship with us, we will send you by email a VOUCHER with every detail about boarding. You only need to tell the reception desk your boarding code (you will find it in the VOUCHER) and your name when you check in.

Is there private guide service onboard?

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After help you checking in, you private guide will leave. There is a guide on the ship, but he or she will not only serve for you but for all the guests onboard. When visiting to each port of call, you will share a van with other guests, and also there will be a guide in each van. If you got any question, you can count on the ship staff or contact your travel consultant in Enjoy China Tour.

Can we stay together in one cabin with our children on the ship?

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Most of the standard cabins on Yangtze Cruise ships are twin share. Some of the ships can provide an extra bed for children.

What is the suitable time to get onboard?

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For ships sailing at night, time for boarding is from 6:00pm to half hour before the sailing time. For ships sailing in the morning, you are advised to get onboard before 10:00 pm at night before the sailing date.

Will the schedule of Yangtze Cruise ships change?

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Usually, the schedule for one ship will be announced in the early Feb. every year. However, the ship companies reserve the right to cancel or change the sailing schedules without notice. If unfortunately one of our guests meets this situation, Enjoy China Tour will try our best to find another ship at the same standard or make other alternative satisfactory arrangements. We will always stay with you to make your tour more comfortable.

How do I pay for my extra expense onboard?

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You can sign a bill every time you make a purchase onboard, no matter a bottle of beer or any souvenir, and pay all the bills when you check out. Mast and Visa are acceptable.

What’s the tipping policy on the ships?

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Definitely voluntary! You can choose to tip or not according to your own discretion. If you are satisfied with the service onboard, the recommended gratuity for the trip is USD 20 per guest. You can drop your tips directly into the gratuity box located at the desk. Tips shall be shared by all Chinese crewmembers except the River Guides. Personal gratuity on those staff that excelled in providing you with a more personal service are also encouraged.

Can we drink the tap water?

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We suggest you not to drink the tap water directly. One bottle of mineral water will be provided for each passenger everyday. You can also ask for boiled water to drink. However, the tap water is safe to brush you teeth and bath.