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FAQs & Tips for Choosing your Best Yangtze Cruise

The following FAQs and questions will give you a clear idea about how to plan and book your best Yangtze Three Gorges cruise itinerary, including the advantages and disadvantages of each cruise line and downstream and upstream, so that you can make the final decision according to your needs about Yangtze River cruise.

1. Which cruise line I should choose? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each Yangtze Three Gorges cruise line?

There are different cruise lines to cater different customer demands. (Click our Ship Gallery for the detailed itinerary for each ship). Cruising between    Chongqing and Wuhan on deluxe ships is the most popular for tourists. 

There are six Yangtze cruise itineraries popularly recommended:
3 nights and 4 days Chongqing-Wuhan Downstream cruise
5 nights and 6 days Wuhan-Chongqing Upstream cruise
2 nights and 3 days Chongqing-Yichang Downstream cruise
3 nights and 4 days Yichang-Chongqing Upstream cruise
2 nights and 3 days Chongqing-Jingzhou Downstream cruise
4 nights and 5 days Jingzhou-Chongqing Upstream cruise

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of upstream and downstream each?

Upstream means sailing from lower part of river to the up to the higher part of the river.
Downstream mean sailing from higher part of the river to the lower part of the river.

Advantage & Disadvantage of Upstream:

A: At the speed between 15-18 kilometer/hour speed, it allows tourists to have enough time for sightseeing and photography.
   Less cost, and it usually costs 10%-30% lower than that of downstream
   More time onboard for leisure activities, Chinese folk customs, etc.

D: Sailing lower than downstream comparatively
   Sailing sometimes at night
   The time passing the Gezhouba ship lock is usually around 4:00am or 12:00pm, which may make the troubles to appreciate the amazing ship locks. 
 

Advantage & Disadvantage of Downstream: 

 A: Sailing at the speed of between 28-30 kilometer/hour, fast speed
         Sailing ahead not at night  
         There is enough time to enjoy the shore excursions because all scenic sites are arranged in the daytime. 

D: Costs much more money than upstream
    Taking less time for cruising, so not have enough time to appreciate the scenic spots carefully

3. How long is the cruise vacation?

You cruise vacation duration is decided by the ship and itinerary you have chosen and booked. (Click to check the Cruise Ships Gallery).

4. Why some itineraries include the Shennong Stream and Lesser Three Gorges, while others not?

Shennong Stream and Lesser Three Gorges are the most natural scenic spots along the Yangtze River cruise, and tourists usually will take a boat to enjoy the shore excursions there.
However, there are sometimes the unsuitable water conditions because of the rainy seasons, which may a little bit dangerous.

5. Yangtze River Cruises from Chongqing to Wuhan are listed as lasting 5 days, but why it really covers only 4 days?

There is one day when you pre-board the cruise ship. This only occurs when this ship sail in the early morning. For example, the downstream Regal China cruise from Chongqing – Wuhan, this is arranged to sail at 8:00am. They arrange tourists to have a one-day tour in Chongqing and you are arranged to board in the evening.

Just tell us as more as you have in mind: how many days & how long, which ship you prefer, what kind of room, and any other special requirement. Email Response Within 24 Hours.

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