Choosing a Yangtze Cruise Ship
Six questions that separate a good Yangtze ship from the right one for you.
Compare My ShortlistChoosing a Yangtze Cruise Ship: A Checklist
Once you have narrowed the field to two or three of the best Yangtze river cruise ships, the decision comes down to a handful of practical points. Use this list when you compare quotes.
The Six Questions to Settle
1. How new is it?
Newer ships have more suites, larger balconies and more restaurants. Ask the year the exact ship entered service.
2. Who will speak to you?
Confirm an English-speaking cruise director, guides and daily program.
3. What is included?
Ask which shore visits are in the fare, and whether drinks, Wi-Fi or tips are extra.
4. Where does it sail?
Gorges only, or the long route to Shanghai? Downstream or upstream?
5. Which cabin?
Balcony, suite or family suite — and how many of each exist on that ship.
6. How is it sold?
Cruise-only, or inside a package that fixes your hotels and flights?
Matching the Ship to the Traveler
| If you are… | Look for… |
|---|---|
| A couple on a first China trip | A short downstream sailing on a recent ship, inside a Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai tour |
| A family or multi-generation group | A ship with family suites and a children’s center, such as Century Vision |
| A traveler who wants English-led service | A line with a Western cruise director, such as Victoria |
| A slow traveler | The 10- or 11-night route between Chongqing and Shanghai |
Where to Read More
The river’s sights are covered on Yangtze River Boat Cruises. If you are weighing the Yangtze against the Mekong or the Ganges, Asia River Cruises compares the region’s rivers. Ship and line listings are in the Official River Cruise Directory and, for ocean ships, the Official Cruise Directory.
Cabin and Ship Questions
Is a balcony worth it on the Yangtze?
For most travelers, yes. The scenery runs on both banks for hours at a time, and a balcony lets you watch the gorges without crowding the top deck. On the newer ships most outside cabins have one.
Which side of the ship is better?
Neither side wins on every stretch, because the best views switch banks. Book the cabin category you want and use the open decks during the main gorges.
Are Yangtze ships good for travelers with limited mobility?
The ships have elevators, but many shore visits involve steps, gangways and steep paths. Tell us your needs so we can check the ship and which excursions are manageable.
Upstream or Downstream?
Direction affects the ship you can choose as much as the scenery. On the gorge route, downstream sailings from Chongqing are a night shorter than upstream sailings from Yichang, and the ship sailing each direction on your dates may differ. On the long route, Century lists 10 nights downstream to Shanghai and 11 nights upstream to Chongqing. If a particular ship is your priority, be flexible on direction; if your flights are fixed, choose the direction first and then compare the ships sailing it.
Send Us Your Shortlist
Name the ships or packages you are weighing. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare them on these six points and send free quotes.
Compare My Shortlist