Yangtze Cruise
There are no material differences whether you sail from Chongqing to Yichang/Wuhan (going downstream) or from Yichang/Wuhan to Chongqing (going upstream). In the cruises of both directions, the ship tries to pass the most splendid part of the gorges in the day time. However, the following differences are still worth considering when you decide which to take.
- Shore excursions. The places that a ship will stop for shore excursions are the Ghost City, the Wan county, the Shibaozhai, the White Emperor City, the Lesser Three Gorges, the Shennong Stream, the Three Gorges dam site, the Jingzhou and the Yueyang Tower. Every ship has its own itinerary and won't cover them all. Even as to a single ship, itineraries of upstream and downstream sailings are also probably different.
1993-1997: The Yangtze River was diverted after four years in November 1997
1998-2003: The first batch of generators will begin to generate power in 2003 and a permanent ship lock is scheduled to open for navigation the same year.
2004-2009: The entire project is to be completed by 2009 when all 26 generators will be able to generate power.
In the second phase, the dam will be built to a height of 87 metres (285 ft). By 2003, the first turbine will have been installed on the southern bank to start generating power. From April 10 to June 1, People can only cruise between Chongqing and the Dam. When the second phase is complete, 14 turbines and a 135-metre- high (442-ft-high) permanent ship-lock will have been built on the southern bank. In the final phase, 2003-2009, the dam will be raised to a maximum height of 175 metres (574 ft) and an additional 12 turbines will be installed on the northern bank. The dam is due to begin generating its own revenue by 2003 and by 2009, when all 26 power generating units are operating, it will have an annual capacity of 85 billion kilowatt hours -- or one- ninth of China's total capacity.
Ships that sail on the Yangtze River are many in variety for your choice. The most popular are the star-rated sightseeing ships. They are rated from five-star ships like Regal China and Oriental Royal Cruises to three-star ships such as Yuxiang and Isabella series. Some are run by native ship companies but some are by international companies, such as Victoria Cruises. Most ships were made or renovated in recent years. The higher the ship is rated, the more comfortable you will feel on the ship. Besides star-rated ships, there are also ferry boats and speed boats. Ferry boats serve mainly as the local residents' means of daily transport. Hence, ferry boats are not so comfortable and sightseeing-prone as star-rated ships, but they are a challenge to adventurers. Speed boats can sail through the whole Three Gorges in a day with very short time stops here and there. We do not recommend them to our customers, but it can be an alternative for visitors short of time.
Usually most ships will have two formal nights including the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner and the Captain's Farewell Dinner.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water on ship, though it has been purified and sterilized . Distilled water for drinking is placed in the cabin daily. Mineral water is also available on some ships.
Most ships have televisions in the rooms. Star-rated ships have a cell phone available at the reception. A certain amount of fee is charged for either answering or making a phone call. Also many ships offer fax capabilities and some have internet lounges. There are charges, too. Please check with the purser to find out exact amounts.
Popular Yangtze Cruise Programs are given below :
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