Taking a Yangtze cruise is a fantastic way to explore China. A Yangtze River Cruise will take you to see some spectacular scenery. Here are some cruise tips before taking the cruise.
1. Best time to cruise Yangtze
The best time to cruise on Yangtze is in months of April, May, September and October. During these months the weather is warm and mild, neither cold nor hot.
2. What cruise ship to choose
When planning a Yangtze cruise, you need to consider which cruise ship you should take. First you you need to browse cruise ship schedules to match your travel dates. Second you should read detailed ship information like the cabin size, with or without balcony, ship facilities and so on. Third, do not mind your budget too much, for a better cruise ship will guarantee you a more comfortable experience. Usually a 5 star cruise ship will guarantee you a better experience. The newest luxury cruise ships include President 8, MV President 7, Century Paragon, Century Legend and so on.
3. When to book cruise
Yangtze River cruise is very popular, so you need to book tickets in advance. If you plan to cruise on peak seasons of April, May, September and October, you`d better guarantee the tickets at least three months advance. For other months, an early booking is also essential for you to select an ideal cabin.
4. The difference between upstream and downstream cruises
The shore excursions are usually the same for both directions. Downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang normally takes 4 days 3 nights and upstream 5 days 4 nights. Downstream usually costs a little more than its upstream equivalent.
5. Pay attention to the ship broadcast
Pay attention to the board broadcast. It will broadcast the time for each shore excursion. Besides, it will remind you of the time to enjoy the fantastic scenery along the cruise, like the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge.
6. Safety on ship
Safety is the most important part of any fun voyage. When you leave the room (to the restaurant or shore excursion), you should take your cash and valuables (such as cameras, etc.) with you. When in port, pay attention to your surroundings.