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1-1: What is a Yangtze River cruise?
The over-6300-kilometer-long Yangtze River is the longest river
in China and the third longest river in the world. Originated from
the Tanggula Mountains of the Tibetan Plateau, it runs eastward
and pours in Shanghai into the East China Sea. This river passes
through ten principals or municipalities and regarded by Chinese
as the Mother River. The river is divided into three parts. It is
the upstream area from the origin to Yichang, Hubei province, the
midstream area from Yichang to Jiujiang, Jiangxi province and downstream
area from Jiujiang to the East China Sea. Yangtze River cruise mainly
refers the cruise through the Three Gorges that are situated between
Chongqing and Yichang in the upstream area. The Three Gorges are
Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, which are the most beautiful
and magnificent of the Yangtze River.
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1-2: What's included and excluded in the cruise fare?
The cruise prices on our web pages cover pre-boarding fee the night
before the departure, the expenses of shipboard accommodations in
standard cabins, meals, shore excursions and most entertainment
aboard the vessel.
The cruise prices do not include expenses
of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone
call and optional activities.
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1-3: What are the cruise seasons, high, shoulder and winter season?
Cruise prices vary from different seasons. The high season refers
to April, May, September and October in which the weather is at
its most temperate and most suitable to take the cruise and the
prices are the highest. The winter season refers to December, January
and February in which only few ships have sailings and the prices
are the lowest. The rest of the months belong to shoulder seasons.
Though ships have their own classifications of the seasons, the
exchange of seasons is just 7-15 days earlier or later.
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1-4: What is the difference between the upstream and downstream
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. Take the itinerary
of Regal China in 2003 for an instance. The shore excursions are
to the Ghost City, the Shennong Stream and the Three Gorges dam
site when the ship sails downstream and to the Three Gorges dam
site, the Lesser Three Gorges and Wan county when sailing upstream.
- Time. Sailings upstream take one or
two more days than sailings downstream.
- Price. Price of upstream sailings is
lower than that of downstream sailings for large part of the ships.
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1-5: Is it convenient for a person take the cruise alone?
For single travelers who travel all by himself, most ships hold
parties on which it is so easy to meet people and make friends.
Our suggestion is that you can find a partner or traveling companion
because not all ships have single rooms.
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1-6: Can I arrange an extra bed on the cruise?
Not all the standard cabins on cruise ships are spacious enough
to hold an extra bed, although most ships rated four stars and above
have staterooms with larger space. You can ask your agent for the
possibility of a certain ship before the reservation.
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1-7: How to reserve a ship?
1) After receiving your booking request, one of CHT experienced
travel agents will be assigned to assist you in finding a perfect
ship.
2) The final booking will be processed and be secured only upon
the receipt of a non-refundable deposit of $100 from you.
3) It is highly recommended that your tour reservation with Yangtze
River Cruise be made 40 days prior to the actual traveling date.
A full payment by credit card is required at the time of your last-minute
booking made within 15 to 1 day prior to the actual traveling date.
4) Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation
letter from CHT, suggesting that the proposed ship be available.
If any conditions should change after the time of print, CHT reserves
the right to make changes and provide you with the similar alternative
options.
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1-8: How shall I pay for my reservations?
1) We accept Visa and Master card, but not personal checks.
2) We also accept money wiring. Please check the following instructions
and make sure that you include your tracking code:
Our Bank Information for wire transfer:
US$ bank account (For clients from outside of China)
Company Name:Yichang Princess Cruise Co.,Ltd
Bank:Bank of Communications Yichang Branch
Swift Number(Yichang):COMMCNSHYCG
Account:4250 7000 1018 1700 86913
Branch Address:22 Shengli 4th Road,Yichang, Hubei Province,China
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1-9: What is the cancellation policy?
We very much regret that you are to cancel your trip in China. We
understand you have the fair reasons behind your decision. Your
refund, minus the cancellation fee, will be credited to your account
within the next two weeks as of the date we receive your written
cancellation request.
The payment for the Yangtze River Cruise
will not be refunded if the cancellation notice is received less
than 35 days prior to the date of the cruise. At all events, your
cancellation fee will be less than or equal to your full payment.
No-show travelers will be charged 100% of the full payment. After
the trip has begun, there will be no refund for unused services
due to your early departure, late arrival, or missed days on cruises.
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1-10: Why is it not recommended to take ferry boat cruise on the
Yangtze River in winter?
Because
1. The boat is not guaranteed to reach Wuhan.
2. The boat is not guaranteed to set aside enough time to have land
excursions, especially when most of the travelers on the boat are
just commuters.
3. The boat is not guaranteed to pass the Three Gorges in the day
time.
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1-11: Can I see the Three Gorges and the main attractions after
2003?
Yes, but with some changes. After the regular water conservancy
of the reservoir, many of the historical objects and historic sites
will be submerged. But fortunately, some of the most attractive
sites such as "the Goddess", "the Emperor Temple",
etc. And the natural scenery of the Three Gorges section will not
have big changes. Furthermore, you will see great new attractions
like the "first dam of the world", the giant ship lock,
the World's Largest Hydropower Plant, etc.
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1-12: What is the schedule of the Three Gorges dam project?
Construction timetable:
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.
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1-13: Shall I miss anything important during the night time?
There is few night sail and all scenic site are arranged in day.
If you choose a downstream cruise, you will have enough time for
shore excursions. Although cruise upstream will have some midnight
sailing, the ship will try to arrange the highlights sail in daytime.
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1-14: I have problems to have a long time walking. How can I go
the shore excursion?
For the shore excursions, there are many local heaver two or four
of who will carry you with a bamboo chair. That will be very convenient
and helpful to you.
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1-15: What kind of ships can I choose on the Yangtze River?
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.
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1-16: How to use Yangtze cruise pages on the our website?
Yangtze cruise pages on our web site provides you with not only
the ship information, but also all kinds of information concerning
the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges, such as that of the attractions
along the river, the Three Gorges dam project, the transportation,
the climate and cruise packages. To know how to find a ship, click
here.
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2-1: What is the weather like in general in the Three Gorges area?
The gorgy topography features strong wind, humid and less sunshine.
The average temperature reaches 30¡æ in July and 10¡æ in January.
Spring and autumn are therefore the best seasons for making the
river cruises. In summers, dramatic thunderstorms and torrential
rains often happen and heavy rainfalls cause the high water between
July and September (Which is usually coincided with the Flood Season
on the cruising itineraries). The winters are short and cold.
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2-2: What shall I dress on the ship?
No special formal dresses are required on the ship. Wear what you
like, but when you have a shore excursion or enjoy scenery on the
top ship deck, be sure to take proper clothes to protect you from
the hot sun in summer and strong wind in winter.
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2-3: Do I get any insurance for the cruise?
On top of the travel insurance from your home country with specific
overseas coverage, you will be automatically covered by the China
Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance up to a maximum of $29,000
free of charge as an incentive for your purchasing cruises from
China Highlights Travel.
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3-1: Can I stay at the hotel the night before the departure?
We highly suggest our customers stay on the ship the night before
the departure if the ship starts sailing early in the next morning.
The cost of preboarding is around US$30 and you can have enough
time to get used to the stay aboard.
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3-2: What is the best time to board the ship?
Most ships end the cruise in the morning and some in the afternoon.
The staff will do some cleaning after the passengers disembark the
ship. We suggest our customers board the ship better after 6pm.
If you do need to put your luggage on the ship, you can board and
store the luggage at the reception of the ship and then have sightseeing
in the port city.
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3-3: Do we need tickets or vouchers to board the ship?
You do not need any tickets or vouchers. Our guide will escort you
to board and the check in procedure is as the same as that in a
hotel. You just need to tell your name and show your passport.
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3-4: How do I know where the pier is in Chongqing?
Most ships do not have a fixed port to anchor in Chongqing. They
get the direction of anchoring port the day of arrival at the port
or the day before. Chongqing is such a big port city with many piers
that it is usually difficult for one to find the pier. We suggest
our customers let us arrange the land transfer to the pier. If you
do insist to board the ship on your own, please call your travel
agent to get to know the pier the day of boarding.
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3-5: How can I get to the ship?
If you have purchased our cruise packages, all our cruise plans
will provide you with the pier transportation. You will receive
meet and greet service at your destination airport or hotel and
be transferred to the ship escorted by the tour guide. In any case
you board the ship on your own, please get the information of pier
by asking your travel agent and take a taxi there.
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3-6: Can I have my cabin assignment arranged
early?
The answer unfortunately is no. We can not ensure you get exactly
the cabin you want in advance because the cruise company will inform
us your cabin number 2 or 3 days prior to the scheduled sail time.
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4-1: Will I get seasick?
Seasickness is rare on larger cruise ships because they are equipped
with stabilizers which are designed to minimize the feeling of movement.
If you should feel queasy, medicine is available from the ship doctor.
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4-2: How shall I tip?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. Additional tips for
any staff member who has provided some special service are at your
discretion. Tips to shore excursion guides are also at passenger's
discretion.
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4-3: Are there any safes on the ship?
Yes, there is the mini-safe in the stateroom closet on most of the
ships. If the mini-safe in the stateroom is not available, please
consult inquiry office on the ship.
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4-4: How many formal, informal and casual nights are there on my
sailing?
Usually most ships will have two formal nights including the Captain's
Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner and the Captain's Farewell Dinner.
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4-5: Is the water onboard the ship safe
to drink?
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.
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4-6: Are there medical services onboard?
Professional medical services are available on all star-rated cruise
ships. Every ship has a doctor on call. Doctors are not available
on ferry boats and speed boats.
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4-7: Are there laundry services on board?
Yes, laundry service is available on star-rated ships, including
washing and ironing but no dry cleaning on board.
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4-8: Will I need an electrical converter/adapter?
Star-rated ships have 110V and 220V outlets in the bathroom; hairdryers
are provided.
A converter/adapter is not needed.
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4-9: Is foreign currency exchange available
onboard?
Yes, it is available on the ship. Currency exchange services are
available onboard at the reception.
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4-10: How do I pay for onboard purchases?
Credit cards or on-board signature accounts, instead of cash, are
two alternatives used on ship.
You can pay by your credit cards or sign your list and pay them
when you check out, just like what you do in most of China's hotels.
Major credit cards, such as Master or Visa cards, are acceptable.
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4-11: Can we stay in touch with the outside?
Quite easily. 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.
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4-12: Is there a charge for entertainment?
On a cruise vacation, first-rate movies, special lectures and DIY
classes are all free of charge.
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4-13: Are physically challenged facilities available onboard?
If you have special medical, physical or other relevant needs such
as wheelchair characteristics, you must inform your travel agent
in writing at the time of booking to know if they can provide appropriate
assistance or not. Over the years, cruise lines have aimed to improve
their facilities so that travelers who are wheelchair-bound or otherwise
physically challenged can enjoy a cruise as fully as possible. Handicapped
staterooms on ships for special needs are often a "converted"
one from regular-sized cabins for the physically challenged. On
some ships narrow corridors, lips on the doorways, steps in public
area are unavoidable. Ships cruising along the Yangtze River may
inevitably docks in some of the rural area like small towns or village,
elevator and cable cars are not always available. Wheelchair access
may be limited and even impossible, so we recommend that passengers
with special needs travel with a companion who can provide required
assistance. Before booking your cruise, ask your travel agent to
check the accessibility of the ship's public areas and cabin amenities.
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4-14: Are special food items, medical
requirements available?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher,
maigre or other diet preferences. However, this request must be
made at least 45 days prior to your departure date.
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4-15: What will the menu be on my sailing?
Specific menus on the ship are subject to change according to seasons.
Generally speaking, meals are served as buffet both in Chinese and
western style for breakfast with coffee and tea free of charge.
Featured Chinese table service is served at lunch and dinner plus
a soda or beer free of charge.
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4-16: Do I have to participate in the
cruise line's organized activities?
The organized activities include shore excursions and activities
on board. On a cruise, the choice is yours. You may do what you
want. You can do it all or just relax on the deck.
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