5 Things to Avoid When Booking a Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze River Cruises are very popular in China.
If you have decided to try a Yangtze River cruise, remember: don't overlook these tips when you do the planning.
There have been a million web pages telling you Yangtze River cruise is a "must-do" if you travel China? And there are also lots of debate around on whether or not to do a Yangtze River cruise.
If you are sold the idea, and are planning a Yangtze cruise as an independent traveler, consider the following tips: 1 Avoid a local ferry Chinese local ferries are cheap from 500 RMB to "First-Class" cabin 1200RMB per person, but even you are paying a "First-Class" ticket, you will expect nothing but disappointment.
There are a few risks about taking a local ferry: No English speaking staff = you will never know what is going to happen, and what you are looking at You have to pay again for food and shore excursions = a lot of hidden charges, even some boats charge you a fee for going on the sundeck, ridiculous! Some passengers even report they have bugs as their guest in the cabin and no on board amenity or activity at all.
Because the air-conditioning is poor, it could be extremely hot in summer and chilly code in winter.
2 Avoid looking for cruise in the last minute Try to check on line, try Three Gorges Cruise in Google, or other keywords.
You will find a number of agents who offer Yangtze River cruises.
It is recommended that you look in advance, and compare the various ships, and prices.
Booking the last minute may not get the best deal, sometimes the ship could have been sold out, and you end up on other ship that may not be your first choice.
3 Avoid wrong traffic connection There is no flight from Yichang to Guilin, or Hong Kong.
And flights from Yichang to Xi'an is also limited.
So if you are planning a cruise with Guilin, Hong Kong or Xian, you have to do some serious planning.
It is recommended that you fly to Chongqing, where you start a cruise down the Yangtze River and end in Yichang 4 Avoid non professional agent There are lots of websites offering Yangtze River cruise ships.
However, find a reputable travel agency, like China International Travel Service (CITS) - the Chinese government sponsored travel agency.
Also try to book directly with travel agency who are based in Chongqing or Yichang, because these agents have on-site knowledge.
For example, a Yichang based travel agent will tell you exactly how long it takes from Yichang sanxia airport to the cruise ship.
5 Avoid peak season April, May, September and October are the best months to cruise the Yangtze, because weather are nice during these times.
However cruise prices will be also expensive.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, please book cruise during off season.
Happy Yangtze cruising!
If you have decided to try a Yangtze River cruise, remember: don't overlook these tips when you do the planning.
There have been a million web pages telling you Yangtze River cruise is a "must-do" if you travel China? And there are also lots of debate around on whether or not to do a Yangtze River cruise.
If you are sold the idea, and are planning a Yangtze cruise as an independent traveler, consider the following tips: 1 Avoid a local ferry Chinese local ferries are cheap from 500 RMB to "First-Class" cabin 1200RMB per person, but even you are paying a "First-Class" ticket, you will expect nothing but disappointment.
There are a few risks about taking a local ferry: No English speaking staff = you will never know what is going to happen, and what you are looking at You have to pay again for food and shore excursions = a lot of hidden charges, even some boats charge you a fee for going on the sundeck, ridiculous! Some passengers even report they have bugs as their guest in the cabin and no on board amenity or activity at all.
Because the air-conditioning is poor, it could be extremely hot in summer and chilly code in winter.
2 Avoid looking for cruise in the last minute Try to check on line, try Three Gorges Cruise in Google, or other keywords.
You will find a number of agents who offer Yangtze River cruises.
It is recommended that you look in advance, and compare the various ships, and prices.
Booking the last minute may not get the best deal, sometimes the ship could have been sold out, and you end up on other ship that may not be your first choice.
3 Avoid wrong traffic connection There is no flight from Yichang to Guilin, or Hong Kong.
And flights from Yichang to Xi'an is also limited.
So if you are planning a cruise with Guilin, Hong Kong or Xian, you have to do some serious planning.
It is recommended that you fly to Chongqing, where you start a cruise down the Yangtze River and end in Yichang 4 Avoid non professional agent There are lots of websites offering Yangtze River cruise ships.
However, find a reputable travel agency, like China International Travel Service (CITS) - the Chinese government sponsored travel agency.
Also try to book directly with travel agency who are based in Chongqing or Yichang, because these agents have on-site knowledge.
For example, a Yichang based travel agent will tell you exactly how long it takes from Yichang sanxia airport to the cruise ship.
5 Avoid peak season April, May, September and October are the best months to cruise the Yangtze, because weather are nice during these times.
However cruise prices will be also expensive.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, please book cruise during off season.
Happy Yangtze cruising!
Source...