Dining & Entertainment on Yangtze Ships

Buffet on Yangtze Explorer Cruise Ship

Talking about the food was a major topic for those who have traveled by cruise. Unlike on the ocean ships, restaurants on all cruise ships sailing on the Yangtze River have a limited area meals are arranged at fixed times. Breakfast is usually buffet dinner (1 - 2 hours) while supper is usually a table arrangement in Chinese style (about one hour). There was so much food and so many wonderful opportunities to eat! Gourmet chefs are employed on these ships and they prepare amazing and succulent cuisine - all of which are all included in your fare. Ships rated three-stars and up offer free drinks like tea or beer, but in limited quantity. For other drinks, extra fees need to be paid. If you are observing a special diet special taste or have allergies, you can ask for special service. Eating in the dining room is not your only option...especially for breakfast and lunch. Very often there are buffets on deck, a pizzeria or some other kind of restaurant. On ships rate three stars and up, you can order room service at any time, 24 hours a day. However, it is recommended that you order a day or a half day in advance. Sometimes a Yangtze cruise line will also provide reservations for themed parties or banquets on deck, which are perfect for singing, dancing and enjoying snacks and spirits.
The standard of meals varies with different ships. Ships noted for better western style include Yangtze Gold, President, New Century, and Victoria ships. Bars on board are open 24 hours a day, but due to the limited storage, the wine lists are not very extensive.
 

Performance on Victoria Cruise Ship

You may ask yourself: "How much can there be to do on a ship?" A LOT! Beside the shore excursions about 2-3 hours each day, the rest of your days will be filled with rich and colorful on board activities. You can do as much as you please! Most of today's Yangtze cruise lines offer special entertainment areas so as to make your on-board experience as interesting as a land vacation. Many activities are set up by the cruise line, including welcome parties, Chinese Finger Boxing, cultural programs and dancing and movies . You can attend a Chinese Folk dance class, or learn to practice Chinese Finger Boxing. Evening parties offer dancing, acrobatic performances, jugglers, comedy, and even DIY games. Individual activities can be pursued as well. Maybe you'd rather sunbathe on a comfortable deck chair by the pool, go to the spa for a massage, or join your new friends for socializing and dancing. Most ships have facilities such as tennis courts, movie theatres, game rooms, card rooms, and libraries.

You can acquaint yourself with the on board experience by participating in Programs on Board of the Wuhan - Chongqing, an upstream Yangtze cruise line. Facilities on board include bars (smokers & non - smokers), a barbor/ beauty shop (haircare, manicures); clinic; gift shop (travel needs, souvenirs, sweets), health club (gym, sauna, massage), library, Safe deposit, Foreign exchange, Corn & Int'l Satelite Fax/ Phone, Disco, Karaoke, Business Center, and more! Of course, conditions on different ships vary.