Yangtze Cruise Preparation

With average temperatures reaching 86F (30C ) in July and only 50F (10C) in January, spring and autumn are the best seasons for making the Yangtze River cruises. Because of the high mountains and gorges, the long and narrow valleys seldom get enough sunshine and feature strong wind, therefore the valleys are humid and often shrouded in cloud and mist. In summer, dramatic thunderstorms and torrential rains often happen and heavy rainfalls cause the high water between July and September, which is usually coincided with the high water season or flood season on the cruising itineraries. The winter is short and cold. 

People wear formal attire  on Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party

Day Wear
 Casual shipboard attire or "day wear" and conservative apparel for sightseeing.
 Light jackets, jeans, T- shirts and lightweight windbreaker for springs and autumns, a light sweater for cooler days.
 More cotton T-shirts alternatives, shorts for hot summer plus hats, sunglasses, suntan lotions.
 Comforters, sweaters in winters.
 Comfortable walking shoes / sandals / sneakers.

Dress Code on Board
Most ships will have two formal nights including the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner. Some of the luxury lines, like President and Victoria, have the Captain's Farewell Dinner. For these dinners, formal attire is expected: jacket and tie for gentlemen and dresses or pantsuits for ladies are recommended.
 

One of the advantages of a Yangtze cruise vacation is that, you only need to unpack once even though you'll visit several different cities. Still there are some necessities that you will need to pack, but remember that "A mini skirt covers only what it should cover". Here is our chance to help you pack for the trip.
Passport or Birth Certificate with raised seal
Photo ID
Clothing
The Basics:
Sunglasses, Suntan Lotion / Oil, Soap, Shampoo, Tooth Brush / Toothpaste, Brush / Comb, Hair Dryer, Aspirin / Antacid, Shaving Gear and other hygiene items
Optional Extras:
Reading Material, Camera / Film, Walkman, Extra Batteries, Cassette tapes / CD's
 

Credit cards or on-board signature accounts are two alternatives to cash on the ship. You can validate their on-board signature account with a major credit card such as Master Card, Federal Card, Visa, American Express, JCB and Diners Card. Guests can then sign all on-board services and purchases to their account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a completely itemized statement and pay them when you check out just like what you do in most of China's hotels. (But only on selected ships.)
 

Professional medical services  are available on most ships.

Before you go, make sure that you meet the physical standards of the cruise. Some examples of conditions which may limit your ability to travel on the Yangtze River are:

Passengers requiring oxygen therapy must meet certain requirements before boarding the vessel.
Passengers entering their third trimester of pregnancy at the beginning of their cruise will not be accepted.
Professional medical services, including a doctor and two registered nurses, are available on most ships.
 

You need make sure that all travel documents that are required ready such as Passport or at least some proof of citizenship which includes a valid government issued photo I.D..
 

Yangtze cruise companies and airlines companies offer half-price domestic airfares and cabin to the children between 2- 12 years, because of the policies of the China National Tourism Bureau. Infants up to 2 years old only need to pay 10% domestic airfare and cabin charge.

Staterooms on ships with larger space can provide an extra bed for children. Ships rating above 4-star provide special care for children such as a nursery and a day care. Ships providing extra beds and child care are as follows:

East King & Queen, Splendid China, President No.1, Victoria (Blue Whale), China Sunshine, Yangtze Pearl, Yangtze, Star Dipper (Beidou) and Xiaofeng
 

Pets are not allowed to be taken aboard, so before your Yangtze cruise, remember to take care of your pets.

You have got prepared all the things above and ready to go for it? The following information on the on-board experience should be useful for you: