Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises itineraries include a trip along the 150-mile stretch of the stunning Three Gorges region. The Qutang Gorge is the shortest and narrowest, but also the most sensational of the three gorges. The Wu (Witches) Gorge has lush green mountains often shrouded in mist. The Xiling Gorge is the longest of the three, at 47 miles, and is known for its picturesque cliffs. The Viking cruise also travels through the Lesser Three Gorges, stops at the 12-story red Shibaozhai Temple and tours the Three Gorges Dam site. The ship can accommodate more than 300 guests and features a knowledgeable, English-speaking staff. Spacious suites and staterooms include full balconies. The casual, but elegant, dining room features panoramic views. Other amenities include a sun deck, the Lotus Bar, a conference room, a library and a boutique gift shop. Itineraries include the 12-day Imperial Jewels of China package (Shanghai, Beijing and a six-day Yangtze River cruise) and the 17-day China's Cultural Delights package, featuring an 11-day cruise between Chongqing and Nanjing.
Viking River Cruises
(800) 304-9616
vikingrivercruises.com/regions/china/rivers/yangtze/index.aspx
Victoria Cruises
Awarded Five Stars by the China National Tourism Administration, this American-managed tour company provides international multilingual cruise directors and knowledgeable river guides while sailing through the Three Gorges. Every guest cabin includes a private balcony. Outside cabins also feature large picture windows and private bathrooms. Luxury suites include full baths and a private sitting area. All ships are air conditioned and all cruises feature a captain's welcome cocktail party, afternoon cookies and tea and extensive breakfast and lunch buffets. Elegant Chinese dinner banquets are served in a single seating. Additional amenities include a business center, a reading room, fitness facilities, a gift shop and a beauty salon. Optional activities include lectures on Chinese history and culture, tai-chi lessons, calligraphy demonstrations and evening entertainment. Departures are available year round. Choose from a range of cruises, including a five-day/four-night upstream cruise departing from Yichang, sailing through the Three Gorges locks and disembarking in Chongqing.
Victoria Cruises
(800) 348-8084
http://www.victoriacruises.com/
China Odyssey Tours
Specializing in five-day and four-night trips, this cruise ship can hold up to 156 guests. Guest accommodations include presidential, deluxe and executive suites and standard rooms. The five decks feature a dining hall, a banquet hall, bars, inside and outside viewing areas, a ballroom, a gym, a recreational room, a sauna and a beauty parlor. Cruise along the big and small gorges of the Yangtze with berths at Shashi, Yichang, Zigui, Badong, Wanxing, Fengdu and Chongqing. Enjoy the views while learning about local history and culture from knowledgeable guides.
China Odyssey Tours
(800) 773-0862
chinaodysseytours.com/yangtzecruise/president1/index.htm
Article Written By Betsy Bender
Betsy Bender is a media consultant with experience in publishing, event management, media relations, digital media and television production. Specializing in entertainment, travel and sports, Bender has worked with high-profile personalities, facilitated publicity campaigns for network television programs and traveled to more than 100 cities in eight countries, including Russia and Australia.
