Ok. I know the East Queen is suppose to be one of two of the best boats on the Yangtze. Does anyone know why? I checked out the cabins and they look exactly like the Victoria ones. It is to do w/ food and/or service??? Are the Victoria boats ok??? Trying to decide on which Pacific Delight tour exactly and boat is part of the decision. Thank you all.

We were on the East Queen last year and were told it was the best there was. We had never been on any type of cruise before, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect. The cabins were small, but I was told by my travelling companions that the size of these weren't bad. The beds were not comfortable. The bathrooms had a mildewed smell - I think there was a drainage problem and the water backed up in the showers. It just kind of smelled like a refrigerator that had been closed up for a while with no power and no air circulation - THAT smell. The food was okay for the first day or two, but the last few days were not enjoyable - and our group didn't even eat in the main dining room. Our meals were prepared separately from the rest of the passengers, but I don't know how different our menu was or if there was any difference at all. I wish we had done the downstream trip from Chongqing to Wuhan rather than upstream, which added an extra night. 4 nights was too long. After seeing the other boats we passed on the river, I do believe that East Queen was probably the best thing around. Bring a jar of peanut butter, crackers and some power bars. <BR> <BR>It wasn't all bad. The crew was great. We made friends that we are still in touch with. They are not allowed to "bother" the passengers, but if you start a conversation with them, they just love practicing their English. The excursions to the dam site, Shennong stream and Stone Treasure Temple were great. Each morning, there was tai chi on the upper deck. I enjoyed sitting in the forward lounge in the afternoons drinking tea and writing in my journal as China drifted by. One night, my husband woke me up at 3:30 or so to show me this incredible fog we were in. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen - incredibly eery and dreamlike. <BR> <BR>Hope some of this info helps.

We took the Victoria Cruises trip from Wuhan to Chongquin at the end of May. We were on the "Yangtze Angel" and enjoyed it thoroughly. This was our first river cruise though we have taken many ocean cruises. You should not try to compare the two. <BR> <BR>The ship has to be smaller for a river cruise so that it can fit through the locks and use the "port" facilities. Our cabin was small, but so are the less expensive cabins on the big cruise ships. We had a balcony and had a good time just sitting and watching the shore go by. <BR> <BR>The ship was clean, and the crew were pleasant. The food was good, similar to what we were served at the hotwls and restaurants that we used during the rest of our tour. There was a river guide who was available topside to point out the items of interest as we came across them. <BR> <BR>They had lectures and demonstrations of crafts by people who had set up boutiques in the public area. There was a kite maker, a stone carver, a painter, and a few others. <BR> <BR>Overall we found the time spent on the cruise relaxing and interesting. You can see our pictures at: <BR> <BR>http://www.peacham.com/china/yangtze.htm <BR> <BR>Fritz

Wow..thank yous to both Meg & Fritz. I have river cruised before in Russia, the Mississippi, and the Nile. So do know the cabins are small. I prefer the tour that uses the Victoria Boat but was told by a pal that the Queen was suppose to be a better boat. Sure does not sound like it huh? Now I need to see which Victoria boat they will use! I dont need mass luxury but do want a pleasant 4 days!!! You have both been a great help. Thank you so much. Anyone else???

In the initial planning stages for a trip to China fall of 2002. Thank you so much for sharing your website and photos. I have added it to my China folder. I am also currently researching about which digital camera to buy..what features make the process easier and with good results.?? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank You Again. Kathy

FRITZ!!!!

WHOOPS.....long fingernails..hit the wrong key...very sorry!!! <BR> <BR>FRITZ.....your web page is amazing. If anybody is considering a YR cruise.....go to his site.....you can take the cruise from your chair!!! Thank you for telling us Fritz...I've made it a favorite so I can go back and back again!!!!