Would appreciate any feedback on Yantgtze River Cruise, i.e. definitely do not miss, was okay, too long, etc. Will be in China approx 3 weeks for educational/travelling purposes and will see most highlight cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Nanjing, etc.) Have the opportunity to add on trips after completion and will spend 3 days in Hong Kong but really would like to do the cruise given the impending dam project and things I've heard about the area. Problem is single supplement makes trip cost very prohibitive. In checking ChinaDelight and Smartours, most pkgs are both land and air and VERY expensive. Really only need the boat/cruise part. Does anyone know of any other options or have any suggestions? Thanks for your help.

The six day boat portion was really too long. If you could find a way to do the gorges and the dam site it would surely be worth the trip.

I agree with the poster above -- avoid any tour that would take you down the entire navigable stretch of the river, from Shanghai to Chongqing. Instead, take the "eastern stretch" from Wuhan to Chongqing. Then you'll be able to see all the beautiful natural and historical sights that will soon be covered by water.

Melinda, <BR>We just did the Yangtze from Chongqing to Yichang on the East Queen - 3 nights-and found that to be about perfect. It covers the most scenic part of the river. It also included a tour of the dam site which was very interesting. You will also see the high water marks for 2003 and 2009 and may be surprised that the 3 Gorges will still be beautiful after flooding. The East Queen is supposed to be one of the best river boats and everything was fine, but don't expect it to be a cruise ship. The Chinese food is definitely better than what they think is "western" food. Enjoy.

Thanks for your suggestions. Emily, was there a tour operator that you would recommend that you used? Everything I have looked at has been total packages for at least 7-10 days--have I been looking in the wrong places? And if I can find something for say, $1,500 ($1,000 + $500 single supplement) would you say that's reasonable and worth the expense? Just trying to decide if I should splurge for this "once in a lifetime" view given the future flooding, or just imagine how it is and save the money for another time to travel.

Hi Melinda <BR> <BR>When you are going to China. <BR> <BR>I'll be escorting a group of 18 Canadian & American to visit China covering the cites Beijing, Shanghai, YangTze River Crusie ( from Yichang - Chongqing - upstream), Xian, Guilin, Guangzhou and Hong Kong before flying home. <BR> <BR>The tour departing North America on Oct 17, and finish on Nov 05. Total 20 days <BR> <BR>I do not know what sort of arrangement you have made already. And if still open, more importantly, the above tour program that fit-in your travel date to China, instead of paying the extra single supplement cost, but paying only the land cost- hopefully would suit in your budget. ( you own international air-fare) for the entire trip then write to me at the above e-mail address. <BR> <BR>I will let you know for more details. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Freddy, I am interested in finding out more about your trip to China but cannot reach you using your cited email address. Would appreciate you contacting me at: [email protected] Thanks.

Hi Brad, <BR> <BR>Sorry, I made a typo on my email address. it should read [email protected] <BR> <BR>I had try to sent you the details of the China trip, unfortunatley your given e-mail address unable to reach you. <BR> <BR>Please do send me a line once again, that help me to resend all the details. <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR>Fredy

Just came back from China on 6/2. Had a great time. Our tour with Pacific Delights included the Yangtze Cruise. We were on Regal Cruises. It is a five star river boat but like everyone says, don't expect the standards of a luxury cruise liner. Our cruise was a 5 night upstream cruise from Wuhan to Chongqing. My recommendation is to go for the 3 night downstream instead. Five nights was toooo long. Also, unfortunately it rained 4 out of the 5 days. The month of May is the rainy season. The Yangtze is a must see! If you're looking for just the cruise package, try the CITS website.

To follow up on May's comments, Pacific Delight Tours is very flexible in cutomizing tours ... including selling crusie packages only on teh Yangtze River. We have the largest volume of passengers and selection of cruise companies, itineraries, and departure dates on the Yangtze River.

I am also escorting a group (through Rim-Pac) doing the Yangtze, Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Shanghai, Suzhou and Zhouzhang and will be happy to send anyone the itinerary. It's from Oct 21-Nov 7 and is very reasonably priced. Margot

Look out M White is back!!!!! I hope she isnt going to start with the ads for her trip again, we managed to vanquish her once,,,,,but oh no ...shes back!

If a person wants to see the Gorges quickly and cheaply, consider a Chinese boat. In March, I took the Jiangyu #14 from Chongqing to Wuhan for RMB 730 (US $90) for a 2nd class ticket. After sixty hours, I was glad to get off that bucket, but I did see the dam and the Gorges. Oh, there are a few rats aboard.

Hello Melinda, I have just returned from 3 weeks in China, Hong Kong and Bangkok. What a wonderful experience. Five days was on the Yangtze River and I found it to be just enough. I traveled with SmarTours and they did a great job and I would recommend them to anyone. I would use them again. We went from Wuhan to Chongqing and it was wonderful. Don't expect what you would on a large curise line. We have traveled several different lines and this was nothing like them. The ship took only about 150 passengers or so. The accomodations were quite comfortable and adaquate for what we were doing. The scenery is breathtaking. The gorges will be under water by 2009. So go now is my suggestion. I know single supplement is expensive but do not miss this part. You will be glad you went!

Just returned from China, and my advice is definitely take a trip on the Yangtze - it will be worth it. If time or expense is a real consideration, go downstream 3 nights from Chongqing to Wuhan rather than upstream 5 nights from Wuhan to Chongqing. We were on Victoria Cruises (they have a web site) and the Victoria 2 is older but very clean and the staff is great. The scenery is fabulous and the sights are unforgettable - we saw families moving because their farms will be underwater when the dam is finished. Go and you'll be glad you did. <BR>

Melinda, <BR> <BR>We just got back from 2+ weeks with Ritz Tours. We did the Yangtze from Wuhan to Chongqing and found it to be interesting and relaxing. We were on the Yangtze Angel with Victoria Cruises. We upgraded to a balcony cabin as soon as we got on board. It was well worth a few extra dollars. The best parts were the tour of the Dam site and the three lesser gorges. <BR> <BR>You can see our pictures at http://www.peacham.com/china/yangtze.htm <BR> <BR>Fritz

Hi Melinda,<BR><BR>We went on a 15-day China tour back in May with Laurus Travel. It included a 3-night cruise from Chongqing to Shashee (?) aboard a ship called Star Dipper (I forgot its Chinese name). The ship is 4-star but the tour operator warned us not to expect it to be as fancy as the 4-star hotels listed in the itinerary. We later found the ship to be very decent but we did appreciate the tour operator's honesty. <BR><BR>We enjoyed everything and the Three Gorges in particular. And our tour leader was great, very experienced and caring. Considering the quality of the tour and money we paid ($1999 including air from LA), we got ourselves a bargain.

Hi Melinda, <BR>I did the 4 night cruise from Sashi to Chongqing aboard the Star Dipper (Bedouin). The ship is 4-star and very decent. Staff and food are great. Sleep out on deck-yes take your blankets out and enjoy-no problem. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Hi Tom, <BR> <BR>Does Laurus Travel have a web site or toll free number? thanks

When we cruised the Yangtze, we paid (probably too much) to upgrade to a two-room "suite" because once on board we didn't like the tiny, smelly cabin down below that was part of our package. If there are any empty suites, they'll bargain with you to try to get you to upgrade. Another couple insisted on and got a free upgrade because they booked the cruise in China and the cabin they got wasn't the one which had been promised to them. <BR> <BR>On our cruise there were American Brigham Young University students who did inadequate translations for the kite, etc., demonstrations. They wouldn't let the Chinese woman translate even though she knew what was actually being said. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately, we had Montezuma's (or is it Mao's) revenge and missed the best part of the trip, which was the lesser gorges. Be careful what you eat and drink!