Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

Overview

Carrying just 124 passengers, compared to the 300 plus accommodated on other cruise ships, the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer offers the finest and most personalised service on the river.

Onboard facilities include a la carte dining, a luxury spa, an observation deck, 24-hour room service, a two-floor theatre, library, and beauty and fitness facilities.  A doctor also travels onboard.

The ship is ideally equipped to host special groups. Two private rooms are available for that special dinner with family and friends, or as a conference venue with all necessary audio-visual equipment for meetings or lectures. For larger groups, a two-floor theatre serves as an auditorium for a guest speaker, film presentation or meeting.

The ship also has the most spacious and indulgent spa on board any cruise vessel on the Yangzi. With an area covering more than 300 square metres, the Yangzi Spa is a haven of tranquility and rejuvenation. With six treatment rooms, guests will have the opportunity to truly indulge and relax while on board. A varied menu of spa services, including massage and beauty treatments are available for your enjoyment.

Life aboard the spacious Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer is tranquil and unhurried.

Cruise Itinerary

The cruise itinerary onboard the Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer is designed for a relaxed pace and is tailored to water levels at different times of the year. Visit Daoist temples and shrines at Fengdu or alternatively get a glimpse of authentic local life, explore the towering peaks and remote villages of the Three Gorges - Qutang, Wu and Xiling - and see the controversial Three Gorges Dam Project.

There are two options available. The three night cruise departs Chongqing on Thursday and travels downstream to Yichang, arriving on Sunday. Alternatively, you can travel upstream over 4 nights, leaving Yichang on Sunday and arriving in Chongqing the following Thursday.

Getting There & Away

The three night cruise departs Chongqing and travels downstream to Yichang, while the four night cruise travels upstream from  Yichang to Chongqing. Both Chongqing and Yichang can be reached by flying via major cities in China (such as Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai).

The pier in Chongqing is approximately 35 minutes away from Chongqing Airport by land transfer, while Yichang pier is approximately 45 minutes away from Yichang Airport.

Sailing Dates

Rates

 
See "Sailing Dates" for more details about Peak Season, High Season and Shoulder Season. These rates are applicable for both upstream and downstream sailings, and are per person sharing. Please note our rates are in RMB (￥).

• For more information about single occupancy and triple rates, please contact us.
• Children under 12 years of age sharing a cabin/suite with 2 adults, pay RMB ￥5440

RATES INCLUDE:

• Accommodation
• Fullboard - meals with drinks (house wine, local beer, soft drinks and water)
• Entrance fees as part of scheduled sightseeing
• Pre-arranged entertainment and onboard activities
  

RATES EXCLUDE:

• Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls and purchases from the gift shop
  
• Gratuity to staff
• Any drinks not included in the meal plan
• Medical services, travel insurance or visas

CHILD POLICY

• Children of all ages are accepted onboard
  

Guest Comments

"The Yangzi Explorer is small and the impact of this is not just in services like being able to eat dinner whenever one wants but in the very way one experiences the river. Because the Yangzi Explorer is small and can approach the river banks much more closely than the big boats which have to remain in the centre of the river, the river becomes oddly personal; because the Yangzi Explorer can go anywhere, it is as if the river belongs to you..." Akhil Sharma

"The Yangzi Explorer is undoubtedly the best of the cruise ships doing the scenic Three Gorges trips between Chongqing and Yichang. The cabins are large and spacious and every comfort you could want is available. One problem I have experienced when travelling in China is the very hard beds in most hotels, (even hotels claiming to be 4 and 5 star), which are rather uncomfortable by Western standards. No problem on this ship, however, the bed was very comfortable. The cruise director, ship manager and executive chef all did a superb job, along with all the rest of the ship’s crew. There was something on the menu suitable for every pallet and the meals were always tasty and cooked to perfection. Of course the down-side to this is managing to creep off the ship at the end of the cruise without having gained at least several pounds (or kilos) in body weight!" Peter, UK

"The travel experience includes several onshore excursions, including visits to traditional cultural sites, such as the Ghost City and the Tujia minority area, and new facilities, such as centres of relocation and the Three Gorges Dam Exhibition Hall and surrounding areas. There is much to see - both traditional and modern China - and much to enjoy. The ship provides comfort, convenience, excellent food and drink, introductions to Chinese culture (cooking, medicine, exercise), arts and crafts. The staff can accommodate speakers of Chinese  and English; local guides are provided to meet the needs of English speakers for the onshore excursions. All in all, this is an excellent way to see and absorb much of traditional and modern China." Gilbert, USA

“I spent my birthday on the all inclusive four night upstream cruise on the Sanctuary MS Yangzi Explorer with my husband, my mom and grandmother. We all had a fantastic time. The ship itself is very classy yet modern. Though it is a boutique cruise, it has everything we need: great dinning room, grood size conference room, full service spa and theatre. The standard suite that we stayed is of great size with private balcony. It featured a proper king size bed and a full size bathroom which are particularly hard to find on a river cruise. Both breakfast and lunch buffet offered great selections. A la carte dinner is surprisingly very high hotel standard. Staff onboard will go the extra mile to ensure that our stay was pleasant. The part my mom and grandmother love the most was the daily itinerary as well as the onboard activities. All shore excursions were well planned.” Karen, Hong Kong

Cabins & Suites

All cabins boast floor-to-ceiling windows providing access to private balconies with outdoor armchairs and coffee tables. In addition to a choice of king or twin beds, connecting cabins are also available. All cabins are equipped with private bathroom, hairdryer, safety deposit box, mini bar and LCD satellite television.

Deluxe Cabin

This is the largest entry level cabin of its kind on the Yangzi River, 31 sqm in size and with its own private balcony.  The deluxe cabin is fully equipped with LCD Satellite TV, electronic safe, mini bar and fridge.

Suite Cabin

A 39 sqm cabin, the perfect suite for a family of three passengers.  The room is still spacious after adding an extra bed inside the room. 

Mandarin & Jade Suite

81 sqm with separate bedroom and living room area.  The spacious suites are designed with the traditional Chinese décor to enhance the experience of sailing down the Yangzi River.

Celestial & Imperial Suite

110 sqm, the top two suites on the Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer.  This suite truly express comfort and space and with its private sundeck to enjoy a true panoramic view of the gorges inside their suite.

Packages

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China Getaway 8 Nights

Duration: 8 nights
Overnight: The Peninsula Hotel Beijing (partner hotel), Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer, The Peninsula Hotel Shanghai (partner hotel)

Experience China with a relaxed eight night getaway exploring the epic Yangzi River, as well as the bustling cities of Beijing and Shanghai.

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Wellness Cruise Downstream

Duration: 3 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

Learn the ways to rejuvenate using traditional Chinese therapies and treatments whilst cruising the Yangzi. The Downstream Wellness Cruise is available in June 2011.

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WELLNESS CRUISE UPSTREAM

Duration: 4 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

Experience traditional Chinese therapies whilst exploring the Three Gorges on the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer's Wellness Cruise in June 2011.

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Yangzi Downstream Discovery

Duration: 3 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

Downstream cruise on the Yangzi from Chongqing to Yichang, inclusive of shore excursion to Wanzhou/Fengdu, Shennong Stream and the Three Gorges Dam Project.

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YANGZI EASTER DOWNSTREAM CRUISE 2012

Duration: 3 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

Celebrate Easter 2012 with a shorter downstream cruise through the majestic Three Gorges region onboard the Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer.

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Yangzi Easter Upstream Cruise 2012

Duration: 4 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

Celebrate Easter 2012 with an upstream cruise and explore the magnificent scenery of the Three Gorges area onboard the Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer.

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Yangzi Summer River Camp Cruise

Duration: 4 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

The Summer River Camp is back onboard Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer for July 15-19 & August 12-16. Take part in this special cruise with activities for children of all ages. Children under 12 years old sharing with two adults stay free of charge.

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Yangzi Upstream Exploration

Duration: 4 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

Upstream cruise on the Yangzi River from Yichang to Chongqing, inclusive of shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Project, Shennong Stream and Wanzhou/Fengdu.

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