I am going on the Inspirational China trip on the 19th of September, 2019 and then I am taking the cruise down the Yangtze river. I wondered if anyone else was doing this cruise at this time. Also I was wondering if anyone else who has previously taken this cruise could tell me a little bit about it and what the dress code is.
Hi Kerrie,
I did this cruise with TS in October 2016. Our tour started in Shanghai & the cruise was an integral part of the tour but we travelled in the same direction as you. We used Victoria Cruise lines & I was on the "Lianna"
The boat was fine & clean & as a solo traveller I found the cabin fine. Two single beds on either side with the usual facilities. Some of the couples found it a bit of a squeeze but more than enough room for one.
No kettle in the room but you get a flask & can get that filled with hot water for tea/coffee whenever you want. They have a laundry service on board as well. Meals were in a restaurant with communal tables for the group, and, as elsewhere on the trip, dishes were served on a lazy susan.
Dress code during the day is informal. Of an evening then smart casual is more than fine. There was a captain's dinner and a couple of people produced suits & ties but most didn't.
You get an information sheet each day with details of the days activities.
There are daily stops - some included & some optional & the reclamation village is a great trip as it is about the only opportunity to see the locals in their own environment.
Weather was mostly sunny but we got rain at the 3 gorges dam but that did not dampen enthusiasm.
It is a cash free boat so everything is charged to the room. Beer was, in my notes, a lot cheaper than in the last hotel we were in.
On board they put on things during the day but most people were content to enjoy the views from the viewing decks. There was evening entertainment as well and bearing in mind this was the staff doubling up in different roles was a lot better than I thought it might be.
The crew themselves were lovely & nothing was too much trouble.
Anything more specific then please ask.
Ian