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Yangzi Explorer

Adventure Awaits
Built in 2025, the Yangzi Explorer is the ultimate vessel for navigating the breathtaking Yangtze River. This luxurious cruise takes you through the awe-inspiring Three Gorges and the impressive Three Gorges Dam. Featuring world-class engineering, opulent interiors, and exceptional onboard amenities, your river journey promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Embark on a journey through China’s Three Gorges along the Yangtze River aboard the newly launched Yangzi Explorer. Indulge in exquisite dining, luxurious interiors, and cutting-edge engineering as you immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and the remarkable Three Gorges Dam.

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Accomodation Types

Featuring 74 beautifully designed suites that combine traditional design with modern amenities. Suites range from 31-square-metres to 105-square-metres. There are four Celebrity Suites (89-105-square-metres), 12 Ambassador Suites (40-square-metres) and 58 Deluxe Suites (31-square-metres).

Celebrity Suites

Ambassador Suites

Deluxe Suites

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Deck Plans

Featuring 74 beautifully designed suites that combine traditional design with modern amenities. Suites range from 31-square-metres to 105-square-metres. There are four Celebrity Suites (89-105-square-metres), 12 Ambassador Suites (40-square-metres) and 58 Deluxe Suites (31-square-metres).

Explorer Deck

Qutang Deck

Wu Deck

Xiling Deck

Main Deck

Upper Deck

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Dining

Indulge in a variety of onboard dining options, with 24-hour room service available. Savour meals at four main venues: Dynasty and Amber restaurants, where unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee are included; Sunset Hotpot House, specialising in hotpot for lunch and dinner; and Petrus, offering exclusive private dining experiences.

Petrus Restaurant

Amber Restaurant

Dynasty Restaurant

Sunset Hotpot House Restaurant

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Entertainment

Enjoy a range of onboard activities, including captivating entertainment programs at the Tang Theater, a Captain’s Welcome Reception, insightful lectures by expert guides or guest speakers, live music at the Explorer Bar, an engaging cooking show, and movie screenings to cap off your day.

Velvet Lounge

View Lounge

Tang Theatre

Lobby

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Enrichment

These exclusive or unique experiences are thoughtfully curated to take you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. What's more, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are often not available to a regular traveller. The following highlights are just a taste of what we have prepared, especially for you.

Navigate the Majestic Yangtze River

Board the Yangzi Explorer and cruise the Yangtze River. Navigate through the spectacular Three Gorges, where towering cliffs rise on either side, and marvel at the impressive ship lift that defies engineering limits, enabling vessels to navigate the mighty river’s vast and dramatic landscape with ease.

Stand Among the Terracotta Warriors

In Xi'an, be awed by an army of the Terracotta Warriors and bronze chariots, where you can immerse yourself in the artistry of this 2,000-year-old underground army of life-sized soldiers. Each soldier is intricately crafted with remarkable detail and individuality, standing as timeless guardians of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and his quest for immortality.

Unique Dining Experiences Across China

Indulge in exceptional dining experiences across China, from an unforgettable evening immersed in the Tang Dynasty with vibrant performances and a choice of Dumpling or Palace Banquet Dinner, to a scenic lunch at the Brickyard, an eco-retreat near the Great Wall, featuring farm-to-table cuisine and breathtaking views.

Great Wall of China

Embark on a visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, and take a scenic cable car ride to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and landscape. Explore the ancient watchtowers at your own pace, immersing yourself in the rich history and stunning beauty of this iconic monument. For lunch, head to the Brickyard, a beautifully restored eco-retreat located just two kilometers from the Wall. Once an old tile factory, this charming venue now serves fresh, farm-to-table dishes, all while offering peaceful views of the Great Wall in a tranquil setting.

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Health & Fitness

Ning Spa

Gym

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Kids & Teens

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Useful Information

General Physical Fitness

APT cruises and tours in China can be physically demanding. Many of the sites you will visit require a high level of fitness, as well as good health and mobility, to fully participate. Some trips may not be appropriate if you have any certain medical conditions or mobility restrictions. Some excursions involve extensive walking, including standing on your feet for extended periods, navigating uneven or loose ground, stairs, and steep inclines.

During the Yangzi Explorer cruise, you will be required to climb into smaller boats to be transferred to shore for your sightseeing excursions. In ports where we dock directly against the shore, the landing areas are not established ports, so you may need to walk up and down embankments. Please also note that some ports, including Yichang and Chongqing, involve a significant number of stairs and uneven walking surfaces between the vessel, landing points, and transport areas. 

Dietary Requirements

If you have any dietary requirements or allergies that need to be managed while travelling with APT, and you have not made these known already, please advise your booking agent as soon as possible, as well as your Tour Director upon arrival. Most suppliers require advance notice to accommodate these requirements and in some cases you may be required to fill out a form or waiver. Every effort will be made to fulfill requests, but these cannot always be guaranteed.

Wi-FI & Internet Access

We recommend arranging your mobile connectivity before departure. You may choose to activate international roaming with your mobile service provider or purchase a travel eSIM, provided your device is compatible.

Please be aware that internet access in mainland China is subject to government regulations, and a number of commonly used websites and applications are generally inaccessible when using local internet services. These may include Google services (such as Google Search, Gmail and Google Maps), as well as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

Many travellers choose to use a VPN to access these services. If you intend to use a VPN, we strongly recommend downloading, installing and testing it on all of your devices before departing for China, as VPN websites and applications may be difficult to access once you have arrived.

Please note that some international roaming services and travel eSIM providers route data through networks outside mainland China. Depending on the provider, this may enable access to websites and applications that are otherwise restricted without the use of a VPN. As capabilities vary between providers and may change over time, this should not be considered guaranteed.

If uninterrupted access to services such as Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp and social media platforms is important to you, we recommend researching connectivity options and completing all setup prior to departure.

Water and Food Safety

Please note, tap water in China is not safe to drink. Be mindful of the different meals you consume each day while on holiday. It is a good idea to pack medication that can help alleviate the symptoms of an upset stomach, as you may be exposed to foods and ingredients that are not typically part of your regular diet.

It is best to drink bottled or filtered water when travelling. Always ensure the seal is intact prior to consuming. Bottled or filtered water should always be used for cleaning your teeth, unless you are specifically advised the tap water is safe for this purpose. If you are unsure, please ask your Tour Director.

Sun Exposure and Dehydration

Weather conditions will vary on tour. Drinking plenty of water is important to prevent dehydration. A hat and high-quality sunscreen are important for preventing sunburn, even on overcast days.

Onboard Account

Purchases made while on board are billed to your shipboard account, and you will receive an invoice at the end of the cruise. The accepted currency on board the Yangzi Explorer is Chinese Yuan (also known as Renmenbi). Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard and American Express are also accepted on board. WeChat and Alipay are mobile payment apps and digital wallets based in China, and are also accepted forms of payment aboard Yangzi Explorer.

Money

We recommend carrying both an international credit or debit card and a small amount of cash while travelling, ensuring you have access to more than one source of funds.

China is largely a cashless society, with Alipay and WeChat Pay being the most commonly used payment methods. Eligible international bank cards can be linked to these platforms, allowing payments to be made by scanning QR codes. To make transactions easier during your tour, we recommend downloading and setting up your preferred mobile payment app before departure.

International credit cards are generally accepted at international hotels and larger restaurants. However, smaller restaurants, local shops, supermarkets and market stalls may only accept mobile payments or, in some cases, cash. For this reason, we recommend carrying a small amount of local currency for incidental purchasesn and situations where electronic payment methods are unavailable. 

Laundry and Ironing Service

Laundry and pressing services are available on board, guests are entitled to 6 pieces of free laundry per sailing per suite.

Medical Assistance

Yangzi Explorer features a 24-hour doctor service. If a passenger requires medical assistance on shore, a transfer will be arranged to the nearest land hospital for further medical treatment. Please note, guests are responsible for any expenses incurred from medical visits while on or off the ship. APT is not responsible for the type or quality of the medical services you may receive, and we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance

Suite Information

Bedding Configuration

Deluxe and Ambassador suites feature two twin beds that can be combined to a create a king-sized bed, while Jade, Mandarin, Celestial and Imperial suites feature a luxurious four-poster king bed. Please advise your bed configuration preference at the time of booking.

In-Room Entertainment

Each suite on board the ship contains a flat screen TV with a range of channels available. TV reception may vary depending on the ship’sm location.

Telephone

An in-suite telephone is available, allowing you to easily contact other guests while on board.

Air Conditioning and Heating

All suites include in-room climate control with individual controls for optimal comfort.

Adaptors and Electricity

The voltage on board is 220V, and your suite is fitted with universal plugs so no adaptor is required.

Hair Dryer

Each suite is equipped with a hair dryer.

Mini Bar

A mini bar is available in each suite.

Bathroom Amenities

Suites are equipped with en suite bathrooms featuring a shower, toilet, and complimentary toiletries.

Safety Deposit Box

All suites are equipped with a safety box, and it is recommended that you place your valuables inside during the cruise.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside any river vessel, including your suite and balcony. Smoking is only permitted within designated areas on the Observation Desk.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping staff will attend to your suite Ídaily. Should you require any additional housekeeping requests, please contact reception staff for assistance. 

What to pack

Luggage

The luggage limit on your tour is one suitcase weighing 20kg (44 pounds). We advise keeping your luggage to a manageable weight, as you may be required to handle your luggage independently at airports and hotels. Additional fees will be charged to cover porterage handling of any excess luggage. Your Tour Director will provide details of any additional charges. If your tour includes flights within China, the luggage limit is 20kg. If this weight is exceeded, an excess luggage fee may be charged at the time of check-in for each flight.

Clothing and Footwear

What you pack is a matter of personal preference. Most guests dress casually during the tour, with smart casual attire recommended when dining at restaurants or aboard the Yangzi Explorer. While there are no formal or black-tie events, you may wish to bring a smart outfit for the welcome and farewell dinners.

When visiting temples, religious sites and private homes, dress modestly and respectfully. In some locations, it is customary to remove your hat and, on occasion, your shoes before entering private residences. Follow any local signage or instructions provided by your guide.

Travel Documents

• Passport and any required visas.

• Travel insurance policy including policy number and emergency contact number.

• Travel vaccination certificates (if required).

• Airline e-tickets, APT itinerary and Essential Information (electronically).

• Wallet or money belt (cash, credit cards, bank cards).

• Photocopies of important documents, such as spare passport photos, important addresses and contact numbers.

Personal Items

• Backpack (containing extra layers, water, rain gear, snacks, sunglasses, prescription glasses, small umbrella, etc.).

• Reusable water bottle.

• Medications and copies of prescriptions.

• Sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitiser, sunglasses and sunhat.

• Clear zip-lock bag to contain all liquids, gels, and aerosols from inside your carry-on luggage.

• Antibacterial gel/wipes.

• Travel-size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion, insect repellent).

• Smart casual clothing such as long-/short-sleeved shirts, jeans, trousers, shorts, skirts, socks, underwear and sleepwear.

• Comfortable footwear such as sneakers.

• Windproof jacket.

Travel Accessories

• Electronics such as mobile phone, iPad/tablet, laptop.

• Camera with memory card and charger.

• Power adaptor and current converter for the country you are travelling to.

• Power board for charging multiple devices.

• Digital sim card (e-sim), offered on new-model mobile phones, can. be pre-purchased in your country of residence and activated upon arrival at your destination. Check if your phone accepts e-sims.

Pack a Medical Kit

A small medical kit is recommended for all travellers. Pharmacies in large cities will likely stock most basic medicines and supplies, but they may be difficult to access and a script may be required for some medications.

Valuables and Security

Do not take anything valuable or irreplaceable with you that will create emotional or financial hardship if lost or stolen. Carry all valuable documents, cash and credit cards with you in your hand luggage. Do not pack these important items in your suitcase. You may find a money belt, worn inside clothing, useful while traveling. Hotel rooms offer a security safe in which you to store valuables. Please ensure you remember not to leave anything in the safe before checking out of your hotel room. 

Medications

Prepare a list of your medications, including the name, dosage, prescribing doctor, and their phone number. Pack sufficient medication for the duration of your tour.