Q:Practical FAQs & Tips
A:
Here we’ve got a page listing the answers to all your questions about Yangtze River and Yangtze cruise, as well as providing practical tips to make your Yangtze cruise experience more comfortable, including fast Yangtze River facts, currency exchange onboard, onboard smoking policy, communication with onboard staff, etc. Click to read frequently asked questions about Yangtze River cruise and Yangtze River.
How far in advance to book the cruise?
We recommend that you book as early as possible to secure your preferred ship. The Yangtze Cruise trip is very popular and ships fill quickly, especially in peak traveling seasons. Book early to avoid disappointment!
How do you meet people with wheel chairs?
Passengers with wheelchairs must notify their travel agents at the time of booking with sufficient information as to the size and other applicable characteristics of their wheel chairs to insure that the booked cabin is suitable for wheelchair entry. Conditions may preclude passengers with wheelchairs from going ashore at certain ports of call.
Do you have Internet access on board? Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
Yes. Internet access and phone services are available via Satellite service. The Business Center onboard ship has photocopying, fax machines, personal computers, simultaneous translating, and typing. The prices for these services are quite high however. If possible, we strongly recommend you bring you own mobile phone onboard.
Is the water onboard safe to drink?
There is water purification and sterilization facilities onboard ship that offer clean tap water, but it is not recommended for drinking. We will provide two bottles of water for each client per day.
How do you charge the port/shore excursion?
Port and Shore excursion charges are indicated separately in the cruise information item.
Where shall we put our valuables?
Your cabin is equipped with a personal safe. ORC is not responsible for any articles such as money, jewelry, cameras, binoculars, documents or any other items which you retain in your personal control or in your cabin.
Can we take pets with us to the cruise?
Sorry. We cannot accommodate pets on any ORC Cruise.
How about bringing mirnors and child care?
Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 21. A baby-sitter can be arranged on board through Housekeeping. However, child care is not included in your cruise fare.
Can we exchange the currency in the Cruise?
Yes, 5-star Cruises offer this service. Normally they only accept USD and EUR.
Are the hairdryer available in each Cruise?
Yes, hairdryers will be available in the reception department.
Is there shopping facilities onboard ship?
There are some shops onboard ships. These shops specialize in daily necessities, and some food. These shops are not large, and will not have everything you might want, so it is recommended that you be well prepared before boarding. There will be many shops at the scenic spots along the Yangtze River. All kinds of traditional arts and crafts will be available. It is expected that you bargain when you go shopping, especially on expensive goods.
How do I get to the ship and how early should I arrive?
If you have purchased our cruise packages or tours, we will provide and arrange the necessary transfers to the ship, which means that you do not need to check in to the ship all by yourselves. Our tour guide will meet and lead you from your destination airport to the cruise ship.
If you prefer to check in at the cruise ship yourselves, you need to get the details of your itinerary (the port’s name and location and the time of departure) from the cruise company or travel agent. Usually you need to arrive several hours before the cruise ship departs.
What clothes should I bring?
We suggest that you bring a light jacket, jeans, T- shirts and lightweight windbreaker if you are planning to commence your cruise during spring or autumn. A light sweater is handy for cooler days. Bring some cotton T-shirts, shorts, a hat/cap, sunglasses and suntan lotions if your cruise is during summer. Sweaters are a must during winter. Do not forget to bring comfortable walking shoes/ sandals/ sneakers.
Usually there will be two formal nights including the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner and the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. We suggest that you dress up accordingly for such a formal occasion. Coat and tie for gentlemen and a formal dress or gown for ladies are recommended.
How do you treat passengers with special medical or physical needs?
If you have special medical, physical or other relevant needs such as the use of a wheelchair, you must inform us when you book your trip to check if appropriate assistances or necessary facilities are available. Over the years, cruise companies have aimed to improve their facilities so that travelers who are physically challenged can enjoy their trip as fully as possible. Handicapped staterooms on ships for clients with special needs are often available. It is a "converted" regular-sized cabin fit for the needs of physically challenged customers. On some ships narrow corridors, lips on the doorways, and steps at public area are unavoidable.
Ships cruising along the Yangtze River may inevitably docks at some of the rural area like small towns or village, elevator and cable cars are not readily available. Wheelchair access may be limited and sometimes impossible. We recommend that passengers with special needs travel with a companion who can provide required assistance.
What if you will be arriving late?
If you think you will probably miss your ship as scheduled due to unavoidable reasons, please contact us immediately. We need to hear from you so that we could contact the cruise company and inform them about your situation. Nevertheless, we will try to provide the best solution.
When you disembark, how and where will you find my guide?
After the ship anchors, you will see our guide on the landing and holding a board with your name written on it.
What if I plan to disembark earlier than scheduled?
If you have to disembark before the ship arrives at its terminal, you are requested to get off at the nearest dock. Kindly inform us if you plan to disembark earlier than expected when you make the booking so that you can get the actual fare. To let the ship dock at any other place that is not included in the itinerary will greatly increase the quoted price of your trip.
