Preparation for Boarding

• What about tipping on the cruise?

  Tipping is a matter of individual preference. Additional tips for any staff member who has provided some special service are at your discretion. Tips to shore excursion guides are also at passenger's discretion.

• 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.

• What if I 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.

• What does my cruise fare include?

  For the cruise itineraries on our website, the cruise fare includes accommodations on twin sharing-basis, daily meals and shore excursion programs. It excludes personal expenses, like laundry, phone calls, internet etc.

• How do I pay for my cruise? Can we pay in the Chinese Currency Yuan (RMB)？

  Yes, you can pay by CN Yuan (CNY) but it needs to be paid before you arrive. Although we book the cruise cabins for you, we need to pay for your cabins in advance before you board the ship. Your pre-payments are required. We accept wire transfer (cable transfer). The specific information that you may require is accordance with the cruise you book. We suggest you contact us to get more information about booking and paying for your cruise.

• Can you arrange an extra bed for the cruise?

  Not all cruises provide extra beds in standard twin cabins. It is based on the space in their cabins.

• Do the schedules for the Yangtze River cruise change?

  Yangtze River cruise operators reserve the right to cancel or change the sailing schedules of any ship without notice. This happens if booking numbers do not reach the level required by the operator on a particular sailing. CITS Travel makes reservations in good faith but cannot guarantee that bookings on a particular ship and time will be honored. We will however always do all in our power to ensure that alternative satisfactory arrangements are made, should there be a change of ship or sailing schedule. We will do our utmost to ensure that any change will impact your trip as little as possible.

• Can we get the cabin assignment on the cruise arranged early?

  The ships do not assign cabins in advance. You may request a specific cabin on check-in in a similar way to airline check in however cabin allocation is at the discretion of the ship operators.

• Is it convenient for a person to travel alone?

  For singles who travel alone, most ships hold parties on which it is so easy to meet people and make friends. But cruise fare is based on one bed per person. If you take one room on your own, you need to pay the single room supplement.

• Do we need tickets or any vouchers to board the Yangtze Cruise ship?

  You do not need any tickets or vouchers. Our guide will escort you to board and the check in procedure is as the same as that in a hotel. You just need to tell your name and show your passport.

• How far in advance do you recommend booking the trip?

  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 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 villages, 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.

• 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 yourself. 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 yourself, 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 agency. 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.