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Differences Between Upstream and Downstream Cruises
The difference between upstream and downstream cruises is that downstream cruises are normally shorter. The prices of upstream and downstream cruises are the same for most cruise routes except for cruises between Chongqin
g and Shanghai (where the upstream price is more expensive). Also shore excursions may vary due to different schedules.
In Chinese peoples’ opinion, downstream means “plain sailing”, therefore many Chinese people tend to choose downstream. In fact, both upstream and downstream have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice of upstream or downstream depends on your travel schedule and what is important to you.
Downstream
Advantages:
- Shorter Cruises
Cruising downstream is faster than travelling upstream: about 29 kph (18 mph) compared to an average of 16 kph (10 mph); therefore downstream cruises are shorter. Downstream cruises are suitable for people whose traveling time is limited. Cruises from Chongqing to Yichang (downstream) take four days, while cruises from Yichang to Chongqing take five days. Cruises from Chongqing to Jingzhou (downstream) take five days, while cruises from Jingzhou to Chongqing take six days. Cruises from Chongqing to Shanghai (downstream) take seven days, while cruises from Shanghai to Chongqing take nine days. - No Motion at Night Generally speaking, downstream ships dock in the evening and never travel at night. Therefore there is no rocking motion during nights, which may affect passengers’ sleeping or nighttime relaxation on upstream cruises. Even people who are very sensitive to motion sickness or are light sleepers can have the best chance of a good night’s sleep. Furthermore, all the scenery is passed during the day, so passengers do not miss any beautiful scenery during the hours of darkness.
- Upstream and downstream prices are the same for most cruise routes. However, downstream is cheaper for cruises between Chongqing and Shanghai. (Only Victoria Prince Cruises run between Chongqing and Shanghai.).
Disadvantages
Downstream and upstream shore excursions for cruises between Chongqing and Yichang are the same in number (Most cruisers run between Chongqing and Yichang.). However, there are fewer shore excursions for downstream cruises between Chongqing and Jingzhou. (Only Real China Fleet operates on this route). Check out Yangtze Cruise Routes for details.
Upstream
Advantages
- Slower Cruises
The average speed of an upstream cruise is 16 kph (10 mph) compared to 29 kph (18 mph) for downstream cruises. Passengers have more time to enjoy the charming scenery, listen to the explanation of the attractions, ask questions about the attractions and take photos.
2. There are more shore excursions on upstream cruies between Chongqing and Jingzhou (Only Real China Fleet runs this route.). Check out Yangtze Cruise Routes for details.
3. A longer cruise allows you more time to find about Chinese culture, history and customs through the greater number of shows and longer commentaries.
Disadvantages
1. Travelling at night
Due to the slower speed, cruise ships travelling upstream have to travel at night in order to reach shore excursion destinations and scenic attractions in daylight hours. It may affect passengers’ sleeping and inevitably some scenery will be passed by at night, but the journey is arranged so that the highlights are seen in the daytime.
2. The prices of upstream and downstream cruises are the same for most cruise routes, but the upstream price is more expensive for cruises between Chongqing and Shanghai (Only Victoria Prince Cruises run between Chongqing and Shanghai.).
Yangtze River Cruise Package Deals
Guilin Sights & Yangtze Combo
- Duration: 7 Days
- Destination: Guilin, Chongqing, Yangtze, Yichang
- Attraction:Guilin is renowned for its beauty and the famous Li River and is a cultural icon within China. The Yangtze is known as the cradle of Chinese culture and in many ways is the life blood of China. We combine both to bring you an unforgettable experience.
Three Gorges with Classic China Tour
- Destination: Hong Kong, Guilin, Chongqing, Yangtze, Yichang, Shanghai, Beijing
- Features:Take a cruise on the spectacular Yangtze River and stay in Hong Kong and Shanghai. This is a truly comprehensive and very popular journey exploring China's greatest treasures at a relaxed pace.
Shanghai Sights & Yangtze Combo
- Duration: 7 Days
- Destination: Shanghai, Chongqing, Yangtze, Yichang, Shanghai
- Features: Shanghai is an intoxicating blend of historic culture and an ultra-modern mega city. Combine this with some of China's most spectacular scenery, cultural treasures and religious and historical sites on the Yangtze River to see the huge contrast which is China.
Most Popular Cruise Companies
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Yangtze Cruise Practical Information
Make a Quick Reservation
- yangtze@chinahighlights.com
- Call: 800 2682918 (USA & CA)
or (86)773 283 1999
