Tipping:

There is a mandatory service charge of USD$25 per person per cruise which is shared among the entire crew, including those who work unseen behind the scenes but fulfil a crucial role in the smooth operation of the vessel. The aim of this policy is to avoid confusion about who to tip or how much and ensures a fair reward for all involved in the cruise. Should passengers wish to reward individual staff members such as the guides, cruise director, drivers, boatmen and the like, they may choose to do so, but this is entirely voluntary and at their discretion. The policy is clearly stated on our website and advised to travel agents. Tipping, however, is voluntary and it is much appreciated by the person who made your trip even more enjoyable and memorable. The general recommendation is $10.00-$15.00 per person, per day for the crew. At your discretion, you could also give some individual tips to the person who may have provided excellent services. Please be advised that the river guides do not share in the tips from the tip box. On land excursions, tipping local guides, drivers and boatmen, who are not Century Cruises employees, is also voluntary, with a suggested amount of $5.00 each.

Change of itineraries:

Please note that Yangtze River ships of all companies must adhere to international law that states that if water levels fall below a certain point, passengers may not be on board and must embark at a different quay. This applies to all river cruising around the world. The operation of the Three Gorges Dam is likewise controlled by who was obliged to temporarily close it to cruise ships due to the high volume of shipping on the Yangtze. We would make every effort to minimise disruption to our passengers’ schedules and offer free transfers in both Chongqing and Yichang. These events are entirely beyond the control of Century Cruises, but we regret any inconvenience caused to you.

Food:

Seating is different from the usual Western style where 2 maybe 4 people share a table. In China meal times are a time to socialize, to talk, to have a meeting, to do business and as result 8 or 10 people, sometimes even more, share a round table and food. Chinese people don’t just dine, they banquet, which in western countries is done only at weddings.

Our food is freshly prepared and expertly cooked by international chefs. Our breakfast choice ranges from croissants filled with chocolate or almonds, freshly-made coffee, juice or English tea, to fresh fruits, yogurts as well as bacon and eggs. Alternatively, there are traditional breakfasts such as steamed buns, soybean milk and deep-fried dough sticks or rice porridge. Lunch and dinner offer both Chinese and Western buffet meals with a wide variety of choices, served in the single-seating main restaurant, with views of the dramatic scenery of the Yangtze which you obviously enjoyed. There is also the more intimate setting of the A La Carte Restaurant which provides authentic home-style cuisine. Since meals are buffet style, the food is replenished throughout the meal in order to allow guests to come to eat at different times instead of all at once at the start and stand in line to wait.

We pay close attention to our clients’ special food requirements to meet their needs and always request that our prospective partners (travel agencies and tour operators) advise us of any vegetarian food requirements so we can prepare dishes in advance to the clients. While we take every effort to accommodate our client please note that we may encounter difficulties in obtaining French fries and pizza, but I am sure you appreciate that these are not typical foods in China, not readily sourced on a river cruise vessel and therefore not readily available. What is available is traditional cuisine, as one would expect, expertly cooked and presented, along with what is considered more elegant Western dining options.

Different Nationalities:

We are an international cruise company and our clients come from all the corners of the world. Sometimes they travel alone and sometimes as a part of a large group. They bring a different culture and customs with them which can be more noticeable as they are on holiday when we all “let our hair down” and just want to relax. What is important to bear in mind is that what can be normal in your country may not be acceptable in another, and vice versa. The main purpose of cruising on the Yangtze River is to enjoy the unique culture, history and nature which this magnificent river offers.

What is included in the price:

Your cruise fare INCLUDES shipboard accommodations as booked, three meals daily (for cruises departing in the evening, dinner is not included the first night), lectures and entertainment, as well as the services of an experienced cruise director. Your cruise fare (“cruise only rate” does NOT include your air transportation and airport taxes, land excursions (rate listed separately), transfers to/from the ship, and any other ground transportation, any designated overnight hotel stay prior to boarding the ship, passport, visa or vaccination fees, and personal travel insurance. In addition, any gratuities, bar purchases, items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone and facsimiles, medical services, spa and beauty services are not included.

SMOKING POLICY – No smoking is permitted inside the ship. Smoking is only permitted on the outside observation deck.

TRAVEL INSURANCE – We recommended that you purchase travel insurance offered by your travel agent, tour operator, or insurance company, to cover cancellation/interruption, medical assistance and emergency services, baggage and/or personal property loss or delay, and legal assistance during the trip.

WHAT TO WEAR – Casual attire is recommended on board and ashore. For the captain’s cocktail party and farewell banquet, we suggest a jacket and tie for gentlemen, and dress for ladies. Please bring a sunhat and comfortable walking shoes. During the summer, sunscreen is also recommended.

CHIT METHOD OF PAYMENT – There is no cash flow aboard Century cruises. For any purchase, you may simply sign a chit, and present your room key. It will be added to your fina l bill, which may be settled the final night or day on board. Payment may be made in any major currency, including Chinese Renminbi. All major credit cards and traveller’s checks are accepted.

CREDIT CARDS – For incidentals and gift shop purchases, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

MONEY EXCHANGE – Century Cruises provides a money exchange service on board for various currencies to be exchanged into Renminbi (RMB), China ‘s local currency.

For more information please email sales@centuryrivercruises.com or visit www.centuryrivercruises.com