Tell us something about yourself?

I’m 28 years old, from Henan Province and I graduated from Sichuan International Studies University in Chongqing, with major in Chinese language and literature. I joined Century Cruises in 2015. After working over 5 years on cruises, I was recently transferred to the office of Century Cruises in March this year.

What was your first job with Century Cruises?

When I firstly joined Century Cruises in 2015, I worked as a cruise guide on Century Sun. And after working for about 6 months, successively, I was transferred to Century Legend, Century Sky, and Century Diamond. In 2017, I was promoted as the Cruise Manager of Century Paragon.

Do you like your job?

I did enjoy a lot when I was working on board, the white small waves of the river, the smell of orange blossoms in the air from both banks along the winding river, chatting late into the night with passengers from all over the world……Lots of fun and precious memories.

If you have a choice, which season would you choose for a cruise on the Yangtze River?

Well, I have to admit that I love all the seasons on the Yangtze, it has its own personalities and beauties in different times. But if I have to choose one or two, Spring and Autumn stand out. Trust me, you will be amazed by the bottle green water, clear blue sky, blooming on kinds of fruit trees on both banks during Mar-Jun.
In Nov, the shrubs along both banks of the river start turning red, especially in the Wu Gorge (in Wushan county, Chongqing), it’s called Wushan Red Leaves Season. It’s really like the ship is sailing in a Chinese landscape painting.

 

You have worked on almost all ships of Century Cruises! Do you have your favourite ship?

Honestly, the Paragon.

Firstly, I spent the most time working there(2 years) during my cruising yeas. Secondly, it’s about the people. There is a group of fantastic crews on Paragon, who are very perfervid, patient, kind, helpful… I’d like to put all the good words I can think of on them.

BTW, even Paragon is not the biggest nor newest cruise ship any more, (after Century Glory, and other Yangtze River cruise companies also started building ships like Glory ), but I still think Paragon is the most SUITABLE for most families, with its comprehensive facilities.

What is your favourite part of the Yangtze River?

The Xiling Gorge, and every part of the Yangtze in the glitter on the sunset.You know, because of the Three Gorges Dam, The upper reaches of the river have been raised by an average of more than 80 metres, so it is a little bit hard for travellers today to imagine the river in the old times. But in the Xiling Gorge, between the Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba Dam, there is 38 kilometers of runoff, which basically retains the original Yangtze.

Out of all excursions on the Yangtze River which one is your favourite?

The Goodness Stream, with no doubt. And I believe most of our guest will give you the same answer, especially Europeans, who prefer to keep still. (hahahahahahah, no offence)

During a cruise on the Yangtze River there a lot of activities arranged for clients. Which one stand out and why?

Yes, there are so many interactive activities we prepare for our guests during a cruise, which is also a part of our Humanized Services. We do not want our guest to feel bored on cruise, our crew try to be with you closely but with a certain sense of distance, so whenever you want to JOIN us , you could always find an activity on our itinerary, and you are always welcomed.

The most impressive activity for me would be Staff Skill Demo, consisting of 4 departments of hotel.

1.Canteen staff show you the difference of table manners between Western and Eastern, teach you how to fold cup flowers with a napkin cloth.
2. Kitchen staff show you placing and carving art on food materials.
3. Housekeepers teach you how to fold towels into animals.

The food on board vessels is a blend of Chinese and Western. What is your favourite dish?

Grilled Lamb Chops!! (Highly Recommended) Braised Hilsa Herring

What is your favourite drink and can you get in on board?

We provide daily special cocktails every day, and they are all secretly made and named by our bartenders.
Meng Old Woman Soup, Goddess, Dam site, Chongqing Night.(all named by our excursions)
For me, Meng old woman soup is my favourite, a little bit bitter orange, but it says you could forget sad things after drinking it.

   

Do you have any secret tips for future clients?

1. If you plan to visit China for the first time, choose a Yangtze River cruise during your journey. It could be a great relief during your busy and crowded trip.
2. If you visit China for more than twice, but never take a cruise to travel in China, choose a Yangtze River cruise, you will explore much more different things with different sights.
3. If you want to choose a cruise on the Yangtze, choose Century Cruises, you will NOT regret it!
4. Up grate to VIP dining restaurant if you have extra budget.
5. Bring sun cream if you cruise the Yangtze in Summer (Jun-Oct).
6. Do Not miss the Gorges areas. There is announcements on board, but some guests prefer to ask to shut that down to be not disturbed, ask receptionists for help to remind you before sailing into the Gorges, so that you will not miss the most fantastic views on the river.
7. The sundeck is the best place to enjoy the Sunrise and Sunset in a day.
8. Join the Tai Chi class every morning, which is a very good way to help you start a energy day.
9. Bring at least one formal suit. (Captain’s Welcome Party, Farewell Dinner, etc.)
10. Let us know if you are one of special diet groups as early as possible. ( Vegetarian, gluten-free, halal , kosher, etc.)

Feel free to ask Jefferey any question you may have about a cruise on the Yangtze River. Email sales@centuryrivercruises.com Alternatively you can check dates and itineraries on our website, even our dates for 2022 are out!