Century Voyage Yangtze River Cruise: Ship, Routes, Cabins & 2026 Prices

Century Voyage Yangtze River Cruise

The Century Voyage set sail on September 13, 2024, becoming the newest vessel on the Three Gorges waterway. Century Cruises operates the ship as an electric-propulsion "Glory Class Pro" — an upgrade over the earlier Century Oasis and Century Glory. The ship runs two seasonal itineraries: a 3-night downbound crossing from Chongqing to Yichang departing Fridays, and a 4-night upbound crossing from Yichang to Chongqing departing Mondays. This guide covers the deck-by-deck layout, eight cabin tiers, dining and entertainment options, daily shore excursions, and 2026 pricing for international visitors booking through Trip.com or Klook.

Quick Facts

Ship Overview and Cabin Categories

Century Voyage Yangtze River Cruise

The Century Voyage is Century Cruises' flagship new-build and curre

ntly the newest Three Gorges ship on the water. It runs on electric propulsion and carries the designation "Glory Class Pro," distinguishing it from the earlier Century Oasis and Century Glory vessels. The ship has fewer guest rooms than its predecessors, which enlarges the cabin footprint per guest. All balconies span the full width of their rooms — the operator calls this the "Great Flat" design — and the top sundeck measures over 2,000 square meters. Eight cabin categories span Interior staterooms to the Presidential Suite, each with its own deck placement and feature set.

Suite guests receive complimentary river hotpot, smart curtains, and wireless earphones. The onboard elevator connects decks -1 through 5, but Deck 6 and the Sun Deck require stairs from Deck 5. Travelers with mobility concerns should check with the operator before booking.

🏞️ The Mighty Yangtze: To explore the full course of Asia's longest river beyond the Three Gorges canyon, read our comprehensive guide to the Yangtze River.

How New Is the Century Voyage

The vessel made its maiden voyage on September 13, 2024. As of 2026 it remains the newest Three Gorges cruise ship in operation. It is the first electric-propulsion new-build for Century Cruises, built on the same platform as the Century Oasis and Century Glory but upgraded across cabin size, propulsion system, and public area design.

Eight Cabin Categories from Interior to Presidential Suite

The ship carries eight distinct cabin tiers. Prices below reflect weekday per-person twin-sharing rates; holiday weeks are quoted on request.

• Interior Cabin: interior-facing, no balcony, located on Decks 2–6; the entry-level option at $620–850 per person.
• Deluxe Cabin: exterior with balcony, Decks 2–5; most popular mid-range choice at $850–1,100 per person.
• Superior Deluxe Cabin: larger exterior balcony cabin on Decks 4–6; $1,100–1,400 per person.
• Family Suite: multi-bed configuration on Deck 4; $1,100–1,400 per person; includes suite guest benefits.
• Junior Suite: premium balcony suite on Decks 3–4; $1,100–1,400 per person; river hotpot, smart curtains, earphones included.
• Executive Suite: upper-deck suite with expanded living area on Deck 4; $1,400–2,000 per person.
• Voyage Suite: flagship suite category on Deck 4; $1,400–2,000 per person; suite-tier inclusions apply.
• Presidential Suite: top-tier accommodation; $2,000–3,200+ per person; full suite amenities and butler service.

Balconies, Decks and the Elevator Caveat

Every exterior cabin features a panoramic balcony that runs the full width of the room. The eight passenger decks are numbered from the basement theater (Deck -1) up to the top observation deck (Deck 7). The elevator stops at decks -1 through 5 only. Accessing Deck 6 or the Sun Deck above it requires taking stairs from Deck 5. Wheelchair users and those with limited mobility should factor this into their planning before committing to a booking.

🌊 China's Great Waterways: The Yangtze forms half of China's primary river system alongside the Yellow River. Learn about the geographic significance of both basins in What Are the 2 Major Rivers in China.

Onboard Facilities, Dining and Entertainment

Century Voyage Yangtze River Cruise

Century Voyage spreads its public spaces and guest facilities across eight numbered decks. The top two decks handle outdoor views and suites; the mid-decks hold dining, lounging and entertainment venues; lower decks house the theater, fitness area and medical clinic. The Sissi Café & Lounge on Decks 3 and 4 brings a Hungarian cultural and wine theme aboard — a first for Yangtze cruise ships.

Deck-by-Deck Layout from Top Observation Deck to Theater

Dining Venues and Meal Inclusions

The ship runs a full board policy with three buffet meals daily, afternoon tea and night snacks included in the fare. Most meals are served in the Double-deck Globe Restaurant across Decks 2–3. Suite guests also have access to the Pavilion VIP Restaurant and a dedicated hotpot venue on Deck 3.

• Double-deck Globe Restaurant: buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; combined Chinese and Western menu with rotating themed dishes.
• Pavilion VIP Restaurant: suite-guest dining room on Deck 4; exclusive to Executive Suite, Voyage Suite and Presidential Suite passengers.
• Hotpot Restaurant: Deck 3; suite guests receive complimentary river hotpot; standard guests may upgrade.
• Sissi Café & Lounge: afternoon tea, specialty coffee and designated drinks; Decks 3 and 4.
• Unlimited designated drinks: available at the restaurant and bar throughout service hours.
• Seafood buffet and themed brunch: served on select days of the voyage.
• Night snacks: 22:00–23:00 nightly.
• Dietary needs: vegetarian, halal and allergy meals available with advance notice.

Wellness, Cultural and Entertainment Spaces

The ship balances cultural programming with fitness facilities and evening entertainment. A free gym and paid spa, TCM and foot massage services operate on Deck 1 alongside a 24-hour medical clinic.

• Tai Chi: sunrise sessions on the sundeck, 06:45–07:15 daily.
• Cultural programming: themed lectures, Chinese cultural presentations, guest talent show.
• Century Grand Theater: movies, evening shows and live performances on Deck -1.
• Captain's events: Welcome Party and Farewell Dinner mark the start and end of each voyage.
• Recreation: mahjong, poker, chess, Go, Gomoku and KTV rooms available on Decks 1 and 5.
• Wellness (Deck 1): free fitness center; spa, TCM treatment and foot massage for an additional charge.
• Medical support: 24-hour clinic on Deck 1.

The Sissi Lounge and Other Themed Areas

The Sissi Café & Lounge spans Decks 3 and 4 and is the first Chinese and Western cultural themed space on a Yangtze cruise vessel. The venue is named for the Hungarian Empress Elisabeth — Princess Sissi — and features rotating exhibitions alongside its wine program.

• Sissi Café & Lounge: Hungarian wine tasting, including selections like "European Royal Tribute Wine" and "King in Wine, Royal Wine"; run by the Hungarian Wine Association with guided tastings and lectures.
• Cultural exhibitions: rotating displays such as "Princess Sissi's Mysterious Dress"; cultural exchange events hosted periodically.
• Open Reading Room: Deck 4; quiet space with curated books and seating.
• Boutique Shop: Deck 6 circular shopping center; souvenirs and daily necessities.

🌃 Southern City Cruises: If you enjoy luxury river travel, experience the glowing skyline and Canton Tower views on a Guangzhou Pearl River Cruise.

Downbound vs Upbound Routes Compared

Century Voyage Yangtze River Cruise

Downbound Chongqing to Yichang (Friday)

The 3-night downbound crossing departs Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier on Friday afternoon. Guests board from approximately 16:30 and the ship sails around 21:00. The three full days on board include two gorges crossings in daylight on Day 3 — Qutang Gorge around midday and Wu Gorge in the early afternoon. The itinerary ends at Yichang Three Gorges Tourist Center around 13:30 on Day 4, with a complimentary transfer from Maoping port. Weekday fares start from about $838 per person twin sharing.

Upbound Yichang to Chongqing (Monday)

The 4-night upbound voyage departs Yichang on Monday morning. Passengers transfer to Maoping port and board there before sailing. The extra night gives additional time for Fengdu or Xiaoguanshan and White Emperor City, which appear on Day 4 of this direction. Disembarkation at Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier occurs on Day 5. The weekday fare floor of about $838 per person applies in both directions.

⛰️ Karst Mountain Waterways: For a completely different river perspective featuring dramatic limestone peaks, book a scenic day boat along the Li River Guilin to Yangshuo.

Daily Schedule and Shore Excursions

Century Voyage Yangtze River Cruise

A typical day on the Century Voyage follows a structured rhythm: early morning movement, a shore excursion mid-morning, afternoon cruising, then evening dining and entertainment. The schedule below reflects the standard downbound itinerary. The upbound voyage adds a Day 4 cruise day before Chongqing disembarkation on Day 5. Embarkation ports may shift to Fengdu or Fuling when water levels or navigational controls require it.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

• Day 1 — Chongqing Embarkation: luggage delivery from 16:30; buffet dinner 18:30–20:00 with unlimited designated drinks; safety briefing 20:00–20:45; Captain's Welcome Party 21:00–21:30; ship sails around 21:00.
• Day 2 — Fengdu or Xiaoguanshan: morning coffee and tea 06:30–07:00; Tai Chi 06:45–07:15; buffet breakfast 07:00–08:30; shore excursion 08:30–11:30 (Fengdu Ghost City OR Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park); buffet lunch 12:00–13:30; sundeck leisure 14:00–18:00; afternoon tea 15:00–16:30; buffet dinner 17:00–18:30; War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show 18:15–21:15 (complimentary from March 2026); night snack 22:00–23:00.
• Day 3 — White Emperor City and Goddess Stream: morning routine 06:30–08:00; shore excursion 08:00–11:30 (White Emperor City OR Peak of the Three Gorges); pass Qutang Gorge around 12:15; buffet lunch 12:00–13:30; pass Wu Gorge around 14:00; Goddess Stream shore excursion 15:15–17:15; buffet dinner 18:30–20:00; guest talent show 20:30–21:30; night snack 22:00–23:00.
• Day 4 — Three Gorges Dam and Yichang Disembarkation (downbound): buffet breakfast 06:30–08:00; disembark Maoping port 08:00–11:00 with free luggage transfer; Three Gorges Dam Project Museum and River Closure Memorial Park 08:00–11:00; arrival at Yichang Three Gorges Tourist Center around 13:30.

Shore Excursions Included in the Fare

Four onshore tourist spots are covered by the base fare across the itinerary, plus one complimentary evening show added from March 2026.

• Fengdu Ghost City OR Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park: Day 2, one choice per passenger.
• White Emperor City OR Peak of the Three Gorges: Day 3, one choice per passenger.
• Goddess Stream: Day 3, a scenic tributary excursion by small boat.
• Three Gorges Dam Project Museum and River Closure Memorial Park: Day 4 morning, downbound only.
• War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show: Day 2 evening, complimentary from March 2026.

Optional Add-Ons (Ship Lift, Cable Cars)

Two optional extras can be arranged on board at embarkation. Availability for the ship lift is limited, so passengers interested should register promptly.

• Three Gorges Ship Lift: about $41 (¥290) per person; passengers disembark around 07:45, take a sightseeing boat through the world's largest ship lift, then rejoin the main Dam tour; total experience approximately 70 minutes; suspended from 08:00 on August 18, 2026 for roughly 42 days of scheduled maintenance.
• Fengdu Ghost City Cable Car: about $3 (¥20) per person one-way; an electric shuttle bus substitutes when the cable car is out of service.

⚓ Ocean Cruise Hubs: Travelers connecting from inland river sailings to international ocean liners can navigate port facilities using our guide to the International Cruise Terminal Shanghai.

2026 Pricing, Inclusions and Booking for Foreign Visitors

Century Voyage Yangtze River Cruise

Fares on the Century Voyage are quoted per person based on twin occupancy of a standard cabin for a weekday sailing. Holiday weeks — including the Spring Festival, National Day first week and Labor Day — carry a surcharge quoted on request. The base fare covers accommodation, most meals, drinks, shore excursions and onboard activities. A separate service charge of about $28 (¥200) per person applies and is payable before departure.

2026 Fare Range by Cabin Tier

• Interior Cabin: $620–850 per person
• Deluxe Cabin: $850–1,100 per person
• Superior Deluxe Cabin / Junior Suite: $1,100–1,400 per person
• Executive Suite / Voyage Suite: $1,400–2,000 per person
• Presidential Suite: $2,000–3,200+ per person

What Is Included vs What Costs Extra

• Included: accommodation, all buffet meals, unlimited designated drinks at restaurant and bar, afternoon tea, night snacks, four onshore excursions per itinerary, complimentary War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show (from March 2026), Wi-Fi throughout the ship, butler service, all onboard entertainment and cultural activities.
• Excluded from the fare: transport to and from Chongqing or Yichang piers; optional tours — ship lift about $41 (¥290) and cable car about $3 (¥20); cabin or deck upgrades; access to the Executive Lounge and Pavilion VIP Restaurant for non-suite guests; premium beverages; laundry; spa, TCM and foot massage; KTV and mahjong; gratuities.

Service Charge, Extras and Refund Rules

• Service charge: about $28 (¥200) per person, payable with the cruise fare before departure; foreign guests settle this on the boat.
• Cancellation policy: full refund 45 or more days before departure; 20% fee 45–31 days out; 50% fee 30–15 days out; 100% fee within 14 days.
• Rescheduling: one change permitted up to 15 days before departure with a 10% fee.
• Holiday voyages and charters: non-refundable in principle; confirm at booking.

How International Visitors Can Book

• Recommended channels: Trip.com, Klook and TripAdvisor booking partners accept international credit and debit cards and provide an English-language interface.
• Direct booking: the operator's own booking system requires a mainland Chinese mobile number and WeChat Pay or Alipay — conditions most foreign visitors cannot meet.
• Travel documents: a valid passport and Chinese tourist visa (L visa) are required for boarding; verify visa requirements with a Chinese consulate before booking.
• Arrival timing: schedule at least one night in Chongqing or Yichang before embarkation to guard against flight or transfer delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does a Century Voyage Yangtze River cruise cost in 2026?

A weekday standard cabin starts from about $838 per person sharing a twin room. Deluxe cabins typically run $850–1,100 per person; suites range from $1,100 up to $3,200 or more for the Presidential Suite. A service charge of about $28 (¥200) per person applies on top. Holiday weeks carry a surcharge quoted on request. Check current rates on Trip.com or Klook.

Q: What is included in the Century Voyage cruise fare?

The base fare covers accommodation, all buffet meals, unlimited designated drinks, afternoon tea, night snacks, four onshore excursions, Wi-Fi, butler service and all onboard entertainment. The complimentary War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show is included from March 2026. Extras not included: transport to/from the piers, the optional ship lift (about $41 / ¥290), the cable car (about $3 / ¥20), upgrades, premium drinks, laundry, spa treatments and gratuities.

Q: Do foreign visitors need a Chinese visa for a Yangtze cruise?

Yes. Most nationalities require a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) covering the embarkation and disembarkation cities. Some nationalities may qualify for visa-free transit under certain conditions. Passports must be valid at the time of boarding. Confirm eligibility with a Chinese consulate or embassy before booking.

Q: What is the best month to take a Century Voyage cruise?

April, May, October and early November offer mild weather and clear views through the Three Gorges. March and November are quieter with lower weekday fares. December through February operates on a reduced winter schedule. July and August are hot and humid. Peak crowd periods — Spring Festival, National Day first week and Labor Day — are significantly busier and priced on request.

Q: How do I get to the Chongqing or Yichang pier?

For the downbound departure, fly or take high-speed rail to Chongqing, then taxi to Chaotianmen Pier (roughly $4–7 / ¥30–50). For the upbound departure, fly into Yichang Sanxia Airport and taxi to the Yichang Three Gorges Tourist Center (roughly $7–11 / ¥50–80). Book an arrival the day before embarkation to account for possible delays.

Q: Is the Three Gorges Ship Lift worth booking?

The optional ship lift costs about $41 (¥290) per person. Passengers disembark early, board a sightseeing boat and pass through the world's largest ship lift, then rejoin the main Dam tour — roughly 70 minutes total. Spots are limited and allocated on board at embarkation. The lift is suspended from 08:00 on August 18, 2026 for about 42 days of maintenance.

Q: Can Century Voyage be booked from outside China?

Yes. Trip.com, Klook and TripAdvisor booking partners all support international card payments and English-language interfaces. Direct booking through Century Cruises requires a mainland Chinese phone number and WeChat Pay or Alipay, which most visitors from outside China do not have.

Q: What language is spoken on board Century Voyage?

Crew members speak Mandarin and basic English in public areas and dining venues. Cruise guides introduce scenic spots in both languages. Some cultural lectures and evening performances are conducted in Mandarin only.

Q: How new is Century Voyage compared to other Yangtze ships?

The ship made its maiden voyage on September 13, 2024, making it the newest Three Gorges cruise ship currently operating. Key advances include electric propulsion, larger cabins relative to passenger count, and a top sundeck exceeding 2,000 square meters.