Yangzi Explorer

APT cruises and tours in China can be physically demanding. Many of the sites you will visit require a high level of fitness, as well as good health and mobility, to fully participate. Some trips may not be appropriate if you have any certain medical conditions or mobility restrictions. Some excursions involve extensive walking, including standing on your feet for extended periods, navigating uneven or loose ground, stairs, and steep inclines.

APT requires you to advise us of any allergies or dietary requirements both when booking and upon arrival with your Tour Director. Most suppliers need advance notice to cater to any allergies and dietary requirements. While APT will pass on your requirements to the relevant suppliers, we cannot guarantee our suppliers will accommodate all requests. Please note that you may be required to fill out an allergy form for our third-party suppliers.

China has highly developed internet infrastructure, but internet access is heavily regulated and censored. Please note some websites you are accustomed to visiting may not be accessible in China. 

Free Wi-Fi is available while on board the cruise in public areas. Please note that the quality of wireless internet connectivity while on board the vessel can vary

Tap water in China is not safe to drink. Be mindful of the different meals you will consume each day while on holiday. It’s a good idea to pack some medicine to alleviate symptoms should you experience an upset stomach from eating foods that are not usually a part of your regular diet.

It is best to drink bottled or filtered water when travelling. Always ensure the seal is intact prior to consuming. Bottled or filtered water should always be used for cleaning your teeth, unless you are specifically advised the tap water is safe for this purpose. If you are unsure, please ask your Tour Director.

Water Bottles

APT is committed to reducing waste and the use of single-use plastic water bottles. We encourage you to bring your own refillable water bottle to use while on tour or, alternatively, purchase one at your destination.

Street Food

When visiting countries where you are unsure about general hygiene practice, please take care if buying food from street vendors or in small restaurants away from your hotel, river ship or recommended venues. At these places, avoid raw fruits and vegetables, dairy products (including ice-cream) as well as meat and fish not properly cooked. It is generally safe to eat cooked meats and vegetables prepared in hotels and restaurants in tourist areas. Fruit that you peel yourself is considered safe. You can feel safe eating anything served to you at the tour hotels and while on board your cruise. We recommend avoiding purchasing alcohol from street vendors.

Sun Exposure and Dehydration

Weather conditions will vary on tour. Drinking plenty of water is important to prevent dehydration. A hat and high-quality sunscreen are important for preventing sunburn, even on overcast days. Please ensure you bring a refillable water bottle to ensure you keep hydrated.

Purchases made while on board are billed to your shipboard account, and you will receive an invoice at the end of the cruise. The accepted currency on board the Yangzi Explorer is Chinese Yuan (also known as Renmenbi). Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard and American Express are also accepted on board. WeChat and Alipay are mobile payment apps and digital wallets based in China, and are also accepted forms of payment aboard Yangzi Explorer.

Laundry and pressing services are available on board, guests are entitled to 6 pieces of free laundry per sailing per suite.

The Yangzi Explorer features a 24-hour doctor service. If a passenger requires medical assistance on shore, a transfer will be arranged to the nearest land hospital for further medical treatment. Guests are responsible for any expenses incurred from medical visits while on or off the ship. Please note that APT is not responsible for the type or quality of the medical services you may receive, and we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.

Bedding Configuration

Deluxe and Ambassador suites feature two twin beds that can be combined to a create a king-sized bed, while Jade, Mandarin, Celestial and Imperial suites feature a luxurious four-poster king bed. Please advise your bed configuration preference at the time of booking.

In-Room Entertainment

Each suite on board the ship contains a flat screen TV with a range of channels available. TV reception may vary depending on the ship’sm location.

Telephone

An in-suite telephone is available, allowing you to easily contact other guests while on board.

Air Conditioning and Heating

All suites include in-room climate control with individual controls for optimal comfort.

Adaptors and Electricity

The voltage on board is 220V, and your suite is fitted with universal plugs so no adaptor is required.

Hair Dryer

Each suite is equipped with a hair dryer.

Mini Bar

A mini bar is available in each suite.

Bathroom Amenities

Suites are equipped with en suite bathrooms featuring a shower, toilet, and complimentary toiletries.

Safety Deposit Box

All suites are equipped with a safety box, and it is recommended that you place your valuables inside during the cruise.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside any river vessel, including your suite and balcony. Smoking is only permitted within designated areas on the Observation Desk.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping staff will attend to your suite Ídaily. Should you require any additional housekeeping requests, please contact reception staff for assistance. 

Luggage

The luggage limit on your tour is one suitcase weighing 20kg (44 pounds). We advise keeping your luggage to a manageable weight, as you may be required to handle your luggage independently at airports and hotels. Additional fees will be charged to cover porterage handling of any excess luggage. Your Tour Director will provide details of any additional charges. If your tour includes flights within China the luggage limit is 20kg. If this weight is exceeded, an excess luggage fee may be charged at the time of check-in for each flight.

Clothing and Footwear

We highly recommend packing comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. We recommend dressing modestly while travelling in China. Carry a scarf or shawl in case you need to cover your head or shoulders when entering private homes and religious or government buildings. It is also customary to remove shoes before entering temples and private homes.

Smart casual clothing is recommended when dining at restaurants or aboard the Yangzi Explorer. Singlets and thongs are not permitted in dining rooms. There will be no formal or black tie events, but you may want to pack something smart to wear for the welcome and farewell dinners.

We recommend that you pack a variety of light to medium-weight clothing, plus rain wear in case of cooler or wet weather. Layers are a good option to cover a range of temperatures and to suit changing conditions.

Travel Documents

• Passport and any required visas.

• Travel insurance policy including policy number and emergency contact number.

• Travel vaccination certificates (if required).

• Airline e-tickets, APT itinerary and Essential Information (electronically).

• Wallet or money belt (cash, credit cards, bank cards).

• Photocopies of important documents, such as spare passport photos, important addresses and contact numbers.

Personal Items

• Backpack (containing extra layers, water, rain gear, snacks, sunglasses, prescription glasses, small umbrella, etc.).

• Reusable water bottle.

• Medications and copies of prescriptions.

• Sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitiser, sunglasses and sunhat.

• Clear zip-lock bag to contain all liquids, gels, and aerosols from inside your carry-on luggage.

• Antibacterial gel/wipes.

• Travel-size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion, insect repellent).

• Smart casual clothing such as long-/short-sleeved shirts, jeans, trousers, shorts, skirts, socks, underwear and sleepwear.

• Comfortable footwear such as sneakers.

• Windproof jacket.

Travel Accessories

• Electronics such as mobile phone, iPad/tablet, laptop.

• Camera with memory card and charger.

• Power adaptor and current converter for the country you are travelling to.

• Power board for charging multiple devices.

• Digital sim card (e-sim), offered on new-model mobile phones, can. be pre-purchased in your country of residence and activated upon arrival at your destination. Check if your phone accepts e-sims.

Pack a Medical Kit

A small medical kit is recommended for all travellers. Pharmacies in large cities will likely stock most basic medicines and supplies, but they may be difficult to access and a script may be required for some medications.

Valuables and Security

Do not take anything valuable or irreplaceable with you that will create emotional or financial hardship if lost or stolen. Carry all valuable documents, cash and credit cards with you in your hand luggage. Do not pack these important items in your suitcase. You may find a money belt, worn inside clothing, useful while traveling. Hotel rooms offer a security safe in which you to store valuables. Please ensure you remember not to leave anything in the safe before checking out of your hotel room. 

Prepare a list of your medications, including the name, dosage, prescribing doctor, and their phone number. Pack sufficient medication for the duration of your tour.