Century Cruises 2026: The Top 6 Ships You Should Know About
Century Cruises is a luxury cruise line offering eco-friendly, electric-powered river cruises on the Yangtze River. Their ships feature cutting-edge technology, including advanced propulsion systems, which provide a quiet, vibration-free, and sustainable cruising experience. With a commitment to environmental responsibility, Century Cruises utilizes smart facilities and eco-friendly materials throughout its fleet.
The fleet consists of six 5-star ships, operating primarily between Chongqing and Yichang, showcasing the most scenic sections of the Yangtze River. The Century Voyage, launched in 2024, is the largest and most luxurious of the fleet, offering unmatched comfort and style. Other vessels like the Century Oasis, Century Victory, and Century Glory represent a new generation of luxury ships, while the Century Paragon and Century Legend exude timeless elegance.
Century Cruises has received multiple prestigious awards, including Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly and the title of "Best River Cruise Company in Asia" at the World Cruise Awards in 2022. Experience the beauty of the Yangtze River with a premium luxury cruise that combines modern technology, exceptional service, and breathtaking scenery.
Why Choose Century Cruises for Your Yangtze River Adventure
01
Exquisite Comfort and Spacious Accommodations
Relax in luxurious cabins featuring private balconies, modern interiors, and cutting-edge amenities, providing a serene and comfortable environment throughout your journey.
02
A Culinary Journey
Delight in a fusion of Western and Chinese flavors with gourmet dining options, complemented by snacks available all day and late-night bites, ensuring a perfect dining experience.
03
Breathtaking Scenic Routes
Embark on a voyage through the Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges), experiencing some of the most stunning natural landscapes along the Yangtze River.
04
Immersive Shore Excursions
Explore renowned cultural and historical landmarks such as the Three Gorges Dam, Shennv Stream, and Fengdu Ghost City, each offering unique insights into the region’s heritage.
05
Vibrant Onboard Experiences
Take part in engaging activities like Tai Chi, tea ceremonies, live performances, and lively themed parties that enrich your cruise experience and provide entertainment throughout your journey.
06
Exclusive Onboard Services
Enjoy special amenities, including a complimentary Embarkation Buffet Dinner, free Wi-Fi, and porter service, making your trip even more convenient and enjoyable.
Century Cruises 2026: Top 6 Ships You Shouldn’t Miss
Discover Century Cruises’ Exciting 2026 Itineraries
Century Cruises offers round-trip voyages between Chongqing and Yichang, with each ship offering unique itineraries to explore the best of the Yangtze River. Most cruises include captivating shore excursions to iconic sites such as the Three Gorges Dam, Shennv Stream, and Fengdu Ghost City. The Century Voyage offers even more flexibility, allowing passengers to choose between additional excursions like White Emperor City and The Peak of the Three Gorges. Below is an overview of the typical itinerary and a reference map. For more detailed information, please check the individual pages for each ship.
4 Days 3 Nights Chongqing to Yichang
5 Days 4 Nights Yichang to Chongqing
Day 1
Board the cruise in Chongqing
| 16:30-20:00 |
Board the cruise in Chongqing. (Include the luggage handling service.) |
Dinner |
| 18:30-20:00 |
Embarkation buffet dinner (Free flow House wine, local beer, variety of soft drinks are included) |
| 20:00-20:45 |
Embarkation & Safety briefing |
| 21:00-21:30 |
Captain's Welcome Reception (Smart Casual Dress Code is Required) |
| Approx. 21:00 |
Cruise anchor aweigh from Chongqing |
Day 2
Shore Excursion — Choose between Fengdu Ghost City and Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park, War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show
| 06:30-07:00 |
Morning coffee, tea and pastries |
Breakfast,
Lunch,
Dinner |
| 06:45-07:15 |
Tai Chi morning exercise |
| 07:00-08:30 |
Buffet Breakfast |
| 08:30-11:30 |
Shore Excursion — Choose between Fengdu Ghost City and Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park
(Fengdu Ghost City (Cable Car Self-paid): CNY 20 one-way / CNY 35 round-trip, per person.) |
| 12:00-13:30 |
Lunch Buffet |
| 14:00-16:00 |
Cultural activities |
| 17:00-18:30 |
Dinner Buffet |
| 18:15-21:15 |
Shore Excursion — War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show
(Approx. 70 mins. In the event of cancellation, the schedule will be adjusted to visit White Emperor City on the morning of Day 3) |
| 22:00-23:00 |
Midnight snacks time (*Set menu snacks are available throughout the day; Free flow house wine, local beer, variety of soft drinks are included while Lunch & Dinner.) |
Day 3
Cruising through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shore Excursion — Goddess Stream (Shennv Stream),
| 06:30-07:00 |
Morning coffee, tea and pastries |
Breakfast,
Lunch,
Dinner |
| 06:45-07:15 |
Morning exercise |
| 07:00-08:30 |
Buffet Breakfast |
| Approx. 10:00 |
Cruising through the spectacular Qutang Gorge |
| 10:30-11:30 |
Onboard activities |
| 12:00-13:30 |
Lunch Buffet |
| Approx. 13:00 |
Cruising through the magnificent Wu Gorge |
| 14:30-16:30 |
Shore Excursion — Goddess Stream (Shennv Stream) |
| 18:30-20:00 |
Dinner Buffet |
| 20:30-21:30 |
Crew Cabaret/Talent Show |
| 22:00-23:00 |
Midnight snacks time (*Set menu snacks are available throughout the day; Free flow house wine, local beer, variety of soft drinks are included while Lunch & Dinner.) |
Day 4
Disembark at Maoping pier of Yichang, Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Project Site
| 06:30-08:00 |
Buffet Breakfast |
Breakfast |
| 08:00-11:00 |
Disembark at Maoping pier of Yichang. Join in the Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Project Site ( River Closure Memorial Park & the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum) (Include the luggage handling service). |
| Approx. 12:30 |
Complete the trip at downtown of Yichang for your onward Journey. |
| *OPTION: |
*If you would join the optional tour to the Ship Lift: |
| Approx. 07:45 |
Disembark at Maoping pier. (Include the luggage handling service.) Change a smaller boat to join in the optional tour of the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift (CNY320/pp/tour. Sign up & pay when on board.) |
| Approx. 10:00 |
Disembark at Sandouping pier of Yichang. Join in the tour to the Three Gorges Dam. ( River Closure Memorial Park & the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum) |
| Approx. 13:30 |
Complete the trip at downtown of Yichang for your onward Journey. |
Day 1
Board the cruise at Maoping pier in Yichang
| 7:00-20:00 |
Board the cruise at Maoping pier (Include the luggage handling service)【Passengers could take the free shuttle bus from Yichang East Train Station or Yichang Three Gorges Tourist Center for boarding】 |
Dinner |
| 18:30-20:30 |
Embarkation buffet dinner (Free flow House wine, local beer, variety of soft drinks are included) |
| 20:30-21:15 |
Embarkation Safety Welcome Briefing |
Day 2
Shore Excursion — the Three Gorges Dam Site (River Closure Memorial Park & the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum), the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift
| 06:30-07:00 |
Morning coffee, tea and pastries |
Breakfast,
Lunch,
Dinner |
| 06:45-07:15 |
Tai Chi morning exercise |
| 07:00-08:30 |
Breakfast (Buffet) |
| 8:00-10:30 |
Shore Excursion — the Three Gorges Dam Site (River Closure Memorial Park & the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum) |
| *OPTIONAL: |
*Should you wish to join the optional tour to the Ship Lift, the expense will be at your own cost |
| 11:00-12:00 |
Transfer to a smaller boat to join the optional tour of the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift. (CNY290/pp/tour. Sign up & pay when on board.) |
|
12:30-14:00 |
Lunch Buffet |
|
Approx.14:00 |
Cruise anchor aweigh from Yichang |
|
Approx.15:00 |
Cruising through the spectacular Xiling Gorge |
| 18:00-19:30 |
Dinner (Buffet) |
| 20:00-20:45 |
Captain's Welcome Reception (Smart Casual is Required) |
| 22:00-23:00 |
Midnight snacks time (*Set menu snacks are available throughout the day; Free flow house wine, local beer, variety of soft drinks are included while Lunch & Dinner.) |
Day 3
Shore Excursion — Goddess Stream (Shennv Stream) , White Emperor City and The Peak of Three Gorges
| 06:45-07:15 |
Morning coffee, tea and pastries |
Breakfast,
Lunch,
Dinner |
| 06:45-07:15 |
Tai Chi morning exercise |
| 07:00-08:30 |
Breakfast (Buffet) |
| 08:30-11:00 |
Shore Excursion — Goddess Stream (Shennv Stream) |
| Approx. 11:00 |
Cruising through the magnificent Wu Gorge |
| 12:00-13:30 |
Lunch (Buffet) |
| Approx. 14:00 |
Cruising through the spectacular Qutang Gorge |
| 15:00-18:00 |
Optional Tour — Choose between White Emperor City and The Peak of Three Gorges |
| 18:30-20:00 |
Dinner (Buffet) |
| 20:30-21:30 |
Crew Cabaret/Talent Show |
| 22:00-23:00 |
Midnight snacks time (*Set menu snacks are available throughout the day; Free flow house wine, local beer, variety of soft drinks are included while Lunch & Dinner.) |
Day 4
Shore Excursion — Choose between Fengdu Ghost City and Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park
| 06:45-07:15 |
Morning coffee, tea and pastries |
Breakfast,
Lunch,
Dinner |
| 07:00-07:30 |
Tai Chi exercise |
| 07:30-09:00 |
Breakfast (Buffet) |
| 09:00-11:30 |
Cultural Activities |
| 12:00-13:30 |
Lunch (Buffet) |
| 14:00-17:00 |
Shore Excursion — Choose between Fengdu Ghost City and Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park
(Fengdu Ghost City (Cable Car Self-paid): CNY 20 one-way / CNY 35 round-trip, per person.) |
| 18:30-20:00 |
Dinner (Buffet) |
| 20:00-23:00 |
Settle the bills |
| 20:30-21:30 |
Evening Show / Movie |
| 22:00-23:00 |
Midnight snacks time (*Set menu snacks are available throughout the day; Free flow house wine, local beer, variety of soft drinks are included while Lunch & Dinner.) |
Day 5
Disembark the cruise in Chongqing
| 07:00-08:30 |
Breakfast (Buffet) |
Breakfast |
| 08:30 |
Disembark the cruise in Chongqing for your onward Journey (Include the luggage handling service.) |
Dining and Bars on Yangtze Gold Cruises
Yangtze Gold Cruises presents a diverse selection of dining options, featuring a blend of China’s four major cuisines along with an array of Western-style meals. Savor the bold flavors of authentic Sichuan cuisine, known for its fresh, spicy, and aromatic dishes that promise a true culinary experience. For a more relaxed atmosphere, enjoy a BBQ on the deck with friends while feeling the river breeze. The viewing bar offers a perfect spot to indulge in delectable dishes while taking in the stunning scenery along the river.
Unique and Luxurious Experiences on Yangtze Gold Cruises
Yangtze Gold Cruises offers an exceptional array of luxurious onboard facilities, designed to cater to all types of travelers. Enjoy the thrill of a helipad, unwind on the outdoor golf course, take a stroll along the pedestrian street, or relax by the swimming pool. For those seeking a more social experience, indulge in an open-air barbecue on deck. The ship also features a double-deck theater, a fun-filled children’s playground, billiards, a simulated driving area, and the largest number of sightseeing elevators, providing spectacular views of the river.
Beyond the luxury amenities, guests can partake in exclusive experiences, including guided narrations that enhance the cruise's cultural significance, along with a selection of shore excursions, allowing you to explore the beauty and history of the Yangtze River and its surroundings.
Best Yangtze Cruise Ships Travel Tips
This guide covers everything you need to know about Yangtze River cruises, from curated recommendations for the best luxury, large, affordable, family-friendly, and new ships to essential travel advice. It also explains the best time to cruise across all 12 months, with popular seasons being April–May and September–October, depending on weather, crowds, and personal preference. You’ll find practical tips on planning your trip to experience the Yangtze’s stunning scenery, historic sites, and rich culture, as well as straightforward information on booking through Yaso Trip with help from our expert team. Additionally, the guide provides clear directions on how to get to Chaotianmen Dock and other major Yangtze cruise ports from Chongqing, Yichang, and beyond, and clarifies the key differences between upstream and downstream cruises, including variations in duration, pace, and scenic highlights to help you choose your ideal journey.
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