Century Sky, a Floating Paradise on the Yangtze River

The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River are one of the top 10 most popular scenic areas in China. Many people have a cruise along the river high on their travel wish lists. But not many know that they can take such a cruise in five-star luxury. The Century Sky is a top cruise ship that offers one of the most luxurious experiences along the Yangtze. In today's "On the Road," we'll take a ride on the Century Sky for a closer look.
In Yichang City about a thousand miles upstream from Shanghai, the Yangtze River runs through three spectacular gorges at the foot of graceful mountains. Collectively known as the Three Gorges, the area is known for its stunning natural scenery as well as numerous minor scenic spots hidden inside the mountains along the river.
The five-star deluxe cruise vessel Century Sky operates along this section of the Yangtze.
Designed and equipped according to international five-star hotel standards, the ship features contemporary Scandinavian design with Asian elements.
Century Sky is a 306-passenger vessel that features a luxurious revolving open-air lobby. All its cabins have private balconies with full-length observation windows. The vessel offers the intimacy of a riverboat with cruise ship amenities, including a western galley, elevators, a spa and a fitness room.
On its uppermost sundeck, some passengers fly kites amid the river winds. He Lei, the manager of the ship, says kite flying is special activity offered onboard.
"The decks are also for some fun activities in addition to sightseeing. Onboard activities include kite flying which is allowed when the ship travels through the gorges where the water is relatively calm."
Lin Xiaoxin from Malaysia is a member of a large tour group aboard the ship. She is eating breakfast in the open-air canteen on the deck.
Meals on the Century Sky are prepared by both European and Chinese chefs. Passengers can find both western-style and family-style Chinese dishes as well as barbecue on the deck.
"The scenery along the shores is very beautiful, especially the mountains. The ship is very comfortable, and we feel very safe."
State-of-the-art navigation and safety systems have been installed on the vessel to ensure the safe travel of each passenger. Zhang Yuan, a tourist from Taiwan, says she feels relaxed and does not have to worry about anything during the trip.
"I'm impressed by the scenery along the shores. Although this is my first time traveling by ship, I'm not scared at all. This ship is amazing."
Century Sky is the sister-ship of Century Sun and is chartered and supervised by the Switzerland Viking River Cruise Company. Together with 12 other cruise ships, they belong to the New Century Yangtze River Cruise Company and are considered the top cruise vessels on the river.
Since they were first established many years ago, the Yangtze River cruises have enjoyed increasing popularity.
The voyage takes passengers to a variety of destinations along the river, presenting the best the Yangtze has to offer as well as a cultural extravaganza along its shores.
One of the excursions well worth visiting is the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. The project is located in the Three Gorges area, and was completed in 2009 after 17 years of construction.
The Three Gorges area is an important place for the study of human civilization in central China. It is a place where the different cultures of northern and southern China have mixed. Countless cultural artifacts dating from the Paleolithic Age have been found here.
But the construction of the Three Gorges Dam has changed the natural scenery along a large section of the river especially in the middle and lower reaches. Many historical sites in the middle section of the river have been flooded by rising water levels.
Consequently, the number of visitors to the Three Gorges scenic area has decreased. As small-scale cruise operators have gradually stopped offering services, luxury cruise liners have stepped in to fill the gap. New Century Cruise Company's voyages have become very popular.
Liu Yan is vice-president of the New Century Cruise Company's Chongqing branch.
"The development of luxury cruises depends on sound tourism service. To achieve this goal, a lot of efforts have been made to improve customer service which is the central task of our work."
To make the trip more colorful, the Century Sky offers many programs such as lectures and demonstrations along with information about the scenic spots along the Yangtze River. Themed dinners provide passengers with local food and specialties. During the trip, the ship also invites folklore artists and musicians to perform onboard. The Century Sky offers high-speed internet access via satellite. Closed-circuit television in each cabin provides programs in both English and Chinese. On itineraries when the ship docks in ports overnight, passengers may go ashore for local art shows or to have dinner in local restaurants.
The one-way fare from Yichang to Chongqing or vice versa is 4,000 yuan per person during peak tourism seasons, and 2,500 to 3,000 per person during slack seasons.
Liu Qi is Chongqing's Tourism Bureau Chief. He says the New Century Cruise Company plans to expand its line of ships that operate in the Three Gorges Scenic Area.
"A total of 14 five-star luxury cruise ships are in service on the Yangtze River, and two more will be added by the end of this year. Next year, we are going to build another seven ships. Five of them will be put into use the same year."
Liu says about 30 five-star cruise ships will be operating within the next two years, providing a further boost to tourism development along the Yangtze.