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20+ Three Gorges Cruise Ships: Which One to Sail for 2026?

With over 20 premier Three Gorges cruise ships sailing the Yangtze River, finding your perfect match is easy.

Just look at your personal style, like picking the new Century Vision, a luxury retreat like Yangzi Explorer, or the budget-friendly Yangtze Memory.

Next, pick your route for these scenic Three Gorges Dam cruises.

You can choose the classic 4-to-5-day Chongqing–Yichang trip that most ships do, a 6-day Wuhan voyage on Yangtze 2, or an 11-to-12-day journey to Shanghai on Century Legend.

Finally, check the shore excursions. Many ships like Yangtze Gold 2/3/5/6/8 charge extra for outings, while premium options like Century Voyage bundle everything into your ticket.

Keep reading for insider tips on upstream vs. downstream routes, maps, and real traveler reviews!

Key Takeaways

  • We partner with over 20 premier Three Gorges Cruise Ships to ensure you find the perfect match.
  • Your style guides the choice, whether you want recent debuts like Century Vision and Vista Aurora, top-tier luxury like Yangzi Explorer, or budget-friendly favorites like Yangtze Memory.
  • Options range from the classic 4-to-5-day Chongqing-Yichang run to a 6-day voyage to Wuhan like Yangtze 2, or a grand 11-to-12-day journey to Shanghai onboard ships like Century Legend.
  • Included outings vary by line. Standard ships charge extra fees for optional sights, while ultra-luxury options like Yangzi Explorer or Century Voyage bundle all-inclusive daily excursions directly into your ticket.

Content Preview

  • triangleWe Partner with 20+ Three Gorges Dam Cruises
  • triangleWhich Three Gorges Cruise Ship to Pick for Your Yangtze River Sailing?
  • triangleThree Gorges Cruise Routes: Upstream vs. Downstream
  • triangleTake a Look at the Three Gorges Cruise Map
  • triangleThree Gorges Cruise Reviews to Know before a Final Decision
  • triangleBook a Three Gorges Cruise Ship with Asia Odyssey Travel, Exclusive Deal Awaits!

We Partner with 20+ Three Gorges Dam Cruises

To give you the best possible experience, we partner directly with 20+ Three Gorges cruise ships on the water to bring you the best options.

Among them, 8 popular choices stand out for travelers this year: Victoria Sabrina, Victoria Isabella, Century Vision, Century Voyage, Century Oasis, Century Victory, Century Glory, and Vista Harmony.

Price Tip

All baseline "From" prices are based on a standard cabin with twin sharing. Every single one of these rooms includes a private balcony.

Here is how the 24-ship lineup breaks down by cruise company:

Cruise Company Ships
Century Cruises Century Vision / Voyage / Oasis / Victory / Glory / Legend
Victoria Cruise Lines LLC. Victoria Isabella / Sabrina / Jenna / Anna / Katarina
Vista Cruises Vista Aurora / Harmony
Oriental Royal Cruise Yangzi Explorer
Yangtze Gold Cruises Yangtze Memory, Yangtze Gold 2 / 3 / 5 / 6 / 8, Yangtze Miracle
Changjiang Cruises Yangtze 1 / 2 / 3
Exclusive Savings

We cooperate directly with Century Cruises. Starting in June 2026, Century Cruises will offer special savings on 1 to 7 sailings each month.

Regardless of when you book or which cabin type you choose—whether upstream or downstream—you will receive a ¥150 discount (approx. $22 per person).

Book with Asia Odyssey Travel to secure your cabin!

Which Three Gorges Cruise Ship to Pick for Your Yangtze River Sailing?

With over 20 Three Gorges cruise ship options on the water, choosing the right vessel comes down to matching your personal travel style.

Whether you are hunting for the absolute lowest price or shopping for a high-tech luxury experience, we have grouped the fleet to make your choice simple.

Tip 1: Choose Based on Your Preference on Ship

Century Vision
Century Vision

Different Three Gorges Cruise Ships excel at different things, so it helps to know what each category offers.

Preferences Ships
Newer Ships Century Vision, Vista Aurora, Vista Harmony, Victoria Isabella, Yangzi Explorer, Yangtze Memory, Yangtze 2, Century Legend
For the Best Value Century Vision, Century Oasis, Victoria Isabella, Vista Aurora/Harmony, Century Legend
For the Cheapest Price Yangtze Memory, Victoria Jenna, Victoria Anna, Victoria Katarina, Century Legend, Victoria Isabella, Victoria Sabrina
Luxury Experience Yangzi Explorer, Century Vision, Century Voyage, Vista Harmony, Yangtze 2
Larger Ships Century Vision / Voyage, Victoria Isabella, Vista Harmony / Aurora, Century Oasis / Victory / Glory, Yangtze 2
Family-Friendly Options Century Voyage / Vision, Century Oasis / Victory/ Glory, Victoria Sabrina / Isabella, Vista Aurora / Harmony, Yangtze Explorer
How to Pick Based on Your Preference?

If you want the freshest amenities, filter for the newest launches like Century Vision or Vista Harmony. These options feature modern "smart-ship" tech and updated cabins.

Travelers wanting zero compromises should look into the luxury tier. An intimate, boutique vessel like Yangzi Explorer provides top-tier comfort with 1:1 staff-to-guest ratios.

If you travel with children, look for family-friendly options like Century Voyage or Victoria Sabrina. They offer dedicated kids' clubs, movie theaters, and triple family rooms.

Budget-conscious travelers can sort by the cheapest price with options like Yangtze Memory or Victoria Jenna. This ensures you still get 5-star river service without the premium price tag.

Tip 2: Choose Based on Sailing Route (to Yichang, Wuhan or Shanghai)

Yangtze Gold 7
Yangtze Gold 7

Our ships offer 3 distinct routes.

As you can see in the table, the classic Chongqing ⇌ Yichang route is the most popular choice. It focuses on the main gorges and features iconic shore excursions like Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, and Shennv Stream.

Routes Ships Travel Length
Chongqing ⇌Yichang Century Vision / Voyage / Oasis / Victory / Glory, Victoria Isabella / Sabrina / Jenna / Anna / Katarina, Vista Aurora / Harmony, Yangzi Explorer, Yangtze Gold 2 / 3 / 5 / 6 / 8, Yangtze 1 / 3, Yangtze Miracle 4 - 5 Days
Chongqing ⇌Wuhan Yangtze Memory*, Yangtze 2 6 Days
Chongqing ⇌ Shanghai Century Legend* 11 - 12 Days
Seasonal Note
  • Century Legend* sails to Shanghai from May to June & September to November. In July and August, she runs the classic Yichang route.
  • Yangtze Memory* sails to Wuhan from mid-June to November. In May, early June, and December, she switches back to the Yichang route.

Longer routes offer deeper cultural tracking.

The Chongqing ⇌ Wuhan itinerary extends past the dam. It adds unique shore excursions to Yueyang Tower and Bianhe Cultural Street.

The ultimate Chongqing ⇌ Shanghai route spans half of China. This grand Three Gorges cruise China itinerary connects the mountains directly to the coast.

You will enjoy incredible shore excursions to the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan, Jingdezhen Porcelain Town, Jiuhua Mountain, and the beautiful Slender West Lake in Yangzhou.

Tip 3: Check If Shore Excursions Are All-Inclusive

Three Gorges Dam
Three Gorges Dam

Not all Three Gorges Dam Cruises handle tour costs the same way.

Some luxury lines Century Voyage or Yangzi Explorer bundle all entry tickets, shows, and guide fees into your upfront price, leaving you with zero hidden costs onshore.

Other lines like Yangtze Gold 2/3/5/6/8 offer a much lower entry rate but require you to pay separately for popular side trips once you are onboard.

Ships Price From Excursions Included Self-Paid Excursions
Yangzi Explorer $1,912 4 (816 Underground Nuclear Project Site, War Fire of Three Kingdoms Show, Goddess Sky Road, Three Gorges Dam) Zero
Century Voyage / Vision $798 5 (Fengdu Ghost City, War Fire of Three Kingdoms Show, White Emperor City, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam) Zero
Yangtze Miracle $740 5 (816 Underground Nuclear Project Site, War Fire of Three Kingdoms Show, Shennv Stream, Yuxian Valley, Three Gorges Dam) Zero
Yangtze 3 $723 4 (Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam) Zero
Century Oasis / Victory / Glory $615 4 (Fengdu Ghost City, War Fire of Three Kingdoms Show or White Emperor City, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam) 1 (Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift)
Yangtze 1 $673 5 (Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, Goddess Road, Shennong Stream, Three Gorges Dam) Zero
Vista Aurora / Harmony $691 4 (Baiheliang Underwater Museum, War Fire of Three Kingdoms, White Emperor City, Three Gorges Dam) Zero
Yangtze Gold 2/3/5/6/8 $412 3 (Fengdu Ghost City, Lesser Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam) 6 (Shuanggui Mountain, War Fire of Three Kingdoms, White Emperor City, Mini Three Gorges, Ship Lift, The Three Gorges Tribe Show)
Yangtze Memory $412 3 (Baiheliang Underwater Museum, Lesser Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam) 4 (Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, Mini Three Gorges, Ship Lift)
Victoria Jenna / Anna / Katarina $415 3 (Mount Shuanggui, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam) 4 (Fengdu Ghost City, War Fire of Three Kingdoms, White Emperor City, Ship Lift)
Century Legend $499 4 (Fengdu Ghost City, War Fire of Three Kingdoms Show or White Emperor City, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam) 1 (Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift)
Extra Local Transport Note

Even on all-inclusive tours, you will find minor local transport fees.

For the Fengdu Ghost City, the cable car is CN¥20 one-way or CN¥35 round-trip. At the Three Gorges Dam, expect a small CN¥10 sightseeing bus fee.

Standard Prices for the Self-paid Tours
  • Fengdu Ghost City: CN¥290/p
  • Romance of the Three Kingdoms: CN¥290/p
  • White Emperor City: CN¥252/p
  • Mini Three Gorges: CN¥190/p
  • Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift: CN¥290/p

Tip 4: Choose Based on Boarding Date

Your boarding date can also heavily influence your options! It plays a big role in both the final price tag and cabin availability for your Three Gorges Yangtze cruise.

High-demand dates during peak seasons or public holidays, like Labor Day or National Day, may cost significantly more.

You will find more frequent Yangtze cruise schedules during the beautiful peak spring and autumn travel seasons, while winter months offer fewer options on the water.

Book early to ensure you secure your desired ship, sailing route, and cabin type before they sell out!

Three Gorges Cruise Routes: Upstream vs. Downstream

Three Gorges
Three Gorges

When booking your Three Gorges Yangtze River Cruise, you must choose a sailing direction. The river flows from west to east, creating 2 distinct experiences.

While the prices are pretty much the same for cruises upstream and downstream, there are some differences to notice:

☞ Upstream Cruises Take Longer than Downstream Cruises:

Downstream trips (Chongqing to Yichang) float with the current and take 4 days. Upstream trips (Yichang to Chongqing) fight the current, taking 5 days.

☞ Upstream Cruises Often Have One More Shore Excursion than Downstream Cruises:

Because upstream trips take an extra day, ships often add a bonus stop. For example, you might get to see the spectacular Tribe of the Three Gorges show.

☞ Upstream Cruises Sail at Night, While the Downstream Ships Don’t:

Upstream ships travel through the night to make up for their slower speed. Downstream ships dock in the evening, ensuring a completely still night of sleep.

☞ Scenic Perspectives Vary between Upstream and Downstream Cruises:

Downstream gives you a grand sense of expansion as the gorges widen out. Upstream feels like a hidden adventure as the river dramatically narrows around you.

For a complete breakdown to help you decide, check out our guide on choosing upstream or downstream.

Take a Look at the Three Gorges Cruise Map

Here we offer detailed route maps for the Three Gorges cruise itineraries. These visual guides pinpoint your sailing path, major docking ports, and key sights along the way.

Chongqing to Yichang Yangtze River Cruise Map (Downstream)

This map outlines the popular 4-day downstream route following the river's current from Chongqing to Yichang.

It covers key cities like Fengdu and Fengjie, highlighting iconic stops like Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, Qutang and Wu Gorges, and the highlight—the massive dam itself.

Yangzi Explorer Map
Yangzi Explorer Map

Yichang to Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise Map (Upstream)

This map illustrates the 5-day upstream route from Yichang to Chongqing.

It covers the same cities but features extra excursions, like the Tribe of the Three Gorges, due to the slower pace of upstream cruise.

Yangtze Miracle Map
Yangtze Miracle Map

Chongqing to Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Map (Grand Tour)

This map displays the grand tour stretching from Chongqing to coastal Shanghai.

It adds cultural hubs like Jingzhou, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Yangzhou, featuring attractions like Wuhan's Yellow Crane Tower and Yangzhou's Slender West Lake for Century Legend.

Map of Chongqing - Shanghai Cruise
Map of Chongqing - Shanghai Cruise

Three Gorges Cruise Reviews to Know before a Final Decision

Before booking your ideal trip, exploring reviews from past travelers offers great peace of mind. These firsthand insights provide an honest look at onboard facilities, dining, shore excursions, and service quality.

Here is what past guests shared about their experiences on Three Gorges Cruise Ships:

Susanne on TripAdvisor, “We really enjoyed the cruise. The rooms were very comfortable, the food was excellent and the crew very friendly and helpful! Although we were the only west people, they translated everything in English. We had a great time!”

itchyfeet2014 on TripAdvisor, “We arrived here very late at night with an Asia Odyssey Travel group. The boat is very nice, but we had never done a river cruise before to compare. Certainly, clean and great staff.”

Check more Yangtze River Cruise Reviews >>

Book a Three Gorges Cruise Ship with Asia Odyssey Travel, Exclusive Deal Awaits!

At Asia Odyssey Travel, we aren't just a booking site.

We are your local partners on the ground. In 2025, we helped over 14,000 travelers find the best value for their journey.

We've hand-picked 20+ trusted ships from the 40+ vessels on the river. Check our Yangtze Cruise Calendar for daily departures through 2026 and 2027.

You can even save $22 (¥150) per person on select Century Cruises!

What You Need How AOT Helps
Clear Costs We explain all fees upfront. No surprises.
Easy Support Our local guides speak your language fluently.

Whether you want the "Golden Triangle" or Tibet, we handle all the work. Our local offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai mean we are always nearby.

Book with us today for the smartest way to sail!

faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Expand All
Which Three Gorges cruise ship is the newest/smartest for 2026? +
The Century Vision (launching in Sept. 2026) is the newest flagship on the river. It features Generation 3 Electric Drive, smart cabin automation, and superior noise reduction.
Do all Three Gorges cruise cabins have a private balcony? +
A few budget vessels or lower-deck cabin types rely on fixed picture windows. Every single ship sold by Asia Odyssey Travel features cabins equipped with a private balcony, ensuring you always have a personal view of the river.
What is the difference between a 'Luxury' and 'Budget' ship on the Yangtze? +
Because all ships we offer feature private balconies, the main differences lie in ship size, crew-to-guest ratios, and luxury amenities. Premium ships offer larger public areas, superior fine dining options, and richer onboard entertainment.
Is there stable Wi-Fi on Three Gorges cruise ships? +
Most 5-star ships offer Wi-Fi, but signals drop in deep gorges and remote mountain valleys. Expect intermittent connectivity during the scenic sailing sections.
Does every cruise go through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift? +
No. The Ship Lift is a separate, optional experience. Regular Three Gorges Dam Cruises dock nearby for a ground tour; experiencing the actual vertical lift requires booking a specific excursion.
Upstream vs. Downstream: Which one is better for seeing the Dam? +
Both give great views. Downstream trips visit the dam on the final day as a grand finale. Upstream trips visit it right at the start on Day 2.
What happens if I miss the ship on Day 1? +
You must arrange private ground transport to catch the ship at its first docking port on Day 2. Contact your Asia Odyssey Travel agent immediately for help.
Are drinks and alcohol included in the cruise price? +
Water, tea, and morning juice are included with meals. Premium coffees, sodas, and alcohol cost extra unless you stay in an executive suite or buy a beverage package.
How much is the mandatory service charge for a Yangtze cruise? +
Most 5-star ships charge a mandatory service fee of roughly CN¥150 to CN¥300 per person. This is collected at the front desk to cover the crew.
Is tipping expected on top of the service fee? +
No. Additional tipping is entirely voluntary. If a specific guide or steward provides exceptional service, a small personal tip is appreciated but not required.
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Travel like a Pro with Our Yangtze River Cruise Guide

Travelers' Reviews
Mark
Mark
Columbia
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The Yangtze Miracle had such a great balance of activities. During the day, there were so many options—tai chi classes, calligraphy workshops, and even a cooking demo that wa... The Yangtze Miracle had such a great balance of activities. During the day, there were so many options—tai chi classes, calligraphy workshops, and even a cooking demo that was surprisingly fun. I booked through Asia Odyssey Travel, and they suggested this ship because of the variety it offers, and they were spot on. The excursions to smaller towns were a nice change from the usual touristy spots. By evening, I could relax on the deck with a drink or enjoy the buffet, which always had fresh fruit (I might have eaten my weight in watermelon!). For the price, you get so much more than you’d expect. read more
2025-03-26
Catherine Tay
Catherine Tay
Singapore
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My first time booking a customised tour to China (Beijing, Xi an, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai) with Asia Odyssey. I'm very glad that my tour agent Issac. He was very responsi... My first time booking a customised tour to China (Beijing, Xi an, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai) with Asia Odyssey. I'm very glad that my tour agent Issac. He was very responsive and also accommodative to my requests. We started with three persons in our group and added to five. He immediately made the adjustments. Also when our flight timing was changed, Issac readjusted our itinerary to cater to our timing. Throughout the trip, Issac check in on our progress, well-being whenever we moved to a new town. A special shoutout to our Beijing’s local guide, Helen. Besides being knowledgeable in local culture and the country's rich history, she is an observant and dedicated lady. Helen understands the likings of my teenager and recommends local snacks and souvenirs that are special in the area. We also had an opportunity to visit a local resident at their residence and spent an amazing time with them. I would also like to thank the other two local guides Candy and Terry for their sharing and hospitality. Asia Odyssey has definitely made my trip a great and memorable one. read more
2023-12-07
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