ORC offers the ultimate in luxury when cruising on the Yangtze River, the world's third longest river (at 6,280 km/3,900 miles) and the symbolic lifeline of China. The magnificent Three Gorges region frames a cruise that is unsurpassed in sheer physical beauty, with draws on over 3,000 years of cultural history. During the Three Kingdoms Period (260-280 AD), the gorges played an important role in the course of China's history. Through World War II, the gorges provided protection against the onslaught of the Japanese invasion. In recent years, the Three Gorges have won international attention both for the majestic scenic beauty and the growing concern over the construction of the Three Gorges Dam Project – the largest dam project ever attempted on Earth. Begun in 1992 and slated to be completed (and fully operational) in 2009, the dam – a feat of engineering unprecedented in modern Chinese history – is a great wall for the future.

Restaurant & Bar

A team of internationally-trained chefs design innovative menus of both Chinese and Western dishes, catering to the most discerning of palates. Lunches and dinners feature complimentary house wines, coffee and tea, local beer, and bottled water.

Cabins

Complementing the attentive service are the largest and most beautifully appointed cabins and suites on the Yangzi Explorer today. The 38 Deluxe cabins (290ft2) are extremely spacious, setting the MS Yangzi Explorer well apart from the typical regular cabins offered by other vessels. In addition, there are 20 Suites (387ft2) and four stunning Specialty Suites – Jade and Mandarin Suites (732ft2), and Celestial and Imperial Suites (829ft2). East Suite is exceptional in size, and is designed to create a more harmonious and luxury cruising experience. Most importantly, every cabin and suite features a viewing balcony that affords guest the opportunity to enjoy the kaleidoscope of ever-changing scenery through the gorges.

Facility

Carrying just 124 passengers, the MS Yangzi Explorer offers the finest and most personalized service of any ship sailing the river. With other cruise ships accommodating well over 300 passengers the Yangzi Explorer is the market leader by offering such an intimate cruising experience. International standards of service, delivered by the highest ratio of staff to guest, ensure that every level of comfort is catered for during the cruise.

Activities

The MS Yangzi Explorer is staffed by the best knowledgeable guides and resources that support a program of daily lectures and shore excursions, ensuring guests are educated, engaged, and informed. Being the smallest and most intimate ship on the Yangtze, we operate our shore excursions with fewer passengers than most other cruise ships, and thus can offer a more informative experience and at times which are less frequented by other cruise groups. The onboard entertainment is discerning and sophisticated, consciously avoiding the ubiquitous karaoke found on so many Yangtze cruise vessels.

MS Yangzi Explorer's Deck Plan