Top 12 Best-value Yangtze River Cruises 2025/2026

5-star deluxe cruise vessel: Century Paragon meets the high criteria of a luxury river cruise in China and Asia for international cruise travelers and boasts the same comfort and amenities as those in an international five-star hotel. Its innovative design ensures an almost vibration-free and environmentally friendly voyage along the river.

You’ll enjoy every moment when you stay onboard from the modern facilities to the highest level of service. Furthermore, with free Wi-Fi access on the whole cruise, all guests will have more fun time onboard for entertainment and social media sharing.

Proud winner: Victoria Jenna is one of the newest and largest Victoria Cruises and proudly selected as a Silver Award Winner for the Magellan Awards’ River Cruise Ship category by Travel Weekly. It takes you to enjoy the fantastic river view and places of interests between Chongqing and Yichang.

Low price & superior service: offering unbeatable nice price but also provides luxury cruising experience, destination-focused onboard activities, alternative eatery, which is all due to the superior American management. Western customers will indeed get what they really want. There is no wonder that it has earned the best feedbacks among all the Victoria Cruise ships and serves for the friends and families of our guests after their recommendation of Victoria Jenna.

Large room for sceneries: On the ship, cabins are large and each one is provided with a private balcony for sightseeing.

The Victoria Anna, refurbished in 2019, is a standout vessel in Victoria Cruises’ fleet and a recipient of the 2011 Travel Age West Wave Award Editor’s Pick for Best River Cruise Line. Onboard, guests enjoy hotel-like comfort, enhanced by the ship’s unique design. All cabin beds are positioned parallel to the balconies—a feature exclusive to the Victoria Anna—ensuring an unparalleled view of the Yangtze River and the gorges right from your room.

The ship’s professional English-speaking staff, trained under strict American management protocols, consistently deliver exceptional service in line with Victoria Cruises’ high standards. With a variety of onboard activities, the Victoria Anna promises an unforgettable journey along the Yangtze River, showcasing its beautiful landscapes and fascinating attractions.

The Century Cruises fleet, comprising the Century Victory (launched in 2022), Century Glory (launched in 2019), and the 2023 addition, Century Oasis, sets the benchmark for luxury river cruising. Each ship can accommodate up to 650 passengers with a crew of 189, offering a range of spacious accommodations from 24㎡ Interior Cabins to 85㎡ Presidential Suites. The Century Oasis, in particular, gained recognition in 2024 by winning the “Asian Best” title at the World Cruise Awards. These sister ships provide an unparalleled Yangtze River experience with their luxurious amenities, including private balconies in every cabin, fine dining options, and a unique double-decker restaurant.

Luxurious Accommodation Options: With six distinct cabin and suite types—Presidential Suite, Family Suite, Couples Suite, Executive Suite, and Deluxe Cabin—guests can choose from a variety of options tailored to their preferences. Each cabin and suite ranges from 26㎡ to 85㎡ and features a private balcony, allowing guests to enjoy the river views from the comfort of their rooms.

Sustainable and Intelligent Design: The Century Oasis, Century Victory, and Century Glory have been awarded the “Green Ship” and “Intelligent Efficiency” distinctions by the China Classification Society. These accolades reflect the fleet's commitment to eco-friendly practices and advanced technology, ensuring a secure and environmentally conscious journey.

Enhanced Services and Amenities: Each vessel offers a range of complimentary services, including welcome dinners, luggage assistance, daily midnight snacks, childcare services, and guided excursions with earphones. The cabins are strategically positioned at the front of the ship to minimize noise and provide a peaceful experience throughout the journey.

Launched in 2020, the Victoria Sabrina is the latest and most luxurious addition to the renowned Victoria Cruises fleet, setting a new standard for high-end river cruising. As the largest Yangtze River cruise ship, it combines cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly design, making it the first Yangtze River Eco-friendly luxury cruise to meet the highest standards for energy-saving and environmental protection. This commitment to sustainability is matched by its unparalleled onboard experience, making it a favorite among international travelers.

The Victoria Sabrina features over 270 elegantly designed cabins and suites, each equipped with private balconies, luxurious private bathrooms, and high-quality linens, ensuring a comfortable and indulgent stay. With a capacity of 690 passengers and a crew of 195, the ship offers a high staff-to-guest ratio, providing personalized service and attention to detail that sets it apart.

Guests can savor exquisite culinary experiences in the ship’s fine dining restaurants, featuring menus curated by the award-winning Chef Walter Staib. The onboard amenities include a spa center, gym, theater, multiple lounges, and a spacious sun deck with deckchairs, perfect for taking in the breathtaking views of the Three Gorges. The ship also offers a variety of entertainment options, from cultural shows to themed parties, ensuring a memorable journey.

With its American-managed service, commitment to sustainability, and luxurious amenities, the Victoria Sabrina a floating resort that promises an unforgettable and luxurious Yangtze River experience.

Yangtze 3 is the high-end cruise ship launched by Changjiang Cruises in 2022. Combining the practicality and convenience of Western design with the aesthetics and luxury of Chinese culture, the Yangtze 3 is a pinnacle of river cruise ship design. It also prioritizes green environmental protection and intelligent engineering. A cruise vacation with this vessel is exceptional not only in terms of the exterior but also the interior decoration, the service facilities, and the cabin supplies. All of these elements are eco-friendly, modern, luxurious, and quality, making it one of the most memorable vacations ever.

In addition, Yangtze 3 is one of the few top luxury cruise ships that offer an all-inclusive tour package, which means that all attractions and onshore experiences are included in the ticket price from the moment of boarding, so passengers do not need to pay extra. As for the itinerary, Yangtze 3 offers an exclusive onshore excursion called the Wuhsan Goddess Sky Road, which provides tourists with a vantage viewing platform atop the surrounding mountains to take in the Three Gorges.

Guests can savor exquisite culinary experiences in the ship’s fine dining restaurants, featuring menus curated by the award-winning Chef Walter Staib. The onboard amenities include a spa center, gym, theater, multiple lounges, and a spacious sun deck with deckchairs, perfect for taking in the breathtaking views of the Three Gorges. The ship also offers a variety of entertainment options, from cultural shows to themed parties, ensuring a memorable journey.

With its American-managed service, commitment to sustainability, and luxurious amenities, the Victoria Sabrina a floating resort that promises an unforgettable and luxurious Yangtze River experience.

Choice of Celebrities: New Yangzi Explorer is the TOP LUXURY ship among all the Yangtze River cruise ships. Many financial and political magnates, such as Warren Buffett, and Henry Kissinger, chose this ship for their Yangtze cruise. With the super 5 star facilities, as well as many years outstanding service experience, Yangtze Explorer can serve you in the most comfortable and luxury way.

Advanced services: It has the lowest passenger capacity of only 148 people, while the capacities of other 5-star ships are always around 300. Here, you can own a standard cabin of 31 sq.m with a private balcony (of 3.4 sq.m). You will never be bothered by the crowds.

The Century Legend is celebrated as one of the top luxury cruise ships on the Yangtze River, offering a journey that seamlessly blends opulence with immersive exploration. As part of the prestigious Century Cruises fleet, it is renowned for its exceptional service, elegant accommodations, and dedication to providing an unforgettable experience for every traveler. These qualities make it a standout choice as one of the best-value cruises on the river.

One of the key reasons the Century Legend is considered a best-value option is its unique long-line itineraries, such as the 11/12-day cruises between Shanghai and Chongqing. This extended journey allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes along the Yangtze River. Stops in historic cities like Nanjing, Wuhan, and Yichang, as well as iconic sites like the Three Gorges Dam and the Three Gorges themselves, provide unique cultural experiences—ranging from ancient temples and museums to modern engineering marvels. These carefully curated itineraries ensure that guests get the most out of their journey, making it a best-value option for those seeking an in-depth exploration.

Onboard, the Century Legend offers a luxurious experience with all-inclusive 5-star amenities. Every cabin features a private balcony, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views of the river at all times. The ship provides a variety of dining options, including Chinese and Western buffets and themed dinners that showcase regional cuisine. Complimentary services such as morning tea, Tai Chi classes, and onboard activities further enhance the enriching experience. These all-inclusive offerings make the Century Legend an exceptional value for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure.

Additionally, the ship boasts world-class facilities, including a spa center, fitness room, swimming pool, and multiple lounges, ensuring that guests have every opportunity to unwind and relax. The highly-trained crew is committed to providing seamless and enjoyable service, making every aspect of the journey exceptional. Whether you choose a long-line adventure or a shorter cruise, the Century Legend promises a journey of unparalleled luxury and unforgettable experiences, making it truly one of the best-value options on the Yangtze River.

The Yangtze 1 is not just a luxury cruise ship; it is the ultimate embodiment of an unparalleled Three Gorges experience. As the only cruise ship offering a complete panoramic journey through the Three Gorges, the Yangtze 1 provides an immersive exploration of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. This unique position makes it a standout choice for travelers seeking the best value.

The ship’s four-story atrium with an open design creates a sense of grandeur and luxury, reminiscent of a castle. Each cabin is equipped with a private balcony, modern amenities, and daily housekeeping services to ensure a comfortable stay. Additionally, the Yangtze 1 boasts a swimming pool, gym, library, and multiple dining options, including a royal restaurant and a panoramic viewing deck. These features enhance the overall experience, making it a top choice for those looking for both comfort and adventure.

One of the key reasons the Yangtze 1 is considered a best-value option is its exclusive onboard services and unique itinerary. The ship offers VIP lounges, dedicated butlers for suite guests, and priority access to onshore excursions. It is also the only ship that sails through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift before 2025, providing a rare and unforgettable experience. These exclusive features, combined with its well-designed itinerary and all-inclusive package, make the Yangtze 1 an exceptional value.

Moreover, the Yangtze 1 offers a reasonable price point compared to other ships sailing the same route, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. Whether you are looking for luxurious accommodations, unique experiences, or exceptional value, the Yangtze 1 delivers an unforgettable journey through the heart of China’s most iconic landscapes.

The Yangtze 2 offers an exceptional long-line river cruise experience, making it a standout choice as a best-value option for travelers seeking a luxurious and immersive journey along the Yangtze River. As a newly refurbished ship by Changjiang Cruises in 2024, the Yangtze 2 combines modern amenities with spacious cabins and suites, all at a competitive price.

In 2025, the Yangtze 2 introduces a special 9/10-day itinerary between Chongqing and Nanjing (available from August 21 to October 26), taking travelers on a comprehensive exploration of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. This extended journey includes stops in iconic destinations such as Nanjing, Wuhan, Jiujiang, and Jingzhou, as well as visits to UNESCO heritage sites like Mount Huangshan, Mount Lu, and Shennongjia. These carefully curated itineraries allow guests to delve into China’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a best-value option for those seeking an in-depth exploration.

Onboard, the Yangtze 2 provides a luxurious experience with all-inclusive packages that cover all attractions, meals, and selected beverages. The ship features modern facilities, including a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and multiple dining options.

Additionally, guests enjoy complimentary services such as luggage handling, embarkation night dinner, afternoon tea, and designated beverages. These all-inclusive offerings ensure a worry-free journey, making the Yangtze 2 an exceptional value.

The Yangtze 2’s long-line itinerary is not just a cruise; it’s an opportunity to explore the heart of China in true style and comfort. Whether you seek cultural immersion, natural wonders, or simply a relaxing journey, the Yangtze 2 promises an unforgettable and luxurious experience at a price that makes it a true best-value option.