Top Yangtze River Small Cruise Ships 2025

Yangzi Explorer is crafted for those who seek both adventure and the pinnacle of luxury. Offering an intimate voyage, guests are treated to the finest, most exclusive service and amenities.

The largest staff to guest ratio on the river 1:1: the only all suite luxury cruise with a capacity of only 148 guests onboard, Yangzi Explorer hires 141 crews to provide the best professional personalized service.

Well-designed onboard entertainment and programs: except the captain’s welcome reception, entertainment programs and movies at the Tang Theater, guests may also experience captivating cultural lectures, interesting cooking show, professional Chinese Medicine lecture and live music in the Explorer Bar, etc.

Exclusive sites and off the beaten track stops on the way: bravely making a big breakthrough, Yangzi Explore takes guests to experience the new Yangtze River cruise route to discover highlights of the brand-new attractive places onshore for their excursion experience, like Shennongjia Nature Preserve, 816 Nuclear Military Plant, Baiheliang Underwater Museum, and so forth.

Three Gorges Dam Ship lift experience from the comfort of your cabin: as the first cruise ship meticulously engineered to meet the rigorous standards of the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, this groundbreaking vessel holds the distinction of being the largest in the world capable of navigating this engineering marvel.

By focusing on these three key areas—unmatched service quality, comfortable and well-maintained accommodations, and innovative shore excursions - Victoria Jenna continues to set the standard for luxury cruising on the Yangtze River.

Consistently High International Service Quality, Endorsed by Global Guests: Victoria Jenna stands out for its unwavering commitment to international service standards, earning accolades from guests worldwide. Initially managed by an American team, it has been a pioneer in luxury river cruising since 2009. The recent refurbishment in 2018 has further enhanced its reputation, offering a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. With a professional foreign cruise manager and a well-trained English-speaking crew, Victoria Jenna provides an international service experience that is both satisfying and caring, catering to guests from all around the globe.

Comfortable and Well-Maintained Cabins and Public Areas: each cabin on the Victoria Jenna is designed with the comfort of our guests in mind, featuring private balconies and bathrooms, ensuring a private and relaxing stay. The attention to detail in maintenance is evident, with every corner of the ship kept clean and sanitized to the highest standards. Regarding the public areas and facilities, the public entertainment venues are of high quality, and the cultural activities and performances are diverse, ensuring that every day on board is filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Continuously Innovating Shore Excursions for Diverse Experiences: Victoria Jenna is committed to offering the most varied and exciting shore excursion options, allowing guests to explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Yangtze River. Innovation in optional shore excursions includes: Three Gorges Summit for downstream optional and Wuling Mountain Grand Canyon for downstream optional.

By focusing on these four key points—comprehensive and all-inclusive itineraries, a rich navigation experience with exceptional service, stable pricing with diverse shore excursions, and a fully renovated ship offering impeccable quality - Yangtze 1 stands out as a cruise ship that provides excellent value and comfort on the Yangtze River.

Comprehensive and Inclusive 5-Day Itineraries: Yangtze 1 provides a 5-day cruise experience for both upstream and downstream journeys, offering an all-inclusive package that covers the entire Three Gorges (Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge) and two magnificent engineering marvels (Three Gorges Dam, Gezhou Dam). This extended itinerary delivers a cost-effective daily rate, making luxury cruising accessible and enjoyable for all guests.

Consistent Pricing and Unique Excursions for Holiday Value: while other cruise prices may vary, Yangtze 1 maintains consistent value, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a luxurious experience during peak travel times and holidays. The distinctive shore excursions, such as the Goddess Sky Road, Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, enhance the appeal of this cruise, especially during holidays.

A Team of Seasoned Professionals for Unparalleled Service: with a rich history of navigating the Yangtze, Yangtze 1 has cultivated a team of service professionals who are dedicated to delivering the highest levels of guest care. The ship’s experience in hosting celebrates and industry pioneers from various countries ensures that every guest receives an exceptional level of service that meets international standards.

Thoroughly Renovated in 2023 for Superb Quality and Comfort: despite being one of the smaller ships on the Yangtze, Yangtze 1 underwent a complete internal overhaul in 2023, resulting in a elegant and well-appointed vessel. All facilities and decor are maintained to the highest standards of quality and cleanliness, ensuring a neat and cosy environment for guests. The meticulous attention to detail in the renovation process ensures that Yangtze 1 offers a level of comfort and style that exceeds expectations for its size.

Victoria Anna, a sister ship to the 5-star luxury Victoria Jenna, offers an unparalleled luxury experience at a fraction of the cost. As one of the most welcomed ships under Victoria Cruises, it is renowned for its American-style service and has been a top choice among Yangtze River cruisers since its maiden voyage in 2006. The recent refurbishment in 2019 has enhanced its modern elegance and advanced facilities, making it one of a premier choices for a deluxe holiday cruise.

Accommodations that Pampers: each of the 133 cabins on Victoria Anna is a haven of comfort and luxury, complete with private balconies and bathrooms, ensuring a private and tranquil retreat. The ship’s commitment to cleanliness and sanitation is evident in the immaculate upkeep of all areas, providing a pristine environment for relaxation and enjoyment.

Public Spaces for Every Mood: Victoria Anna offers a variety of public spaces designed to cater to your every whim. With two exquisite dining rooms for buffet and à la carte dining, you can indulge in a plethora of Chinese and Western delicacies. The culinary experience is elevated by the expertise of six-time Emmy© Award-winning Chef Walter Staib, who has crafted the ship's dining menu, offering an exquisite selection of gourmet satisfaction.

Enriching Shore Excursions: dedicated to providing a rich tapestry of experiences, Victoria Anna offers a diverse range of shore excursions that allow guests to immerse themselves in the cultural and natural wonders of the Yangtze River. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, every excursion is curated to cater to a variety of interests and preferences.

Victoria Katarina, refurbished in 2017, stands out as an experienced and highly recognized Yangtze cruise ship, designed with a focus on accessibility for all guests. Its diligent services, elegant design, and well-maintained facilities, stable shipping schedule and special winter treat, all under the supervision of Victoria Cruises, make it a favored choice among international cruise enthusiasts.

Besides the same-level service and care you may enjoy in every Victoria’s cruise, Victoria Katarina has one advantages stands out. Owing to its restricted passenger limit, Victoria Katarina generally doesn’t cater to large-scale travel groups. The majority of its guests are either families or individuals, which means you can relish a more tranquil and personal space for your vacation.