Staterooms usually are arranged on the 2nd, 3rd or the 4th decks and fall into mainly two categories: Standard (80% of the rooms) and Suite (20% of the rooms). Ships built after 1990s' are equipped with private balconies and ocean-view portholes. The size of the standard staterooms varies from 8 square meters (86 sq ft) to 16 square meters (172 sq ft) with two lower beds, duvet, sitting area with day seats & tables and a large picture window. All staterooms have a phone, TV, refrigerator, closets and a private bathroom. Ships rated four stars and above have a phone and hair drier in the bathroom. A mini-bar inside also provides bottles of wine, soft drinks and nuts. To travel in utmost comfort and style, you will find that suites are the most luxiourious choice. A suite usually covers 323-431 square feet with larger beds and more furniture.
Most cruise lines offer 24-hour room service at no extra charge. Room Service usually includes: 24-hour laundry service, meal delivery, morning-call, shoe-cleaning, massage and VIP service.
Cabin Amenities
Private bathroom with shower, outside picture windows, air-conditioning, Closed-circuit television, ample closet space, hair drier in cabins (on request for standard cabin on Victoria ships), SATCOM Phone
Staterooms fall into three standards:
A: Staterooms on the 3rd deck
B: Staterooms on the 4th deck
C: Staterooms on the 2nd deck
Staterooms away from the engine, anchor gear, the public and entertainment areas are ideal for a good nights sleep. On some ships, public corridors outside the room have been converted into balconies. (i.e. President No.1, Yangtze Paradise and Qianlong)
Dining
Talking about the food was a major topic for those who have traveled by cruise. Unlike on the ocean ships, restaurants on all cruise ships sailing on the Yangtze River have a limited area meals are arranged at fixed times. Breakfast is usually buffet dinner (1 - 2 hours) while supper is usually a table arrangement in Chinese style (about one hour). There was so much food and so many wonderful opportunities to eat! Gourmet chefs are employed on these ships and they prepare amazing and succulent cuisine - all of which are all included in your fare. Ships rated three-stars and up offer free drinks like tea or beer, but in limited quantity. For other drinks, extra fees need to be paid. If you are observing a special diet special taste or have allergies, you can ask for special service. Eating in the dining room is not your only option...especially for breakfast and lunch. Very often there are buffets on deck, a pizzeria or some other kind of restaurant. On ships rate three stars and up, you can order room service at any time, 24 hours a day. However, it is recommended that you order a day or a half day in advance. Sometimes a cruise line will also provide reservations for themed parties or banquets on deck, which are perfect for mingling, dancing and enjoying snacks and spirits.
The standard of meals varies with different ships. Ships noted for better western style includes Regal China, East King & East Queen and Victoria ships. Splendid China, Yangtze Paradise, and Regal China are ships famous for Chinese style meals. Bars on board are open 24 hours a day, but due to the limited storage, the wine lists are not very extensive
