Money
Credit cards or on-board signature accounts are two alternatives to cash on a cruise ship. You can validate their on-board signature account with a major credit card such as Master Card, Federal Card, Visa, American Express, JCB and Diners Card. Guests can then sign all on-board services and purchases to their account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a completely itemized statement and pay them when you check out just like what you do in most of China's hotels. (But only on selected ships.)
Health
Before you go, make sure that you meet the physical standards of the cruise. Some examples of conditions which may limit your ability to take a cruise are:
Passengers requiring oxygen therapy must meet certain requirements before boarding the vessel.
Passengers entering their third trimester of pregnancy at the beginning of their cruise will not be accepted.
Professional medical services, including a doctor and two registered nurses, are available on most cruise ships.
Proper Documents
You need make sure that all travel documents that are required ready such as Passport or at least some proof of citizenship which includes a valid government issued photo I.D..
Family with Kids
Cruise companies and airlines companies offer half-price domestic airfares and cruise cabin to the children between 2- 12 years, because of the policies of the China National Tourism Bureau. Infants (up to 2 years old) only need to pay 10% domestic airfare and cruise cabin charge.
Staterooms on ships with larger space can provide an extra bed for children. Ships rating above 4-star provide special care for children such as a nursery and a day care. Ships providing extra beds and child care are as follows:
East King & Queen, Splendid China, President No.1, Victoria (Blue Whale), China Sunshine, Yangtze Pearl, Yangtze, Star Dipper (Beidou) and Xiaofeng
Pets
Pets are not allowed to be taken aboard, so before your cruise, remember to take care of your pets.