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View from passenger onboard a traditional Chinese rowing boat with men stood rowing through narrow river gorge.
Home Our Vessels Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

China

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

  • Expeditionary Ship
Contact us

The contemporary Yangzi Explorer offers a luxurious cruise option in China. The smallest ship on the Yangtze, each of the 62 cabins has floor to ceiling windows and a private balcony, creating a sense of exclusivity and space on board.

The boat has a full spa and state of the art fitness centre and the restaurant is run by internationally trained chefs who create innovative a-la-carte menus, combining Chinese and continental cuisines. The Yangzi Explorer offers a level of comfort that was hitherto unavailable on Yangtze river cruises.

Why we like Yangzi Explorer

With fewer passengers the ship can offer a 1:1 service ratio, also meaning that the on-shore excursions are based on small groups and so you can visit fascinating but less crowded sites including some exclusive experiences.

Activities on board Yangzi Explorer

As well as shore excursions exploring traditional life on the banks of the river there are a wealth of on-board activities to enjoy. Try Tai Chi classes, Chinese cooking classes and hands-on calligraphy and silk embroidery workshops. Fun activities, on-board entertainment and amenities for children are also available. During July and August there are children’s summer camp activities on board with dedicated staff.

Sustainability

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer has been developed to minimise its environmental impact. The ship is fitted with a technologically advanced sewage disposal system, and the crew adhere to a rigorous recycling programme on board.

Onboard experiences

  • People and Community
  • Crafts
  • Spa
  • Cultural

Ideally suited for

  • Couples
  • Child Friendly

Ship Information

Cabins: 62
Passengers: 124
Crew: 1:1 crew to passenger ratio
Decks: 5
Length: 91.5 metres

Alternative boats

Our travel experts have years of knowledge and between them and have personally inspected or travelled on board many of the boats we offer.

See even more options

China

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

  • Expeditionary Ship
  • £££££
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Very satisfied with all aspects of our trip. Steppes kept us fully informed of the progress of the arrangements and gave us various choices of hotels.

Nick

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

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F L E X I B I L I T Y P R O M I S E B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E

Featured in the press

Vessel Ice Rating Comparison Chart.

We use the Lloyd Register scale to signify the ice rating of our vessels but you can see how that scale aligns with other scales in the chart below.

Mame / Country of Register

Ice thickness (cm)

10 15 30 50

Ice thickness (cm)

lowest   highest
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super