4D3N Victoria 5-star Yangtze Cruise

Imagine floating along the world’s third-longest river — the mighty Yangtze — on a luxurious 5-star cruise that redefines how you experience China’s iconic waterway. This 4-day, 3-night tour on the Victoria Sabrina or Isabella Cruise offers a blend of comfort, culture, and breathtaking scenery, all starting from Chongqing. For around $689 per person, you get a cruise ticket with top-tier service, including a floating suite with butler service, floor-to-ceiling windows, and around-the-clock support.

What we love most are the opportunities to enjoy panoramic views from the comfort of a suite, especially during sunset, and the chance to visit some of the Yangtze’s most dramatic natural and cultural sites. The cruise’s well-designed itinerary includes visits to the Three Gorges, Fengdu Shuanggui Mountain, Goddess Stream, and the famous Three Gorges Dam — each offering unique photo opportunities and insights.

A potential consideration: as this experience includes only the cruise ticket and service fee, travelers should note that additional excursions (like Baidi City or the Three Gorges Summit) are not included and require separate tickets. This means planning ahead if those extras matter to you.

This cruise appeals most to travelers who appreciate luxury, scenic beauty, and cultural depth — especially those ready to relax in style while exploring some of China’s most famous landscapes.

Key Points

• Luxury Experience: Top-tier Victoria Sabrina or Isabella Cruise with suites and butler service
• Scenic Highlights: Quutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Goddess Stream, and the Three Gorges Dam
• Cultural Stops: Fengdu Shuanggui Mountain and optional Baidi City or Three Gorges Summit
• Comfort & Convenience: Pickup service, luggage handling, and 24/7 online support
• Value for Price: Includes meals, cruise service fee, and major scenic sites
• Consideration: Extra tickets for some optional excursions

An Honest Look at the 4D3N Victoria Yangtze Cruise

When we first read about this cruise, what caught our eye was its luxury focus — a floating suite with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a mesmerizing view of the river and surroundings. At $689 per person, it’s not cheap, but compared to other luxury river cruises, the quality of service and scenery makes it a solid value — especially considering all the inclusions like meals and major site visits.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What’s in Store?

Day 1: Chongqing to the Yangtze
You’ll start your journey at Chaotianmen Dock in Chongqing, a city famous for its cyberpunk skyline and vibrant riverfront. Boarding between 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm, you’ll settle into your suite and begin the adventure. The highlight here is the three-hour cruise that offers your first taste of the river’s energy and the city lights reflecting off the water. This initial experience sets a tone of comfort and anticipation for what’s to come.

Day 2: Fengdu and Shuanggui Mountain
The second day takes you to Fengdu Shuanggui Mountain, a cultural jewel with poetic pavilions and sculptures depicting the Underworld, blending folklore and natural beauty. It’s a brief but enriching stop — about three hours — that offers a window into local legends and artistry. We loved the way this site combines scenic views with storytelling, making it feel alive.

Day 3: The Spectacular Gorges & Optional Excursions
This is the day of drama and grandeur. You’ll pass through the Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most intense of the Three Gorges, where cliffs meet the sky in towering splendor. Then, the cruise continues through Wu Gorge, renowned for its picturesque scenery and calm waters.

You might opt to visit Baidi City — a historic town on the riverbank, with a ticket costing about 252 CNY — or the Three Gorges Summit. These optional visits are not included but can add depth to your understanding of the region. We think it’s worth considering if history and local culture are your interests.

Later in the afternoon, a switch to wooden sampans takes you through Goddess Stream, a 15 km tributary known as one of the last pristine corners of the area. The lush scenery and jade-green waters provide incredible photo opportunities.

Day 4: The Three Gorges Dam & Departure
Your cruise culminates at the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project. It’s a massive feat of engineering and a fitting end to your river journey. There’s an optional elevator ticket (290 CNY) that elevates the experience, but it requires cash. The visit here lasts about 2.5 hours and offers insight into China’s engineering prowess.

What’s Included & What’s Not?

The package covers significant bases: meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), cruise service charge, luggage handling, and entry to key sites like Fengdu Mountain, Shennv Stream, and the Dam. Plus, a private pickup from Chongqing and 24/7 online support make logistics smoother.

However, some optional excursions, such as Baidi City or the summit, come at extra cost. We appreciate that the cruise is flexible enough for you to choose whether to indulge in these or stick with the core experience.

Thoughts from Travelers

One reviewer called it an “excellent experience” and appreciated the professional, courteous service. Another noted how helpful the bilingual guide Sherry was in explaining Chongqing’s history, which points to the value of knowledgeable staff. A third highlighted how friendly the locals are — from helpful street directions to engaging shop owners — which adds a warm, human touch to your trip.

The Experience of Comfort & Scenic Wonder

The suite with butler service stands out as a major perk. You’ll wake up to views of passing gorges and sunset through vast windows, which feels almost surreal. The Victoria Sabrina launched in 2020, and the upcoming Isabella promises even more modern comforts, elevating the standard for river cruises in China.

The meals included are an added convenience, offering a taste of Chinese cuisine amid the stunning scenery. The cruise service fee covers most major aspects, meaning once onboard, you can relax without worrying about extra costs — except for optional sights or special tickets.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This experience is best suited for travelers who seek comfortable luxury combined with scenic exploration. If you’ve ever dreamed of drifting along a mighty river with panoramic views and cultural stops, this cruise offers a balance of relaxation and discovery. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate high-quality services and don’t mind paying a bit extra for the privilege.

Those interested in engineering marvels, natural beauty, and local legends will find plenty to enjoy. If you’re traveling with family, note that children under 12 are excluded, but teenagers above that age are welcome to join at adult prices.

Final Thoughts: Who’s This Tour Perfect For?

If you’re craving the comfort of a luxury vessel with stellar views, this cruise provides a refined way to see the Yangtze. It’s well-suited for luxury travelers, culture enthusiasts, and scenic lovers willing to pay a fair price for convenience and quality.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the inclusive meals, scenic highlights, and premium suites make it a strong value for an experience that combines elegance with adventure. For those who want a stress-free way to explore the Yangtze’s most dramatic landscapes and iconic sites, this cruise is an excellent choice.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for families?
This cruise is designed for travelers over 12 years old, as children under 12 are not permitted. Teenagers above 12 can join at adult prices, making it suitable for families with older children or teens.

What is included in the price?
The $689 fee includes the cruise ticket, cruise service charges, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), luggage handling, and entry to major scenic sites like Fengdu Mountain, Shennv Stream, and the Three Gorges Dam.

Are optional excursions available?
Yes, you can visit Baidi City or the Three Gorges Summit for additional tickets (about 252 CNY each). These are not included in the base price and require separate arrangements.

What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay in a floating suite with butler service, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the river views. The experience is geared toward comfort and luxury, with a focus on providing a relaxing environment.

Is meals included on the cruise?
Yes, all main meals are included, allowing you to enjoy Chinese cuisine with scenic views. Special dietary requests aren’t mentioned but may be arranged if contacted in advance.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The core itinerary covers the main sights, but optional excursions like Baidi City or the summit require extra tickets. Some stops, like the Three Gorges Dam, may have additional tickets (e.g., elevator) which you should prepare cash for.

What support do travelers receive during the tour?
The cruise offers 24/7 online support in case of emergencies, adding peace of mind during your journey.

If you’re dreaming of a luxurious, scenic river adventure with cultural highlights, this Yangtze cruise promises an experience that’s both indulgent and authentic. Just remember to plan for optional extra costs if you want to explore beyond the core itinerary. With stunning views, comfortable suites, and well-organized stops, it’s a memorable way to see one of China’s most impressive natural wonders.