The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer is the smallest, most exclusive and most luxurious ship cruising the Yangtze River. It offers the level of intimacy, facilities, comfort and service expected.
Cruising aboard the luxurious Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer offers an intimate look at the Yangtze River and allows you to do as little, or as much, as you like.
- Size boutique
- Style Luxury
- Type river
- Year of launch 2008
- Year of last refit 2017
- Length 91.0m
- Width 16.3m
- Decks 5
- Language English
- Currency Chinese Yuan (¥)
- No. of passengers 124
- No. of crew 124
- No. of cabins 62
Gratuities are included for all Cruise and Tour Directors,
cruise staff, local guides and drivers on all holidays.
Gratuities cannot be redeemed for a cash refund.
The newest ship on the Yangtze is a sanctuary of lavish features, with the largest cabins and suites on the river—all with private balconies, and a crew to guest ratio beyond compare (1:1 to be specific).
Refurbished in 2017, all 62 luxury suites on board received a designer makeover. Contemporary Chinese chic is the overarching theme.
Grand Suite
Mandarin, Jade, Celestial and Imperial Suites.
These four suites are the largest on the ship. Dressed in traditional Chinese decor, these sumptuous, spacious suites have separate bedroom and living areas and as well as uninterupted views of screensaver-worthy landscapes as the ship sails its course.
Additional perks to this luxury accommodation include room service, in-suite private dining, sparkling wine, a fruit bowl replenished daily, and afternoon tea imaginatively presented in a birdcage.
Suites
These 20 suites have an indoor seating area and a private balcony with table and chairs. They're spacious enough to accommodate a third person, and they include a free laundry service as well as access to the suite lounge for unlimited drinks and snacks.
Deluxe Cabins
These 38 ensuite cabins are the largest entry level of their kind on the Yangtze River. Stylish, and wish their own private balconies, each is fully equipped with satellite TV, electronic safe, minibar and fridge.
Explorer Deck
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Lotus Room
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Peony Room
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Sun Loungers
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Observation Deck
Qutang Deck
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Spa
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Gym
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Sun Loungers
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Suites and Staterooms
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Jade & Mandarin Suites - Available on request
Wu Deck
- Tang Mezzanine
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Staterooms
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Bridge
Xiling Deck
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Tang Theatre
- Clinic
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Jewellery Shop
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Collectors Den
- Gallery
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Staterooms
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Celestial & Imperial Suites - Available on request
Main Deck
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Dynasty Dining Room
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Reception
- Photo Centre
- Business Centre
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Lobby
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Staterooms
The East meets West menus take food lovers on a tour of authentic local delicacies and international flavours – the quality of the eating and drinking is a hallmark of the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer experience. There’s a team of internationally trained chefs and a well-stocked wine cellar – choose from complimentary house reds and whites, as well as the finest French labels. Soft drinks, house wine and local beer are unlimited at mealtimes.
At breakfast and lunch, buffets extend a range of continental classics and Chinese dishes – start with just-squeezed fruit juices and house-baked pastries one day and feast on freshly steamed dim sum the next. Afternoon tea isn’t just about the homemade cakes and brewed-how-you-like-it tea or coffee – the servers also share with you the secrets to the specialist blends on board.
Chinese banquets are legendary – and so is the Taste of China farewell dinner. It’s a feast of tasty dishes, such as west lake beef broth, Yangzhou rice and dory fish with vermicelli. As well as this carnival of flavours, the parade features characters dressed as the Emperor, Empress and concubines with a folklore-telling Lion Dance. Wear your own traditional Chinese outfit for the ultimate photo opportunity,
Restaurant
Internationally trained chefs celebrate Chinese and continental cuisines with innovative à la carte menus at dinner and buffet options at breakfast and lunch.
This is complemented by the sommelier-curated cellar and complimentary house wines, carefully selected imports, local beers and refreshing soft drinks.
Facilities include a stylish main lounge and bar, an observation deck, a two-floor theatre, a library, a hair and beauty salon, gift shops and a gym. Perhaps indulge in the ultimate spa experience at the onboard spa, featuring six treatment rooms and various spa services. For your peace of mind, a doctor is on board throughout.
Explorer Bar & Deck
Admire the Three Gorges in high definition through huge picture windows or out in the open air as your sail past the gentle tree-lined slopes. Take a traditional tai chi class with the on-board doctor before breakfast, enjoy that backdrop of enchanting riverscapes and ancient wonders in the early morning light.
Cocktail hour more your scene? The Explorer Bar is also a sociable spot in which to enjoy an expertly mixed Cosmo or Dry Martini.
Tang Theatre
Inspiring lectures and entertaining performances are held here, and there’s plenty of space so that everyone gets a seat. Hear about Chinese history and the spectacular geography, as experts share stories on the scenes you can see.
Lotus and Peony Rooms
Activities such as arts and crafts demonstrations and silk embroidery are hosted in these more intimate spaces. The rooms are also available for exclusive dining, cocktail parties, meetings and award presentations, and the open deck is ideal for outdoor activities
Perhaps indulge in the ultimate spa experience at the onboard spa, featuring six treatment rooms and various spa services. There is also a gym on board.
On the Qutang deck there's the Huang Ding Spa and Fitness Centre for when you want to wind down or work out. Seek out the beauty salon for manicures, pedicures and hair styling so that you look your best as well as feel it.
Spa
On the Qutang deck there's the Huang Ding Spa and Fitness Centre for when you want to wind down or work out. Seek out the beauty salon for manicures, pedicures and hair styling so that you look your best as well as feel it.
Please note: There are no children's facilities on board.
Take part in traditional Tai Chi, Chinese cooking, calligraphy or silk embroidery classes on board; watch films and live cultural performances.
Breeze-kissed tai chi lessons before breakfast. Tea ceremonies to make you a connoisseur. Acupuncture, reflexology and Chinese medicine masterclasses. Insider knowledge from your hosts gives you insight into life along this celebrated section of Asia's longest river. Enjoy interesting lectures in the Tang Theatre, get hands-on experience of how to make dumplings, try your hand at calligraphy, or just relax and reflect on the day's once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing.