Q: Are shore excursions mandatory?

A:

No.

Shore excursions on the Yangtze River are not mandatory. Your cruise fare typically includes the cost of the guided excursions at each port of call listed on the itinerary, but your participation is entirely voluntary. These excursions are carefully curated by the cruise line to showcase the historical, cultural, and natural highlights of the Three Gorges region, such as the Three Gorges Dam, the Goddess Stream, or Fengdu Ghost City. You will be provided with a detailed schedule, and you are free to disembark and join the organized group, or you may remain on the ship to enjoy its amenities at your leisure.

However, there is a very important operational detail to understand. When the ship docks for an excursion, all guests who wish to go ashore—whether on the organized tour or to explore independently—must disembark with the main group through the coordinated process. This is for logistical, safety, and port authority reasons. The ship's guides will organize everyone into groups, distribute group numbers for boarding coaches, and ensure a smooth flow. You can simply inform your guide or the reception desk that you will not be joining the coach tour, but you will still need to walk off the ship with your group when called. You can then explore the port area on your own, but you are responsible for returning to the ship before its published departure time.

> Director's Note: The ship's excursion team are not just guides; they are your local facilitators and points of contact ashore. Even if you choose to wander independently, always note the ship's docked location and the all-aboard time. The ship will not delay departure for independent explorers.

My practical advice is to strongly consider joining the included tours. The guides provide invaluable context, handle all transportation and tickets, and ensure you see the key sites efficiently in the limited time available. The ports are often not typical tourist towns with easy walkable attractions from the dock. If you do choose to stay onboard, you will find the ship wonderfully quiet, and services like the spa, lounge, and sun deck will still be operational. Just ensure you have appropriate footwear for shore visits and a light rain jacket, as weather can be variable.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!