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How to Choose a Century Cruise

Super Five-Star Flagship Positioning · Mainline vs Premium Ship Comparison · Who Each Ship Suits · Budget Tiers · Telephone +86-23-63629700
Century Cruises is the recognized super five-star flagship brand of the Three Gorges market — "the safest choice when you don't know what to pick." This guide compares the ships within the series by budget tier; once you've read it, shortlist 1-2 candidates and cross-check the overall tiers on the homepage 7-level budget quick-reference table.

Series Positioning: The Super Five-Star Flagship CampPOSITIONING

Century Cruises is positioned as "super five-star flagship": the fleet is young overall, with several new-generation electrically propelled ships launched in recent years offering excellent noise and vibration control; the interior design leans modern business style, and public facilities (temperature-controlled pool, cinema, large sun deck, etc.) are fully equipped; dining and service standards are first-tier in the industry. The trade-off is price: for the same sailing dates, the Century series is usually noticeably more expensive than economy-tier mainline ships — mainline ships run roughly RMB 2,500-3,000 per person and premium ships roughly RMB 3,000-4,000. If your budget falls in this range and you want the ship itself to be an attraction, you can hardly go wrong with the Century series.

Mainline Ships Compared: Victory, Glory, Oasis (approx. RMB 2,500-3,000 per person)MAIN FLEET

Century Victory

The well-reviewed mainline ship of the series — electrically propelled, quiet sailing, balanced in interior and service with no obvious weaknesses. Suited to first-time Three Gorges cruisers who want "the full experience without overspending"; it is one of the most frequently recommended choices in the RMB 2,500-3,000 tier.

Century Glory

A sister mainline ship of the same generation as Victory — large tonnage and high passenger capacity, spacious public areas, and extensive experience with group and family receptions. Suited to larger parties, company team building, or three-generation families.

Century Oasis

One of the newer mainline ships, with more modern facilities and design and a fresher interior style — suited to young couples and travelers who care about cabin quality. Priced in the same tier as Victory and Glory; choosing among them mostly comes down to current sailing dates and quotes.

The three mainline ships are close in hardware class, and the actual choice is often decided by departure date: first see whose sailing dates match your vacation, then compare quotes for the same room type. No need to agonize within a tier.

Premium Ships Compared: Dream, Voyage (approx. RMB 3,000-4,000 per person)PREMIUM

Century Dream

A premium ship of the series: larger cabins, higher dining standards, and a better crew-to-guest ratio, with a high proportion of full-ship balcony cabins. Suited to travelers stretching their budget who want the cruise experience to be the heart of the trip.

Century Voyage

Also a premium ship in the RMB 3,000-4,000 tier, with a composed, dignified style — equally suited to business hosting and upscale family travel. Choosing between Dream and Voyage again mostly comes down to sailing dates and current quotes.

The overall experience in the RMB 3,000-4,000 tier is more refined than the mainline ships: bigger rooms, a more complete suite system, and VIP privileges on some cabins. If you are traveling with seniors, have high standards for living quality, or this is a commemorative trip, spending a few hundred RMB more to move up to a premium ship is usually worth it.

Long-Route and Signature Ships: Legend, PoetryLEGACY & MORE

Century Legend

The series' long-route representative, often seen on longer segments such as Chongqing-Wuhan. It can pass the five-stage ship lock and the Gezhouba lock on its own hull — suited to in-depth travelers who want the full "lock experience" and middle-Yangtze scenery.

Century Poetry

A signature ship with a distinctive style in the series; its name comes from the poetic imagery of "the rivers and mountains like poetry," and details can be found on its ship page. The series also has other operating ships — for the complete list see the homepage tiered ship list.

Choosing by Travel PartyWHO IT SUITS

First-time Three Gorges cruisers: pick directly among the three mainline ships — Victory, Glory, Oasis — by sailing dates; the best balance of experience and price.
Families with seniors: consider moving up to Dream or Voyage — bigger rooms, better crew-to-guest ratio, and friendlier elevators and accessibility.
Young couples / friends' trips: Oasis's design is especially appealing, and watching gorge sunrises and sunsets from a balcony cabin is superb.
Company team building / large groups: Glory carries the most guests and has the most public space, making group dining and activities more relaxed.
In-depth travel fans: look for Century Legend's long-route sailings to pass the locks on the ship's own hull.

Booking TipsBOOKING TIPS

The Century series is a hot seller in peak season — holiday sailings often sell out weeks in advance, so lock in your cabin at least a month ahead; fares fluctuate with high and low seasons, and the same ship can show clear price gaps between departure dates. Once you have a shortlist, contact a Three Gorges Cruise Center consultant to verify current sailing dates, room types, and written quotes; for general booking, payment, and refund/change rules see the homepage booking FAQ — specific prices and refund/change standards are subject to written confirmation at the time of booking.

Contact Us

To verify current sailing dates and quotes for Century Cruises ships, or to get room type suggestions, feel free to contact a Three Gorges Cruise Center consultant at any time.

☎ +86-23-63629700

✉ info@sanxia-china.com

You can also click "Online Consultation" at the bottom of the page to chat with a consultant in real time.