Series Positioning: The Established Big-Ship FamilyPOSITIONING
President Cruises has operated on the Yangtze for many years and is one of the most seasoned brands among Three Gorges premium cruises. The series has a distinct character: first, big hulls — several ships exceed 10,000 tons, sailing steadily with complete public facilities; second, wide tier coverage — from economical mainline ships to the new flagship in the RMB 2,500-3,000 tier, offering great flexibility; third, family-friendliness — child fare policies are relatively friendly among the ship families, so families with children often shortlist it. The trade-offs: except for President No. 7, the mainline ships are older and lean toward a traditional interior style, with refinement below top-tier small ships — suited to travelers who would rather spend their budget on "the itinerary itself" than on "the ship's class."
Four Ships Compared: President No. 2, 6, 7, 8COMPARE
President No. 2
The economy pick of the series — large tonnage and a low price threshold, operating the classic Chongqing-Yichang route year-round; suited to budget-first travelers who want to complete the full Three Gorges journey at lower cost.
President No. 6
A mainstay of the series with balanced facilities and service and extensive group and family reception experience; its cabins and public areas are better maintained than President No. 2's, making it the reliable choice within the tier.
President No. 7
The series' new flagship — newer ship age and modern design, in the RMB 2,500-3,000 tier competing with Century Victory, Century Glory, and other mainline ships; it also operates Chongqing-Wuhan long-route sailings, a signature ship that is "both new and long-range." See below for details.
President No. 8
The large-tonnage flagship-type ship of the series — high capacity and rich facilities, with substantial entertainment activities and shows; suited to lively family trips and large groups.
Flagship Focus: President No. 7's Newness and Long RoutesFLAGSHIP
President No. 7 carries two standout labels. The first is new: as one of the series' newest ships, it clearly leads the rest of the fleet in interior design, cabin comfort, and facilities — which is why it is one of the frequently recommended options in the RMB 2,500-3,000 tier. The second is long: President No. 7 operates long-route sailings toward Chongqing-Wuhan and can pass the Three Gorges Dam's five-stage ship lock and the Gezhouba lock on its own hull, taking in the Three Gorges and middle-Yangtze scenery in one go — suited to in-depth travelers with ample vacation time who want to cover a longer stretch in one trip.
Two things to consider before choosing it: long-route sailings last more days, so total cost is naturally higher than the classic 4-day 3-night route; and if you only want the classic Chongqing-Yichang line, mainline Century ships in the same tier are worth comparing — choose the best by sailing dates and quotes.
Family-Friendly Child Policy: How to Plan a Family TripFAMILY
The President series' family-friendliness shows mainly in its child fare policy. Children under 12 generally purchase child tickets: infants under 2 are mostly free without a bed or charged about 10% of the adult fare; ages 2-12 without a bed are typically charged just over 50-60% of the adult fare, rising accordingly with a bed. Rules also differ among ships within the same series — for example, "2 adults + 2 children" can share one room with an extra bed, or book two rooms for more space, with costs calculated by each ship's standards.
What else should we know about taking children on a Three Gorges cruise?
① Minors must be accompanied by a guardian — prepare original valid documents such as the household registration booklet in advance; ② keep a close watch on children during deck sightseeing and shore visits, away from railings and cliffs; ③ big ships sail steadily so seasickness is rarely a concern, but bring common children's medicines; ④ shore sights often have steps, making strollers awkward — consider a hip seat as needed.
Child fare policies differ across ships; specific discounts and bed-occupancy standards are subject to the customer service reply and written confirmation at the time of booking.
Booking TipsBOOKING TIPS
The President series offers large supply and friendly prices, and in shoulder season cabins are often still available close to departure; but demand around holidays and the summer family season is concentrated, so order early to lock in cabins and confirm child fees. For the booking process and refund/change rules see the homepage booking FAQ; for the specific departure dates of President No. 7's long-route sailings, and other ships' current sailing dates and written quotes, feel free to contact a Three Gorges Cruise Center consultant — specific prices and refund/change standards are subject to written confirmation at the time of booking.
Contact Us
To verify current sailing dates, child fees, or long-route arrangements for President Cruises ships, feel free to contact a Three Gorges Cruise Center consultant at any time.
You can also click "Online Consultation" at the bottom of the page to chat with a consultant in real time.