China Goddess 2

Question

Just returned from a 21 day trip-a-deal holiday in China which included 4 nights on the China Goddess 2. We were given the option of meal, drinks and/or room upgrades and having read many reviews was tempted to upgrade, but chose not to. Some of our tour chose various upgrades, but I settled with the Main dining room and standard balcony room and had no problems. I am by no means a fussy eater, and if you couldn't cope with the various buffet breakfasts across Chinese Hotels, the meals probably won't appeal to you. I did have my jar of vegemite as back up but managed to get more than my fill on each buffet meal served on the boat. Whilst the boat and meals are not "Australian' 5 star, there is way more choices and way more than one can eat and a never ending supply. A few have made comment about the local Chinese tourist rush on the buffet and this is true but if you sit back and wait 15-20 minutes its all clear to go for it and they keep bringing more out. Apparently the upgrades were slightly better food and some western food provided. Don't expect this on the level 2 dining room however. Rooms were Hotel quality as were the shower I had. Smaller in size but pretty adequate. The entertainment on the boat left a little to be desired but us Aussies made our own to the laughter and amazement of most Chinese. They did tend to shut the entertainment down a little early for Aussie liking. There is no pool on board contrary to some brochures and information I had read. We did not leave Port until a full night and day on the boat, although the first day was a tour of the 3-gorges dam, and every day had tours included, or optional. We were first on board being a day early so we assume we got the best of the rooms/upgrades for those the chose them as they are limited. Cigarette smell was a bit of a problem across the boat, but that is common throughout China. Get used to it being different, and the Chinese food is quite different than the local Chinese restaurant in your suburb. The funicular down to the boat fits about 30 and was very hot and steamy the day we arrived. If you are fit, its not too hot, and can cope, take the 200 odd stairs. We disembarked at Chongqing for a bus to the airport and then a flight to Shanghai. This was a bit chaotic as they are building a new Port and stairs are temporary are haphazard and the locals are hassling you all the way to carry you and your bags up the stairs. Once its completed I'm sure it will be great, but it was hot and chaotic on the day we were there. you are expected to pay a 150 RMB to the boat upon arrival, but what is not told to you by trip-a-deal, or the boat at the time is the Tour Social Coordinator is expected to be paid another approximately 100 RMB for his/her efforts. We are told she is not part of the boat gratuity, although they were a full ships officer uniform. However, when in Rome......... I say, and enjoy the experience. Be open-minded. I thought it was great. Top up your bar-fridge with the local mart beer or spirits as its cheaper if you want to sit on the balcony on the occasion, and watch the world go by.

Answer

The China Goddess 2 offers a 21-day cruise experience along the Yangtze River with a mix of included and optional upgrades. In general, choosing the standard package with the main dining room and standard balcony room provides a satisfactory experience, especially for those not overly particular about Western-style meals.

Meals:

Buffet breakfasts and other meals are plentiful, with a variety of Chinese dishes. While not “Australian” 5-star standard, there is more than enough to eat.
Upgrades offer slightly better food options and some Western dishes, but the level 2 dining room doesn’t provide these.
Peak times can be busy with local tourists; waiting 15–20 minutes usually resolves crowding as food is continually replenished.

Rooms and Facilities:

Standard balcony rooms are hotel-quality, slightly smaller but adequate.
There is no pool on the ship, despite some brochures suggesting otherwise.
Some cigarette smell may be present on board, which is common in China.

Entertainment and Activities:

On-board entertainment is limited and ends earlier than Western expectations, but guests can create their own fun.
The itinerary typically includes full-day tours, such as the Three Gorges Dam visit, with optional daily excursions.

Boarding and Disembarking:

The funicular to the boat can be hot and crowded; stairs are an option for those physically able.
Disembarkation at Chongqing may be chaotic due to ongoing port construction and local helpers; patience is required.
Gratuities: a 150 RMB fee is expected for the boat, plus approximately 100 RMB for the Tour Social Coordinator, not included in official gratuities.

Tips:

Bring your own drinks from local stores to enjoy on the balcony at a lower cost.
Be open-minded about differences in service and food style; the experience is enjoyable if you adjust expectations.

Overall, the China Goddess 2 provides a comfortable and interesting cruise experience along the Yangtze River, especially for travelers willing to embrace the local style of service, food, and entertainment.

China Goddess 2

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