| A
sister ship of M. S. Yangtze Princess, she had her maiden
voyage in 1992. This 87.2 meters long and 16 meters
wide deluxe cruise ship was the third one ever built
in Wuhan. For a ship that is about 10 years old, she
is still in great shape due to frequent "refits"
and "tune-ups". The accommodations and facilities
were up to a 4 star rating international hotel. She
has 1 Presidential Suites, 3 deluxe suites and 72 standard
cabins, with a total capacity of 152 passengers. Installed
with engines of 2640 h.p., she has a speed of 28 km
per hour in still water.
Many
things worthy of mentioning throughout the ship: the
public areas of the Yangtze Pearl are well laid out
and flow easily from area to the next. The saloon
or reception hall is reasonably large and bright,
where you can find service desk, mini club, shop and
sofas scattered around. This is a great stop once
aboard. There are broad decks to stroll and inviting
corners to settle into. On the spacious observation
deck, you view the passing scenery or simply watch
the water stirred by the paddlewheel as you stretch
back into a comfortable deck chair. Every passenger
cabin faces the river. Presidential or deluxe suites
are distinguished by their locations and larger sizes
and contain an array of special features. The ship??s
corridors display art and photos of scenic spots of
Yangtze River. Dining room is a big one where all
the passengers can be held in single seating, where
experienced chefs will offer an array of specialties
to please every palate.
This
ship accommodate all aspects of advanced modern techniques
with satellite communication device, central air-conditioning,
Circuit TV, video film cinema, etc. For relaxation
and other entertainment purposes, there are sauna,
massage, gym, beauty salon, swimming pool, ballroom,
game room and karaoke.
In
2003, the Yangtze Pearl sails between Yichang and
Chongqing for the first six months and between Shashi
and Chongqing beginning in July.
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