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Interstellar Cruises: Luxury Yangtze Three Gorges

Interstellar Cruises: Luxury Yangtze Three Gorges

January 5, 2026 / 5:45 PM CST
1 Day 5 Region 2 Country

Formerly known as Century Splendor, the Yangtze Impression was previously named Century Emperor. The Interstellar Athena and Interstellar Apollo are the 6th-generation new cruise ships on the Yangtze River, making their maiden voyage in April 2021

Interstellar Cruises: Luxury Yangtze Three Gorges Cruises from Chongqing

Interstellar Cruises: Luxury Yangtze Three Gorges Cruises from Chongqing

Formerly known as Century Splendor, the Yangtze Impression was previously named Century Emperor. The Interstellar Athena and Interstellar Apollo are the 6th-generation new cruise ships on the Yangtze River, making their maiden voyage in April 2021. Adopting world-advanced shipbuilding technology and concepts, they are safe, environmentally friendly, technologically advanced, and comfortable. The Apollo is equipped with a world-class electric propulsion system, and its double-hulled design ensures navigation safety. With a high-end layout and ancient Greek decorative style, it is hailed as a "collectible treasure" on the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. Offering only two room types, it boasts excellent value for money among new ships. The Interstellar Athena was designed by renowned decorative artists from the China National Academy of Painting, perfectly integrating internal and external spaces with the scenery along the Yangtze River. Cultural and artistic elements are incorporated into every aspect, from public areas to private cabins.

1. Interstellar Cruises Brand Overview

Interstellar Cruises is a high-end cruise brand under Chongqing Yuhong Shipping Co., Ltd. Currently, it operates 5 cruise ships, including the Interstellar Apollo, Interstellar Athena, Interstellar Crystal, Interstellar Navigator, and Yangtze Impression¹. Among them, the Interstellar Athena and Interstellar Apollo, launched in 2021, are the 6th-generation new cruise ships on the Yangtze River. Adopting internationally advanced shipbuilding technology, they are renowned for safety, environmental protection, and technological innovation.

2. Introduction to Main Cruise Ships

Interstellar Athena

  • Features: A 12,000-ton five-star plus cruise ship with a capacity of 650 passengers. Equipped with a double hull, 2 bidirectional vertical elevators, and Greek-style decorations, it is praised as the "Collectible Treasure of the Yangtze River".

  • Facilities: Includes 210 guest rooms (including observation suites), a buffet restaurant, a sky observation bar, a cinema, etc.²

  • Price Reference: Starting from approximately $406 per person for a river-view balcony standard room on August 2026 sailings³. (Price is for reference only, subject to change)

Interstellar Crystal

  • Former Name: Formerly Century Diamond, renovated and re-launched in 2021. With a capacity of 264 passengers, it features a fully open-air lobby and a 360-degree panoramic sun deck.

  • Room Types: Offers rooms from deluxe standard rooms (22.2㎡) to presidential suites, with balconies included in all basic room types.

Interstellar Navigator

  • Routes: Chongqing to Yichang (4 days 3 nights) or Yichang to Chongqing (5 days 4 nights), covering free attractions such as the Three Gorges Dam and Little Three Gorges.

  • Highlights: A fully open-air rotating lobby, European-style integrated bathrooms, and basic room types starting from 25.9㎡⁵.

3. Services & Experiences

  • All-Inclusive Package: The cruise ticket includes accommodation, Chinese and Western buffets, cultural performances, and attraction explanations. Some sailings include a complimentary 1-day Chongqing city tour.

  • Technological Configurations: Adopts noise reduction technology, direct drinking water system, and smart room facilities (such as Kohler bathroom fixtures and Dyson hair dryers).

  • Cultural Features: Nightly performances integrate Sichuan Opera face-changing and Tujia ethnic songs and dances. Some cruise ships offer intangible cultural heritage interactive workshops.

4. 2026 New Updates

  • Summer Promotion for Interstellar Athena: Senior citizens over 70 years old receive an immediate discount of $7.25 per person; "2 Adults, 1 Child Free" policy applies (for children).

  • New Ship Plan: Interstellar Ruge will also be launched in 2026, integrating green ship technology and scheduled to make its maiden voyage in 2027.