Chinese cruise operator Hubei Oriental Royal Tourist Boat has taken delivery of its new luxury vessel, the YANGTSZE RIVER EXPLORER, constructed by Yichang Xinhui Shipbuilding, according to the company’s release.The vessel, launched in 2025, is classed by the China Classification Society and meets the standards required for operation on the Yangtze River, including navigation through the Three Gorges Dam ship lift. The ship features 74 suites sized from 31 m² to 105 m², a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio, and four restaurants serving both Chinese and Western cuisine.Onboard amenities include wellness facilities, entertainment programs, and private balconies for all suites.The vessel will operate on routes that include the Three Gorges region and excursions to the Shennongjia Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Hubei Oriental Royal Tourist Boat is a river cruise operator founded in 1994 and based in Hubei province, specializing in luxury cruises along the Yangtze River.Yichang Xinhui Shipbuilding is a shipbuilder located in Yichang, Hubei province. It produces vessels designed for China’s inland waterways.
Source: Portnews
If something different from the large “cattle wagons” is more your style, here is something for you:
This is a new feature offered by Hurtigruten Expedition cruises.
Hurtigruten Coastal Service is calling at many small places along the Norwegian coast year around.
PS> In autumn and spring the Hurtigruten and Havila vessels on the Coastal Service call at Urke. a small village across the Hjørundfjord from Sæbø.
Heaven forbid the passengers have to associate with the unwashed peons (I was one of them last year) on the 45-minute ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger. The horror!
It was a tradition for Captain Dag to stop to buy shrimp from Nevlunghavn, and he was the only one who knew the fjord well enough to manoeuvre such a large ship into the harbour, says Telemarksavisa.
[quote] Expansion of small-ship, expedition-style cruising
Mystic has already carved a niche with smaller, more intimate ships that offer personalised service, access to off-the-beaten-track ports, and immersive experiences in remote or challenging environments.
With the new build programme, the company may expand or reimagine this model possibly with larger ships, improved amenities, or better fuel efficiency while preserving the sense of exclusivity and adventure.
This could translate into a stronger, broader market for expedition cruises: travellers seeking more than mass-market cruise lines, looking instead for sustainability, comfort, and authentic experiences and operators able to respond with modern, green vessels.
