Itineraries on China's Yangtze River have become increasingly popular since brand has resumed service
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Century Cruises has recorded a “great surge” in demand for its cruise itineraries on the Yangtze River in China.
The operator, which resumed service with ships filled at 75 per cent capacity on 21 March 2021, has received a “constant stream of bookings and enquiries” for the remainder of this year. The rise in demand has led the brand to publish itineraries for 2022 and 2023.
Highlights of the 2021 season have include a meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions group, which chartered Century Cruises’ ships for around 4,000 passengers over 21 days in early June for a themed event. The group has now signed a charter agreement for similar events that will be attended by more than 7,000 passengers in 2022.
In addition, the first two sailings of Century Cruises’ 15-day enhanced itinerary from Shanghai to Chongqing, Yangtze Panorama, sold out in April and June.
“The feedback from the passengers was overwhelming,” said Century Cruises in a press release. “They enjoyed the exceptional service, freshly made food, new activities and unique daily excursions, but above all, they appreciated the option to get back into the world by sailing on the Yangtze. The relish of being free again to travel made some of our passengers rebook the same cruise again for the November sailing.”
Century Cruises will launch two new ships in 2022, expanding its fleet to 10 vessels. The newbuilds will both be equipped with eco-friendly technologies and electronic propulsion to reduce their impact on the environment. h season is April, May, September and October, with shoulder season the rest of the year.
“The pandemic was a tremendous blow to the worldwide travel business as well as the cruise industry but with the widespread vaccination programmes around the world, it seems that we're coming to the end of the dark tunnel,” said Century Cruises.