Yangtze Pearl

Construction and historical service

The Yangtze Pearl was built at the Qingshan Shipyard in Wuhan and entered service in 1992. Historically, the ship belonged to the Victoria fleet, operated by Changjiang Overseas Travel Co. Ltd. Its crew numbered 110, and it could accommodate 158 guests. The Chinese river cruise ship operated on the Yangtze. It is 87.2 metres long; its diesel engines produce 2,640 hp, and its top speed is 28 kilometres per hour. A 2006 Transocean Tours programme offered a 16-day voyage aboard the ship from Beijing to Shanghai. The starting price at the time for this river cruise in Asia was €1,799.

Historical cabins and public areas

The historical cabin layout comprised 79 outside cabins: two Presidential Suites, each measuring 88 square metres; four Deluxe Suites, each measuring 34 square metres; and 73 Standard Cabins, each measuring 17 square metres. The Presidential Suites were on Deck 3 and had a king-size bed. The Deluxe Suites on Decks 3 and 4 were furnished with two twin beds. Both suite categories had a separate living area adjoining the bedroom, as well as a bathroom with a bathtub and shower. The Standard Cabins were spread across Decks 2, 3 and 4; they had two twin beds and a shower room.

Reception and the lobby, a shop, a bar and the dining room were on Deck 2. The infirmary and business centre were also located there. Medical care was provided by a doctor on board. On Deck 4, alongside cabins, were the bridge, a massage room and the fitness room. Deck 5 was dedicated to leisure, with an event hall, dance floor, bar, teahouse, card room and reading room.

Other historical public facilities included a banquet hall, a smoking lounge, a library, a children's playroom and a beauty salon. The ship was fully air-conditioned. Entertainment also included a karaoke system. Internet, fax, copying and printing equipment, and television were available for communication and information. Breakfast was served as a buffet featuring Chinese and Western dishes. Chinese dishes were served at the table for lunch and dinner.