The new look Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer has been unveiled by luxury travel specialist Sanctuary Retreats.  Following a comprehensive refurbishment, the boutique ship reflects a contemporary design whilst maintaining local Chinese influences. 

Pieter van der Schee, Global Director Sales & Marketing for Sanctuary Retreats, says 'We're delighted to unveil the new Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer which offers our guests a truly luxurious cruise experience in China. A cruise on the Yangtze River is a real must-do experience as part of a China trip and the new-look Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer offers an authentic and ultimate cruise with unprecedented 1:1 service.”

The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer has 38 deluxe cabins which are the largest entry-level cabins on the river as well as 20 suites and 4 specialty suites.  All cabins and suites have private balconies and the ship offers the highest crew to passenger ratio on the river of 1:1 ensuring the most dedicated and personalized service for passengers.

The new interiors were designed by Premchit Chitrabamrung (Teenie) who was the interior designer for Sanctuary Retreats' luxury all-suite ship Sanctuary Ananda in Myanmar.  Inspiration was taken from the local region which is reflected in the contemporary design.  All decorative items including artwork, cushions and furniture were sourced from local Chinese markets.

The 20 suites and 38 deluxe cabins have been upgraded in a contemporary Chinese style, with artwork, stylish textiles and soft furnishings and 'silver-leaf' wallpaper designs featuring a 'mudan', or peony, which is native to the Yangtze region.  The Celestial and Imperial Suites, which are the largest specialty suites have also been updated reflecting a Colonial Chinese design.  

Cruising along the Yangtze is a wonderful way to experience China.  Sailing alongside beautiful scenery and passing many key sites of China's history offers a real insight into this fascinating country. To enhance this experience still further, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer has a wide range of onboard cultural offerings, including talks about Chinese history and traditions, Tai Chi and Chinese massage as well as the opportunity to learn the art of calligraphy, dumpling making and to take part in the all-important tea ceremony.

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer offers three-night cruises from Chongqing to Yichang and four-night cruises from Yichang to Chongqing bringing guests as close as possible to central China's most captivating landscapes.  Itineraries provide a fascinating insight into history-steeped cities and rural stories to be found along Asia's longest river. 

This summer there is a programme of special sailings including a 4 night Shennongjia itinerary on selected dates in July and August and family summer camp sailings which are also running in July and August with a variety of special child-friendly activities onboard.

The 4 night Shennongjia cruise sails from Yichang to Chongqing and on the second day includes a full day excursion to Shennongjia Nature Reserve, known as the 'Green Pearl' of China.  This ancient forest landscape offers spectacular scenery with steep mountains, flowers, bamboo and vines.  Shennongjia is also home to the iconic golden monkeys which can be spotted in the trees and an additional excursion can be booked to the Golden Monkey Protection and Research Base which is the only place in the world offering an up-close-and-personal interaction with the golden monkeys.

The family friendly summer camp sailings in July and August offers guests travelling with children a host of additional activities onboard led by a dedicated coordinator.  Children can enjoy kite making, mask painting, origami classes, a fun scavenger hunt as well as cooking classes, a pyjama party and talent show.  One child under 12 travels free when sharing with two adults.  These summer camp sailings are on offer throughout July and August.

Prices including the 25% discount early booking offer start at £786 per person, based on two sharing a Main Deck Deluxe Cabin with a space-available upgrade. This is based on travel between 1 June and 7 September 2017 (excluding certain dates), and includes accommodation, all three meals during full sailing days, breakfast on the day of disembarkation; local drinks; entrance fees for the scheduled sightseeing and pre arranged entertainment/on board activities.

For further information visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com

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About Sanctuary Retreats

Sanctuary Retreats' collection of luxury safari lodges and river cruise ships bring the boutique experience to guests with the added promise of authenticity. Each property is completely individual in its design and operated around the philosophy of 'Luxury, naturally'. All have the same aim: to allow guests to have a “real” experience and enjoy a more natural kind of luxury in properties that have a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism. The Sanctuary portfolio includes safari camps and lodges in Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, as well as river cruise ships on the Nile, the Yangtze and in Myanmar.

For more information, please visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com

For UK media enquiries, please contact Nicole Walsh on 0777 1554027 at nwalsh@sanctuaryretreats.com or Sarah Bolam on 07714 337756 at sbolam@sanctuaryretreats.com