Century Paragon

The Century Paragon ship cruises on the Yangtze River, with departures from Beijing and Shanghai. The vessel is owned by the Chinese river travel company Century Cruises, headquartered in Chongqing, China. Century Legend cruise deals can also be booked through European operators such as Avalon Waterways, Viking Cruises, and Uniworld.

Century Cruises operates a fleet of seven luxury ships. Like her sister ships, Century Paragon features numerous technical innovations, modern amenities, and luxurious comfort. This large riverboat offers a wide range of onboard facilities, including a 7-story high atrium, an elegant entertainment lounge, a spacious spa, and many staterooms with private balconies. Highlights include the large indoor swimming pool and spa area with a bar, fitness center, and relaxation lounge. The ship also features an English-speaking crew and offers 24-hour Internet access in the Internet Café. For families, there’s a kids' lounge area called “Children Paradise.” Guests can participate in traditional tai chi sessions and attend informative Three Gorges lectures.

• Passenger decks: 7 (of 7)
• Number of cabin grades: 4
• Total number of cabins: 196 (including 40 Suites and 156 Balcony rooms)
• Sun Deck (Deck 7) – Observation lounge with bar and deck chairs, Game Room, Kids’ Play Area (Children Garden), Fitness Center, Library, VIP Restaurant (with 2 kitchens), Executive Suites (11x, category ES)
• Observation Deck (Deck 6) – Large Multi-Function Lounge (with reserved seating for evening shows, bar, and observation area), Spacious Reception Area, Executive Suites (23x)
• Bridge Deck (Deck 5) – Navigation Bridge, 2 Souvenir Shops, Junior Suites (2x), Deluxe Staterooms (62x, category DS)
• Promenade Deck (Deck 4) – 2 Boutique Shops, Accommodations: Presidential Suites (2x, category PS), Junior Suites (2x), Deluxe Cabins (62x)
• Upper Deck (Deck 3) – Main Dining Room, Guest Services, Deluxe Staterooms (32x)
• Main Deck (Deck 2) – 2 Card Rooms, Laundry, Medical Center, Deluxe Cabins (8x)
• Lower Deck (Deck 1) – 7-deck high Atrium, 2 Elevators, Cinema, Spa & Massage Center, Large Indoor Swimming Pool
• Amenities – English-speaking staff and crew, Wi-Fi access, 7-story atrium, 24-hour laundry service, 24-hour room service, Cruise Tour Director
• Among the technical and design enhancements are the advanced propulsion system, large atrium, expansive indoor swimming pool (the first of its kind on a riverboat), and a column-free entertainment lounge. The propulsion system minimizes vibrations and reduces emissions. The pool is located on the lowest deck, allowing for larger dimensions. The atrium is reminiscent of those found on ocean-going cruise ships. The multipurpose lounge, located on Deck 6, serves as a theater for evening entertainment and benefits from a unique design that eliminates the need for support columns.

When booking the Century Paragon Yangtze cruise through Avalon Waterways (Globus–Avalon Waterways partnership), packages may include USA–China–USA flight deals with discounted airfare and complimentary airport transfers.

Century Paragon itineraries

11-DAY "MAGICAL CHINA AND YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE" FROM BEIJING TO SHANGHAI

• This itinerary features a 3-night Yangtze River cruise. It begins with a UK flight to Beijing, China, including a 3-night hotel stay. Days 2 and 3 include guided tours in Beijing, covering the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Great Wall, Ming Tombs, a Peking Opera performance, and a welcome dinner.
• On Day 4, you'll fly from Beijing to Xi’an for guided tours, including a hutong tour via rickshaw and a special dinner show. Day 5 in Xi’an features visits to the Terracotta Warriors site, a lacquer workshop, and Dayan Pagoda. On Day 6, you'll fly from Xi’an to Chongqing to embark the ship, with a visit to the local panda zoo.
• Sailing segment: In Shibaozhai, a walking tour is included along with a welcome party featuring crew performances. Day 8 explores the famed Yangtze Gorges—Qutang, Wu, and Shennong Stream—via small boat excursions. The day concludes with the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Day 9 includes visits to the Three Gorges Dam, Xiling Gorge, and Yichang for disembarkation, followed by a charter flight to Shanghai.
• On Day 10, during the 1-night hotel stay in Shanghai, guests will explore The Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, a silk factory, the City Museum, and enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show.

Century Paragon YANGTZE CRUISE deal inclusions

• All meals – Daily American breakfast, with a total of 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners (including a welcome dinner in Beijing and farewell dinner in Shanghai). Complimentary coffee/tea, à la carte dining, and regional wines, beer, and soft drinks served at dinner.
• Accommodations – Hotel stays in Shanghai (Fairmont Peace Hotel), Xi’an (Hilton), and Beijing (Fairmont), plus a Deluxe Balcony Stateroom (with twin beds) onboard Century Paragon.
• All guided tours and excursions, including personal headsets and local expert guides.
• Onboard entertainment provided by the crew and guest performers.
• Century Paragon cruise packages are all-inclusive, covering all transfers to and from the ship, gratuities, port charges, airport taxes, door-to-door transfer service to the departure airport, and UK–China flights (from London Heathrow). Regional flight departures are available at a supplement.

Century Paragon cabins

• Amenities include: two twin beds (convertible to a queen), floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a private balcony, bathroom with shower/tub, bathrobes, slippers, living area with sofa, coffee table, vanity desk, Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, deluxe pillow menu, hairdryer, satellite flat-screen TV, safe, complimentary bottled water, and individual climate control. Occupancy: 2 guests per room.
• 2x Presidential Suites – 1140 ft² / 106 m² (balcony: 30 m²)
• 34x Executive Suites – 415 ft² / 38.5 m² (balcony: 3.6 m²)
• 4x Junior Suites – 323 ft² / 30 m² (balcony: 4.3 m²)
• 156x Deluxe Staterooms – 300 ft² / 28 m² (balcony: 2.8 m²)

Note: For a full list of all river cruise ships and riverboats, visit the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and their fleets are listed.