MICE delegates can now experience the Yangzi onboard the first environmentally friendly boat on the river, thanks to operator Sanctuary Cruising. With a maximum capacity of 124 passengers, The MS Yangzi Explorer will be the smallest boat on the river, when it sets sail on its first voyage on 20th April 2008.

The MS Yangzi is the perfect off-site venue for companies and organisations holding conferences and meetings in China’s major cities. On average, there are almost ten international conferences held in Shanghai each day. Hong Kong has also recently been cited Best MICE City in the 2008 Industry Awards organised by CEI Asia Pacific Magazine.

The ship’s boardroom can be used for formal meetings. Facilities include an LCD projector, white screen, TV, DVD player and flip chart, as well as internet access throughout the boat.

What’s more, whilst aboard, participants will have time to appreciate China’s most famous river, as well as some exciting day excursions to nearby villages and attractions, including the stunning Three Gorges and the renowned Three Gorges Dam.

Incentive activities include on-board Tai Chi, Chinese painting and regional cookery classes, as well as team building activities, such as scavenger hunts and group games.

As The MS Yangzi Explorer will be the smallest boat on the river, it will promise a more intimate cruising experience with international top service standards and a high staff-to-passenger ratio - perfect for meetings and incentives.

Accommodation-wise, The MS Yangzi Explorer will offer one Celestial Suite, one Imperial Suite, one Jade Suite, one Mandarin Suite, 20 Suites and 38 Deluxe cabins. It is worth noting that even The MS Yangzi Explorer’s Deluxe cabins are the same size as other cruise boat’s suites. All accommodation offers private balconies, affording passengers panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.

The MS Yangzi Explorer features the most spacious and indulgent spa on board any vessel on the river. Covering more than 600m? / 6,000ft?, The Yangzi Spa features a state-of-the-art fitness centre, beauty salon, sauna and six treatment rooms.

A team of internationally-trained chefs will design innovative menus featuring both Chinese and western dishes in the ship’s restaurant, which can organise cocktail parties and gala dinners.

The MS Yangzi Explorer will feature environmentally friendly sewage disposal systems, recycling facilities and other measures, which all adhere to Sanctuary Cruising’s ongoing effort to set a global benchmark for sustainable tourism.

Sanctuary Cruising currently has 64 scheduled departures sailing on The MS Yangzi Explorer between April and November 2008. Departure is from Chongqing or Yichang via China’s major cities: Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. There will be two separate itineraries, one sailing upstream and one downstream, which will be four nights/three days and three nights/four days in duration respectively.

——-