Q: Are drinks included in the Yangtze cruise ticket price?

A:

No, drinks are typically not included in the base Yangtze cruise ticket price. Most packages cover meals but exclude alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. You'll pay extra for drinks at the bar or restaurant, similar to many ocean cruises.

On those bumpy Bali fast boats, you're lucky to get a bottled water included. But on Yangtze cruises, the scale is different—think floating hotels with multiple bars, where drink packages are upsold aggressively. The vibe is more resort, but the nickel-and-diming feels familiar.

Always read the fine print. Budget for daily drink expenses, and ask about package deals at boarding. Watch out: "Complimentary" often just means tea and water at meals. Everything else is on your tab.