When you have spent more than three decades chronicling the world’s oceans and waterways, finding an entirely fresh horizon is rare. As Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Porthole Cruise and Travel, Bill Panoff has seen nearly every corner of the cruise world—except the legendary waters of China. This fall, Bill embarks on his maiden journey along the Yangtze River aboard Century Cruises. Before he casts off to explore the dramatic Three Gorges, sample authentic Sichuan hotpot, and experience our hospitality firsthand, we sat down with him to discuss what he’s most curious to uncover.
1. Bill, you’ve spent much of your career exploring the world of cruising. What made you say yes to this trip to China with Century Cruises?
Someone offered to show me a part of the cruising world I haven’t seen, and I’ve never been good at saying no to that. After 30-plus years of telling Porthole readers where to go, it seemed fair that someone finally told me where to go. Nicely, for once.
2. If this is indeed your first river cruise, what are you most curious to experience?
For the record, it’s not my first river cruise, but it’s my first in China. I’m curious how the Yangtze compares with the other rivers I’ve sailed. And I already know what I’ll be doing by day two: interviewing the captain. Old habits die hard.
3. You know ocean cruising extremely well. How do you imagine life on the Yangtze River will compare with the ocean cruise experience you know so well?
On the ocean, the ship is the destination. On a river, the scenery is the show, and on the Yangtze that show includes gorges, cliffs and a dam so big it has its own visitor center. Same slow, intimate rhythm I love about river cruising, with the volume turned way up.
4. When you think about China, what comes to mind, and what are you hoping to discover or experience for yourself during this journey?
Scale: thousands of years of history, enormous cities, one of the longest rivers on earth. I’ve spent decades watching China become a major force in the cruise world, and I’ve always wanted to see where so many of those travelers come from. What I’m really hoping for is the small moments, like a local market or a meal where nobody shares a language but everyone agrees it’s delicious.
5. Looking at the itinerary, which destination, attraction, or experience are you most looking forward to—and why?
The Three Gorges. I’ve seen the pictures my whole career, and I want to know if the real thing beats the postcards. Sailing through the dam’s locks is a close second. I’ll try to act cool about it. I will fail.
6. As a former cruise director and someone who understands the guest experience from the inside, what will you be particularly interested in seeing in the way the Century Cruises onboard team welcomes and looks after its guests?
Once a cruise director, always a cruise director. I’ll be watching the little things: whether they remember your name on day two, and how they handle a tricky guest request. Anyone can run a good day; I want to see how a team handles a complicated one. I’ll also be judging trivia night. Professionally.
7. What are your expectations of Century Cruises—from the ship itself and the accommodations to the food, service, entertainment, and overall onboard experience?
I’ve heard great things, so the bar is high, which is how I like it. Comfortable cabins, warm service, food that celebrates the region, and entertainment that teaches me something about China. Keep the coffee coming and they’ll have a convert.
8. Are there any Chinese dishes, cultural experiences, or local traditions that you are especially interested in trying or experiencing?
Sichuan hotpot, peppercorns and all, since my taste buds have signed the waiver. I’d also love a proper tea ceremony, some sunrise tai chi on deck (gentle exercise is my specialty), and a dumpling-making class. Mine will be ugly but edible. Mostly.
9. Before traveling, are there any questions, expectations, or uncertainties you have about visiting China or cruising the Yangtze that you think your readers and followers might share?
How easy is it to get around without Mandarin? What’s the visa process really like? How do you stay connected over there? And how do excursions in China compare with other rivers and ports? I want to come back with real answers, not guesses.
10. Finally, when we sit down and speak again after the trip, what do you hope you will be able to tell us about your experience with Century Cruises and your journey through China?
That I was surprised. That I found a meal I can’t stop thinking about, a view my camera couldn’t do justice to, and a crew member I’ll remember for years. And that I’m already planning the next one.
About Bill Panoff: Bill Panoff is a cruise and travel expert and the founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise and Travel magazine. He began his career as a cruise ship entertainer and cruise director before moving into publishing. Drawing on decades of experience at sea, he shares insights into cruise ships, destinations and travel experiences worldwide.
