Journey from Chongqing to Zhangjiajie

Do I need to book the ship upfront? Will it be available if I only book for it when the time I reach Chongqing as I am unable to confirm on the actual date to arrive in Chongqing?

Can I get to Zhangjiajie from Yichang? Any Idea how to get there from Yichang? Possible to visit in Zhangjiajie on our own instead of join the local group?

Looking forward to your kind advise and thanks in advance.