From Linda Garrison,
Your Guide to Cruises.
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NEW YORK (Dec. 8, 2003) -- Victoria Cruises, the only Western-managed cruise line sailing the Yangtze River in China, has announced the dates for the inaugural sailing of their new state-of-the art vessel, the Victoria Katarina. The ship will sail downstream on Mar. 21, 2004, for an eight-day/seven-night roundtrip itinerary between Chongqing and Yichang. In celebration of the first sailing, special inaugural rates are available through Victoria’s leading tour operators.

The Victoria Katarina, the first of three new sister ships to be designed by Victoria Cruises, is the company’s largest vessel, and features 133 cabins (119 standard rooms, six junior suites, six deluxe suites and two Shangri-la suites) for a passenger capacity of 266. The ship has a double-hull interior as well as spacious cabins with private balconies, bathrooms with a tub and a shower, satellite television with HBO, BBC and Sky Sports from Hong Kong. In addition, the Victoria Katarina is equipped with the latest communications technology (available at an additional cost) including Internet access on-board, instant fax service and cell phones are available for international calls.

"We are excited about the introduction of a ship as technically enhanced and grand as the Victoria Katarina into our fleet," said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruises. "This vessel represents the next generation of luxury ships which will certainly attract additional people to Yangtze River cruising," he added.

After its inaugural sailing, the Victoria Katarina will offer a four-day/three-night downstream itinerary between Chongqing and Yichang and a five-day/four-night upstream itinerary from Yichang to Chongqing. High season (April, May September and October) prices for these two sailings are $820 for a standard cabin, $1,250 for a junior suite, $1,700 for a deluxe suite and $2,150 for a Shangri-la suite. Shoulder season (March, June, July, August, and November) rates are as follows: $775 for a standard cabin, $1,150 for a junior suite, $1,600 for a deluxe suite and $1,950 for a Shangri-la suite. All rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy.

Another enticing itinerary for the Victoria Katarina is the roundtrip eight-day/seven-night sailing, which starts at Chongqing travels to Yichang and returns to Chongqing; with different shore excursions in each direction. High season prices are $1,500 for a standard cabin, $2,200 for a junior suite, $3,000 for a deluxe suite and $3,600 for a Shangri-la suite. Shoulder season rates are as follows: $1,400 for a standard cabin, $2,000 for a junior suite, $2,800 for a deluxe suite and $3,200 for a Shangri-la suite. All rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy.

The Victoria Katarina will boast the same deluxe style and décor of the other vessels in the Victoria fleet from tastefully-appointed cabins and elegant atriums with sparkling chandeliers and gleaming woods to an overall décor throughout of American and European influences with Asian accents.

As with other vessels in the Victoria fleet, the Victoria Katarina will feature a Dynasty Dining Room (for breakfast, lunch and dinner), a beauty salon (for hair-styling, traditional massage, European facial or acupuncture), fitness room, library, gift shop and elegant Yangtze Club for colorful cultural presentations, traditional fashion shows, and the sounds of traditional Chinese music.

The ship is fully licensed by the Chinese government and maintains the highest international safety standards.

Based in New York, Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence for Yangtze River cruising since its inaugural sailing in 1994. Since that time, the number of ships has grown year-by-year, and the company has achieved great success by introducing the majesty of the Yangtze River to travelers worldwide. A U.S.-managed company, Victoria Cruises operates the largest fleet of vessels sustaining international standards of quality and comfort on the Yangtze River.

Highlighted by spectacular scenery including the famed Three Gorges, these river adventures leave an indelible mark in the memories of Victoria’s guests. All cruises feature professional, multi-lingual, Western cruise directors and well-trained local staff; a full range of facilities; excellent cuisine of Chinese specialties with Western selections; standard cabins offering comfortable accommodations as well as luxuriously-appointed suites; interesting lectures on history and culture; live entertainment featuring traditional performing arts; and more.

For more information and a free 34-page brochure (or 10-minute video for travel agents), contact Victoria Cruises at 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; telephone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit the company in cyberspace at www.victoriacruises.com.

Source: Victoria Cruises, December 2003