NEW YORK (May 20, 2002) – An increased interest in traveling to China
combined with its decision last year to expand to year-round departures
has allowed Victoria Cruises, the pre-eminent cruise line sailing China’s
Yangtze River, to grow its fleet to 11 vessels with the addition of the Victoria
VII and the Victoria Empress. "We’ve been fortunate that our business has
continued to increase year after year, allowing us to expand the number of ships
in our fleet on a consistent basis to meet consumer demand and develop a force
in the region for Yangtze River sailings," said Joseph Fields,
international sales manager for Victoria Cruises.
A brand new ship, the Victoria VII has 79 cabins (69 standard rooms, 2 junior
suites, 6 deluxe suites and 2 Shangri-la suites) with a passenger capacity of
158. The Victoria VII started sailing in March. In May, Victoria Cruises
introduced the Victoria Empress, a new ship that was built specifically for
sailing the Yangtze River. With 101 cabins (91 standard rooms, 2 junior suites,
4 deluxe suites, 2 Shangri-la suites and 2 four-berth cabins) for 202
passengers, the Victoria Empress is the largest vessel in the company’s fleet.
This ship measures 85.80 meters long by 14.40 meters wide. All cabins on the
Victoria Empress are spacious and have balconies, providing guests with ample
opportunities for viewing the magnificent scenery along the Yangtze River. Both
vessels will sail on various Yangtze River itineraries on a rotating basis.
The Victoria VII and the Victoria Empress boast the same deluxe style 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.
These two ships have a draft of 2.55 meters. They are specially-designed to
navigate all water conditions, year-round, and sail the entire length of the
Yangtze River between Chongqing and Shanghai. "We will continue to further
grow our fleet by adding the Victoria Queen later this year and the Victoria
Dream in 2003," noted Fields. "The combination of more ships and an
increased number of departures will afford us the opportunity to grow our
business and charter requests in addition to further expanding and diversifying
our product offerings in the future," he added.
Based in New York, Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence
for Yangtze River cruising in 1994 with the inaugural sailing of the Victoria I.
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 (both Western and Chinese specialties);
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
