From Linda Garrison,
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Victoria Cruises celebrates its 10th anniversary of sailing the Yangtze River in China with its newest river cruise ship the Victoria Katarina. The Victoria Katarina is Victoria's largest Yangtze River ship, with room for 266 passengers in 133 cabins.

The Victoria Katarina has four levels of cabins and suites (119 standard rooms, six junior suites, six deluxe suites and two Shangri-la suites) for a passenger capacity of 266. A standard cabin has over 190 square feet. Junior suites are similar in design to standard cabins but more spacious. Deluxe accommodations feature private living areas; and the luxurious Shangri-la suites boast a dining area and an even larger private balcony.

The launch of the Victoria Katarina marks another milestone – it is the first ship that Victoria Cruises had built, and it features a slightly different design than the other vessels in the fleet. The fourth floor of the ship, where most of the public facilities are located, is larger and more spacious. The change in layout is a result of customer input that Victoria Cruises has gathered over the past 10 years.

The Victoria Katarina is part of Victoria’s new generation of ships, which feature:

• Private balconies in ALL cabins providing guests with ample opportunities for viewing the magnificent Yangtze River scenery (except the Victoria Rose)

• Satellite television in ALL cabins with HBO and BBC broadcasts

• Full bathtubs and showers in all cabins

• More spacious public areas including the fitness room and mini-spa

• Conference facilities on all ships

• Internet access, instant fax services and cell phones for international phone calls

• International English-speaking cruise directors

• Excellent Chinese cuisine with western selections

The Victoria Katarina is air conditioned, including all cabins. The ship is smoke free, except for a small, designated smoking area in the Yangtze Club, as well as on the outside decks and main lobby.

On-board services on the Victoria Katarina include a beauty salon (for hairstyling, massages, facials, or acupuncture), fitness room, mini-spa, library with Internet access, gift shop, and doctor's office. When not exploring ashore, passengers on the Victoria Katarina can take Mandarin lessons, or learn calligraphy or kite-making.

Four- to nine-day intineraries journey downstream or upstream between Chongqing and Shanghai or Chongqing and Yichang. A new eight-day itinerary sails round-trip from Chongqing to Yichang and back, with different shore excursions in each direction.

Check www.victoriacruises.com for exact sailing dates and cruise-only pricing.

Let's take a look at the new Victoria Katarina Yangtze River cruise ship. Pictures are courtesy of Victoria Cruises.

Victoria Katarina - Chinese Artifacts

Victoria Katarina Deluxe Suite Bathroom

Victoria Katarina Deluxe Suite

Victoria Katarina Dynasty Dining Room

Victoria Katarina Exercise Room - Yangtze River Cruise Ship - China Cruises

Victoria Katarina Hallway - Yangtze River Cruise Ship

Victoria Katarina Junior Suite - Yangtze River Cruise Ship - China Cruises

Lobby and Reception Area on the Victoria Katarina Yangtze River Cruise Ship

Victoria Katarina Massage Room - Yangtze River Cruise Ship - China Cruises

Victoria Katarina Meeting Room

Shangri-la Suite on the Victoria Katarina - Yangtze River Cruise Ship - China Cruises

Victoria Katarina Standard Cabin - Yangtze River Cruise Ship

Yangtze Club on the Victoria Katarina - Yangtze River Cruise Ship - China Cruises

Victoria Katarina Exterior View - Yangtze River Cruise Ship - China Cruises

Exterior Close-up of the Victoria Katarina - Yangtze River Cruise Ship - China Cruises

Photos © 2004 Victoria Cruises, Used With Permission

Pictures from cruise tour to China on the Victoria Rose

Victoria Katarina Inaugural Sailing on the Yangtze

Victoria Cruises Revitalizes Fleet with Larger, Upgraded Vessels

More on Cruising China

About Cruises Photo Album-Cruise pictures from around the world.