World Spree Offers 12-Day Air-Inclusive Middle Kingdom Tour of China Priced from $1,299

China © 2016 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Bellevue, WA – World Spree is putting the fascinating destination of China within reach with a 12-day Middle Kingdom tour priced from $1,299 that includes round-trip transpacific air fare, all transportation in China, 4-star deluxe hotels, daily American buffet breakfast, two delicious Chinese lunches, optional culinary events, evening shows, guides, sightseeing and entrance fees, baggage handling, taxes and fuel surcharges (prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to availability).

The tour also offers the flexibility of independent travel: While all the “must-sees” are included, other possibilities are optional.

The journey starts in Beijing, where you’ll see stunning modern architecture and Tiananmen Square, as well as imperial treasures like the legendary Great Wall of China, the Sacred Way of Ming Tombs and the 9,999-room Forbidden City (from which 24 emperors ruled the “Middle Kingdom”).

Optional features include a Peking duck dinner and a visit to Old Beijing’s winding alleys called “hutongs,” where you can enjoy lunch in a family’s courtyard home. In the ancient capital, Xian, you’ll visit China’s greatest archaeological discovery, the 6,000 Terracotta Warriors which guarded the first emperor’s tomb for 2,200 years.  And there’s an optional tour (with dinner) to the intriguing Muslim Quarter and night market.

Then it’s on to Shanghai, China’s most sophisticated and cosmopolitan city. Here there’s time to explore the city and its shops on your own, or take an optional tour (with lunch and dinner) that includes the 16^th-century city bazaar; the Bund,

symbol of colonial Shanghai; the futuristic Pudong,  which you’ll view from the top of a skyscraper;  and a performance of the Shanghai Acrobats.

Another day there’s an optional tour by motor coach to Suzhou, a 2,500-year-old city known for its traditional gardens, ancient canals and silk production, and to the charming water town of Tongli with its photogenic canals and bridges, cobbled lanes and Ming-style houses and shops.

On the final day, there’s an optional  excursion (by bullet train) to Hangzhou, arguably China’s most beautiful city, with a cruise on the picturesque West Lake, lunch, and a visit to the famous Dragon Well Tea Plantation for a Chinese Tea Ceremony and tasting.

For more information, log onto www.worldspree.com, click “Destinations” and then “China” on the drop-down menu.  China Spree’s toll-free telephone number is 1-866-652-5656.

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Redesigned Victoria Jenna Sails China’s Yangtze

NEW YORK – Having upgraded and transformed its entire fleet – including  the complete overhaul of the Victoria Katarina on two separate occasions in 2010 and 2014 – Victoria Cruises (www.VictoriaCruises.com) is celebrating its latest renovated ship, the Victoria Jenna, after its first major renovation since its launch in late 2009. The six-year-old ship benefits from a complete redesign featuring motifs of modern elegance and a brand new appearance intended to bring the vessel up to speed with the rest of Victoria Cruises’ five-star fleet.

Victoria Cruises retained the same New York-based interior design firm used for its other fleet renovations. As an American-managed company adhering to the strictest Western standards, Victoria Cruises goes to exceptional lengths to ensure the safety, comfort and performance of its vessels exceed the expectation of discerning American and European travelers.

Like its sister ships, all staterooms aboard the Victoria Jenna feature a private balcony from which guests can view the mist-shrouded Yangtze River and the optional Luxury Amenities program is also available for travelers seeking the ultimate experience.

VIP perks provided via the Luxury Amenities add-on include personalized “white glove” service, upper deck placement, access to exclusive ship areas, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, exclusive happy hour, and enhanced culinary privileges capitalizing on Victoria Cruises’ reputation for gastronomic excellence including a la carte service and wine and beer with dinner.

“Since the launch of the Victoria Jenna in 2009, the vessel has been surpassed by our own innovations as we’ve modernized the rest of our fleet one ship at a time,” said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruises.

“This is a particularly meaningful milestone for us as we’ve restored the six-year-old vessel’s position as the flagship at the forefront of our elegant, five-star fleet. It also signifies the completion of the extensive fleet-wide redesign we began in 2010,” noted Greenman.

The Victoria Jenna rejoined the fleet on April 11 for Victoria Cruises’ popular Three Gorges Highlights program between Chongqing and Yichang which it will continue to sail with twice weekly departures on Mondays and Thursdays.

Starting at $980 per person, based on double occupancy, the Three Gorges Highlights voyage is offered with three- and four-night options (based on river direction), encompassing views of centuries-old temples, pagodas and stone carvings nestled along the river.

A standard shore excursion package is available for $90 per person and includes tours of Shibaozhai’s famous red pagoda and the Three Gorges Dam as well as a scenic journey on a traditional sampan through Goddess Stream, surrounded by beautiful peaks and teeming with local wildlife from monkeys to mountain goats. Excursions may be substituted based on river conditions and other factors.

The Victoria Jenna is featured in tour packages offered by leading U.S. operators combining the charm and mystique of the Yangtze River with segments in historical Beijing, cosmopolitan Shanghai, the ancient Qin Dynasty capital city of Xi’an and other alluring destinations within China.

New York-based Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence for sailing China’s Yangtze River when its first ship edged out of port in 1994. Victoria Cruises remains the service leader on the Yangtze River with each ship earning the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourism Administration. Victoria Cruises has earned numerous awards and recognitions over the years including the 2011 TravelAge West WAVE Award Editor’s Pick for Best River Cruise Line as well as Best New River Cruise Ship in 2010 with the launch of the luxurious Victoria Jenna.  In that same year, Travel Weekly also selected the Victoria Jenna as a Silver Award Winner for the Magellan Awards’ River Cruise Ship category.  The cruise line operates a variety of itineraries on the Yangtze ranging from four to nine days.

For more information and a free color brochure or promotional DVD, contact Victoria Cruises at 136-18 39th Avenue, 12th Floor, Flushing, NY 11354; phone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889; e-mail contact@victoriacruises.com or visit http://www.victoriacruises.com.

 

 

 

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Pacific Delight Waives JFK Add-On for NYC Departures of Japan & China Tours

Pacific Delight Tours is waiving its $200 per person NYC add-on fee for JFK departures for its 10-day Highlights of Japan & China Escapade Experience on bookings received by May 31.

NEW YORK, NY– The Orient just became a little closer for New York City residents as Pacific Delight Tours (http://www.PacificDelightTours.com) is waiving its $200 per person NYC add-on fee for JFK departures for its 10-day Highlights of Japan & China Escapade Experience on bookings received by May 31 (excludes Aug. 10 and Dec. 7 departures). Additionally, travelers who book departures Oct. 12 – Nov. 9, 2016, will receive an extra $100 per person discount.

After the promotional discounts, the program starts at $4,099 per person (reflective of all discounts factored into the price).

The Japan segment of the program takes guests on a scenic journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, stopping along the way to view amazing vistas from the vantage point of Mount Fuji (pictured right).

Passengers will also be treated to three nights in Beijing, where they will observe historical treasures including the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace.

Accommodations for the 10-day Highlights of Japan & China Escapade Experience may include the New Otani Garden Tower Hotel in Tokyo, Kyoto New Miyako Hotel and Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall. Pacific Delight reserves the right to substitute for similar accommodations at its discretion.

Air-inclusive pricing is based on travel from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and also includes all intra-Asia air and land transportation, cultural activities and performances, meals as per the itinerary, taxes, fees and the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.

For 45 years, Pacific Delight Tours has been America’s leading tour operator to China and Asia. Among numerous industry awards, the luxury tour operator is a proud winner of the TravelAge West WAVE Award from 2008–2016, the 2009 Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Award, and the 2016 Travvy Award from travAlliancemedia for Best Vacation Packager – Pacific Asia. The company is also a proud member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

Pacific Delight remains dedicated to providing unparalleled luxury vacation experiences for its discerning clientele. Its long-standing reputation within the travel agent community is a testament to its unrivaled quality assurance, extensive expertise and top-notch customer service.

For more information, consult your local travel agent, contact Pacific Delight Tours at 800-221-7179, or visit www.PacificDelightTours.com.

 

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Victoria Offers Up to 52% Off Winter Yangtze Cruises Through Heart of China

Entertainment aboard Victoria Cruises.

NEW YORK, NY  – Victoria Cruises, the only American-managed luxury cruise line on China’s Yangtze River, is offering guests up to 52% savings this winter. Private balcony superior staterooms for the popular three-or-four-night sail between Chongqing and Yichang starts at $470 per person, based on double occupancy, in January and February 2016, representing a savings of $510 per person.

Passengers can upgrade to a private balcony Superior Stateroom with Luxury Amenities for $670 per person, based on double occupancy, also a savings of $510 per person. Luxury Amenities include VIP perks such as “white glove” service, access to exclusive ship areas, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access and enhanced dining privileges.

By booking the Shangri-La Suite from $1,510 per person, based on double occupancy, guests will receive more spacious accommodations with Luxury Amenities, saving $1,050 per person.

Winter special sailings will sail downstream on Thursdays and upstream on Sundays.  Offering a truly spectacular way to celebrate the Chinese New Year, Victoria Cruises is also offering additional special sailings with downstream departures on Feb. 8 and 9, 2016 and upstream departures on Feb. 11 and 12, 2016 with an additional surcharge of $200 per person, based on double occupancy.

Departing from Chongqing guests will sail to Shibaozhai, known as “The Pearl of the Yangtze,” where they will observe a 12-story, 18^th century wooden pagoda built without the use of a single nail. Passengers will also enjoy an educational tour of the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world, and a small boat excursion on a traditional sampan along one of the Yangtze’s scenic tributaries.

Shore excursions are not included and cost an additional $90 per person for a comprehensive package featuring three standard excursions (may be substituted based on river conditions and other factors).

Victoria Cruises offers many interesting onboard activities such as Tai Chi lessons, acupuncture demonstrations and discussions on the Yangtze’s history. Nightly entertainment options include traditional Chinese dance and musical performances.

Already earning high marks from passengers, Victoria’s dining has introduced new culinary concepts and menus thanks to the addition of award-winning American celebrity chef Walter Staib. The culinary program for the winter special was designed by Staib and includes both western dishes and a la carte dining.

Chef Staib recently won a 2015 Emmy© Award for his Yangtze River episode of PBS’s A Taste of History,filmed aboard one of the Victoria Cruises five-star ships.

All prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplements are available. Itineraries are subject to change based on river conditions.

For more information or to book, or for a list of tour operators which include the Yangtze River in their value-priced winter programs, contact Victoria Cruises toll-free at 800-348-8084 or visit www.VictoriaCruises.com.

 

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Victoria Cruises Offering 50% Early Bird Savings on Yangtze River Sailings

Victoria Cruises offers nightly entertainment options including traditional Chinese dance and musical performances.

With two weeks of Chinese New Year celebrations kicking off on February 19, Victoria Cruises (http://www.VictoriaCruises.com) is now offering a 2-for-1 discount on its popular Three Gorges Highlights program and 40% off the comprehensive Grand Yangtze Discovery program for new bookings received by March 31, 2015 for travel anytime throughout 2015.

Travelers embarking on the Three Gorges Highlights program will enjoy 2-for-1 pricing at $880 per couple, based on double occupancy, for a private balcony Superior Stateroom while discounted rates for the Grand Yangtze Discovery program will begin at $966 per person, based on double occupancy, for a superior stateroom with private balcony (a savings of $644 per person).

In order to qualify for the discount, travelers must book the shore excursion package which is also offering 2-for-1 rates for the Three Gorges Highlights itinerary and 40% off the Grand Yangtze Discovery program.

Victoria Cruises’ popular Three Gorges Highlights journey sails upstream from Yichang to Chongqing (five days/four nights) as well as downstream from Chongqing to Yichang (four days/three nights) on lavish five-star vessels.

The Three Gorges Highlights shore excursion package starts at $90 per couple (inclusive of the 2-for-1 discount) and includes tours of Shibaozhai’s famous red pagoda and the Three Gorges Dam as well as a scenic journey on a traditional sampan through Goddess Stream, surrounded by beautiful peaks and teeming with local wildlife from monkeys to mountain goats (may be substituted with Shennong Stream, based on river conditions).

Passengers can also opt to sail the full navigable length of the river between Chongqing and Shanghai with Victoria Cruises’ eight-night upstream or six-night downstream Grand Yangtze Discovery program.  The expanded sailing encompasses all the highlights of the three- and four-night cruises with additional shore excursions east of Yichang, including cultural Wuhan, scenic Jiuhuashan (Mountain of Nine Lotuses) and bustling Nanjing, where passengers will visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.

Discounted rates for the Grand Yangtze Discovery program in a private balcony Superior Stateroom start at $966 per person, based on double occupancy – a savings of $644 – while the discounted excursion package costs $144 per person, a savings of $96.  The Grand Yangtze Discovery program will not operate in June, July or August.

Travelers seeking the ultimate experience can enhance their trip with Victoria Cruises’ Executive Amenities program which features VIP perks such as “white glove” service, access to exclusive ship areas, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, enhanced dining privileges, shoe shine service and reserved seating for evening entertainment (must be reserved in advance).

Throughout their time on the Yangtze River, passengers can participate in exciting onboard activities such as Tai Chi lessons, demonstrations of acupuncture/acupressure and discussions on the Yangtze’s history.  Nightly entertainment options include traditional Chinese dance and musical performances.

Victoria Cruises’ Early Bird discounts are valid for new bookings received by March 31, 2015 for travel throughout 2015.  The discount is applicable for bookings in twin-bedded Superior Staterooms only, when booked in conjunction with the shore excursions package.  All quoted prices are per person, based on double occupancy.

For more information or to book, contact Victoria Cruises toll-free at 800-348-8084 or visit www.VictoriaCruises.com.

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Save Up to 50% Off Winter 2015 Yangtze River Sailings with Victoria Cruises

Highlights of Victoria Cruises’ onboard experience include cultural entertainment featuring traditional Chinese costumes

Victoria Cruises (http://www.VictoriaCruises.com) is kicking off 2015 by offering steep winter discounts on its popular four- and five-day Three Gorges Highlights program throughout January and February 2015.  Reduced rates will start at $470 per person, based on double occupancy, for a superior stateroom with private balcony – a savings of $510 per person.

Passengers can book superior staterooms featuring Victoria Cruises’ Executive Amenities from $670 per person, based on double occupancy.  Executive Amenities offer VIP perks such as “white glove” service, access to exclusive ship areas, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, enhanced dining privileges, shoe shine service and reserved seating for evening entertainment.

Victoria Cruises’ Executive Suites, which feature upgraded accommodations and ship placement along with the Executive Amenities previously mentioned, start at $870 per person, based on double occupancy – a savings of $720 per person.

Guests can also cruise in complete luxury by booking the Shangri-La Suite to enjoy even more spacious accommodations with VIP Executive Amenities from $1,510 per person, based on double occupancy – a savings of $1,050 per person.

For a truly spectacular experience, spend Chinese New Year’s onboard with Victoria Cruises’ special holiday with downstream departures on Feb. 19 and 20 and upstream departures on Feb. 22 and 23 with an additional surcharge of $200 per person, based on double occupancy.

Victoria Cruises’ steeply-discounted Three Gorges Highlights winter special sails upstream from Yichang to Chongqing (five days/four nights) as well as downstream from Chongqing to Yichang (four days/three nights) on Victoria Cruises’ lavish five-star vessels.

In addition to spectacular views of centuries-old pagodas nestled along the Yangtze and a scenic passage through the famous Three Gorges, a one-time shore excursion fee of $90 per person (inclusive of all standard excursions) provides travelers with additional experiences including an educational visit to the impressive Three Gorges Dam, a sampan experience along one of the Yangtze’s tranquil tributaries and a trip to Shibaozhai, often referred to as “The Pearl of the Yangtze,” a 12-story wooden pagoda located between Chongqing and Qutang Gorge in Zhong County (may be replaced with a trip to Fengdu, based on weather conditions).

Passengers can also participate in exciting onboard activities such as Tai Chilessons, demonstrations of acupuncture/acupressure and discussions on the Yangtze’s history.  Nightly entertainment options include traditional Chinese dance and musical performances (pictured below).

All prices are per person, based on double occupancy.  Single supplements are available.  Itineraries are subject to change based on river conditions.

For more information or to book, or for a list of tour operators which include the Yangtze River in their value-priced winter programs, contact Victoria Cruises toll-free at 800-348-8084 or visit www.VictoriaCruises.com.

 

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China Spree Offers Air-Inclusive 9-Day Trip to Beijing, Shanghai for $999

China Spree has put together an air-inclusive 9-day trip to China’s two greatest cities—Beijing and Shanghai—for just $999 in January (the price is a bit higher at other times).

The really good news is that the $999 includes roundtrip flights from San Francisco or Los Angeles, all transfers and transportation in China, deluxe hotels, daily American buffet breakfast, three lunches, escorted sightseeing in both cities, professional guides in both cities, and baggage handling throughout.

Beijing, full of imperial treasures, has been China’s capital since the 15^th century, while cosmopolitan Shanghai, once called the “Paris of the East,” is China’s cultural and financial center.

In Beijing the tour visits Tiananmen Square; the Forbidden City, a 9,999-room palace where 24 emperors ruled; the Temple of Heaven; the idyllic Summer Palace imperial garden and Marble Boat; the Sacred Way of Ming Tombs; and China’s most famous monument, the Great Wall. There’s also an optional excursion offered: a rickshaw ride through Old Beijing’s hutongs, or traditional alleys, with lunch in a family’s courtyard home, a tour of Beihai Park and its lovely lake, and a special Peking Duck dinner.

Then it’s on to Shanghai, China’s most sophisticated and dynamic city, to see the colonial-era riverside Bund; the futuristic Pudong area and the view from the Oriental Pearl Tower; and the Shanghai Municipal Wax Museum to learn the history of this magnificent city. Here there are three optional tours: dinner and the Shanghai Acrobatics Show; a day-long excursion to Suzhou, known for its traditional gardens and ancient canals, and the charming little water town of Tongli; and a day tour of Shanghai sites such as the Yu Garden Bazaar and the Shanghai Museum, with dinner and an evening cruise on the Huangpu River.

The hotels China Spree has chosen for this budget package are amazing. The Traders Hotel Beijing by Shangri-La—a stunning hotel with quality amenities, two restaurants, a bar, and fitness center—is adjacent to the China World Trade Center with an upscale shopping mall and a metro station. The Crowne Plaza Shanghai, located in the famous French Concession, has spacious rooms with luxurious bedding, WiFi, satellite TV and 24-hour room service.

All prices are cash-only, are per person double occupancy, and are subject to availability. The price from Houston is $50 higher, from New York $100 higher, and add-on air fares are available from many other cities.

For more detailed information about “A Tale of China’s Two Great Cities, Beijing & Shanghai,” log onto www.chinaspree.com and click “China Tours,” then “Specials.” China Spree’s toll-free telephone number is 1-866-652-5656.

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Pacific Delight Celebrates ‘Wave Award’ with Air-Inclusive Departures to China from LAX, SFO for $2499

Eric Oborski, president of Pacific Delight Tours

Pacific Delight Tours is celebrating winning the 2014 TravelAge West WAVE Award Editors’ Pick for Best Tour Operator in Asia by offering an air-inclusive option for its eight-night China Impressions Silver Experience program from $2,499 per person, double occupancy, based on departures from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two passengers.

Travelers begin their journey in Beijing, China’s capital and cultural center, where the requisite stops at the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City will be supplemented by additional sightseeing at the elegant Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting the world’s largest imperial garden.

In Xi’an, guests will be treated to an awe-inspiring view of the Terra Cotta Warriors, an impressive army of more than 8,000 life-sized statues buried for over 2,200 years guarding the city-sized mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

The program culminates in Shanghai, where highlights include Yu Garden and Old Town, the city’s colonial European past at The Bund, and a renowned silk carpet factory.

Pacific Delight’s China Impressions itinerary features deluxe accommodations from the Grand New World Hotel in Xi’an to conveniently located Marriott properties in Beijing and Shanghai.

The air-inclusive China Impressions Silver Experience program starts at $2,499 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes transpacific air from Los Angeles or San Francisco via Air China or China Eastern Airlines; intra-China flights; fuel surcharges; taxes and fees; meals; and the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.

Contact Pacific Delight Tours at 800-221-7179 or visit www.pacificdelighttours.com for more information or to book.

Award Winning Tour Company

The TravelAge West WAVE Award Editors’ Pick for Best Tour Operator in Asia honor is given each year to America’s leading luxury tour operators servicing China and Asia.  Pacific Delight Tours, which has been a leading tour operator to China and Asia for 43 years, has won the award for the last seven consecutive years.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized with this prestigious award for the past seven years.  It is our customer service and product development teams who deserve the credit for all of their hard work behind the scenes to ensure a memorable vacation experience that keeps clients returning for more,” said Eric Oborski, president of Pacific Delight Tours.

In addition to winning the TravelAge West WAVE Award from 2008-2014, Pacific Delight Tours has received the 2009 Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Award, and the 2008, 2009 and 2012 travAlliancemedia Leisure Travel Leadersreaders’ choice awards for Best Tour Operator in Asia.  The company is also a proud member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

Reservations, brochures and information can be obtained from travel agents and Pacific Delight Tours, telephone: (800) 221-7179 or (212) 818-1781; website: www.PacificDelightTours.com.

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Victoria Cruises Offers Cultural Visit to Modern ‘Fengdu’ Settlement Village on Yangtze

Passengers on Victoria Cruises’ Yangtze River Cruise in China visiting the Fengdu settlement village will observe an old stone mill (pictured right) dating back to the Jin Dynasty, which is still used to grind rice, wheat, beans and other grains into flour.

Luxury river cruise pioneers on China’s Yangtze, Victoria Cruises is replacing its regularly offered “Ghost City” shore excursion to Fengdu’s Mingshan Hill with a cultural visit to the city’s modern settlement village located on the southern bank of the river.  The development is in response to passenger feedback regarding the number of stairs one must ascend to climb Mingshan Hill (a formerly available cable car is no longer operational) as well as an overall indication of travelers’ preference for cultural activities.

“Our passengers enjoy the scenic beauty of the Three Gorges and our tributary excursions, but feedback indicates that experiences which incorporate strong cultural elements tend to score highest,” said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruises.

“The modern settlement town provides full cultural immersion as guests will have the opportunity to meet local villagers and learn about their daily activities and way of life,” said Greenman, noting that many traditional practices are still in place, offering travelers a glimpse into the past and an appreciation for some of the time-tested methods that have been central to Chinese culture for centuries.

For example, visitors will observe an old stone mill dating back to the Jin Dynasty, which is still used to grind rice, wheat, beans and other grains into flour.

Passengers will enjoy spectacular views of the Yangtze throughout the drive through town, before stopping at the home of a local farmer who will discuss his life experiences with participants.  Guests will have an opportunity to stop in town to visit some shops and the local market before returning to their cruise ship.

The Fengdu shore excursion costs $42 per person, however, Victoria Cruises recommends that passengers purchase its standard excursion package, which is available for $90 per person for departures of its Three Gorges Highlights itinerary. The comprehensive package includes the modern settlement village along with an educational tour of the Three Gorges Dam and a tranquil journey via traditional sampan along one of the Yangtze’s scenic tributaries – representing a total cost savings of $63 per person.

The excursion package, as well as an assortment of additional optional add-on excursions such as White Emperor City or Tribe of the Three Gorges, can be purchased at the time of booking and are fully commissionable, providing travel agents with opportunities to increase their revenue on each sale. Optional excursions can also be purchased onboard.

For more information and a free color brochure or promotional DVD, contact Victoria Cruises at 136-18 39th Avenue, 12th Floor, Flushing, NY 11354; phone 800-348-8084, 212-818-1680.  Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit www.victoriacruises.com.

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Shanghai, China will be Homeport for Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas Beginning in 2015

Royal Caribbean International announced that its newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, will make its home port in Shanghai (Baoshan), China. “We’re bringing the company’s most innovative ship to the world’s fastest-growing cruise market,” Adam Goldsein, president and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, said.

The ship will reposition to China in May 2015, following her inaugural winter season sailing out of New York Harbor to the Caribbean. In China, Quantum of the Seas will join Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas in Asia, increasing the company’s capacity in the region by 66 percent.

“Consumers in China have grown to expect the best the world has to offer, and Quantum of the Seas meets that standard like no other ship,” said Goldstein. “We are ready to accelerate the growth of this vital market with a ship that will capture the imagination of travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind vacation experience.”

“Every trend we are seeing in China tells us we can achieve real long-term competitive advantage and appealing returns on our investments in this fast-growing market by accelerating our presence there,” Goldstein said. “We will have to be nimble, but the ability to move fast is one of our strengths.”

Goldstein said the company was able to make the move because its new-ship pipeline will keep the New York region supplied with top-rate ships as well.
“We are very mindful of the importance of New York, which is why we are bringing Liberty of the Seas and then Anthem of the Seas to this market.”

Quantum of the Seas will debut in November 2014, and will spend its inaugural season sailing from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, N.J., before repositioning to China in May 2015. Beginning late June 2015, the ship will sail three- to eight-night itineraries year-round from Shanghai to Japan and Korea.

Liberty of the Seas will then arrive to Cape Liberty to sail to Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Canada and New England for the 2015 summer and autumn seasons. The Freedom-class ship will be the company’s newest and largest ship to offer cruises to Bermuda from the New York-metropolitan area.

Finally, Quantum of the Seas’ sister ship, Anthem of the Seas, which launches in April 2015, will complete her inaugural Europe season from London (Southampton), U.K., before arriving to Cape Liberty in November 2015 to continue Quantum-class cruising to the Bahamas and Caribbean for the winter 2015-16 season.

“These incredible ships will meet the sophisticated expectations of consumers in Shanghai, New York and London. Our mantra for the new Quantum class of ships is ‘this changes everything’ – and upping our game in these key markets achieves just that,” said Dominic Paul, Vice President, International, Royal Caribbean International. “Our distinctive style of high quality innovative cruises has become known to travelers around the world and we will continue to deploy our most technologically advanced ships where the demand is, with the expectation of winning new converts to cruising.”

The groundbreaking Quantum-class ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, will debut a new set of first-at-sea onboard experiences, such as Ripcord by iFLY, a heart-pounding skydiving experience; North Star, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever.

Guests also will enjoy the new Quantum-class “Dynamic Dining,” a completely new culinary experience that offers a landscape of 18 restaurant concepts as vast and varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, including specialty restaurants created with partner-chefs Jamie Oliver, Devin Alexander and Michael Schwartz.

The Quantum Class spans 18 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms. More information on Quantum class is available at http://www.RoyalCaribbean.com/QuantumoftheSeas.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 45-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike.

Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 11 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

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