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.

 

 

 

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/krubin0830/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

 

 

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.

 

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

goingplacesfarandnear.com

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

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.

 

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

moralcompasstravel.info

Check out our newest travel site for special deals, insiders’ tips at tidbitts.com: http://www.tidbitts.com/karen-rubin/where-in-the-world

Save up to 50% on Victoria Cruises Winter ‘Three Gorges Highlights’ Yangtze River Sailings in China

Victoria Cruises sails the Yangtze River in China.

Victoria Cruises is offering steep winter discounts on its popular four- and five-day Three Gorges Highlights program, throughout January and February 2014. Reduced rates start at $470 per person, based on double occupancy, for a superior stateroom with private balcony – a savings of $510 per person.

Executive Suites, which feature upgraded accommodations and ship placement along with VIP amenities 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, start at $870 per person, based on double occupancy – a savings of $720 per person.

For the ultimate experience, guests can book the Shangri-La Suite and 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.

Executive Amenities are also offered to passengers traveling in standard cabins at a reduced rate of $670 per person, based on double occupancy – a savings of $510 per person.

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 unforgettable sightseeing in the “Ghost City” of Fengdu.

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.

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.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Victoria Cruises Offers Complimentary One-Night A La Carte Dining Upgrade on Yangtze River China Cruises

Victoria Cruises operates a variety of itineraries on the Yangtze River in China ranging from four to nine days.

As it prepares its newly renovated fleet for the 2013 cruise season on China’s Yangtze River, Victoria Cruises (http://www.victoriacruises.com/) is launching a complimentary one-night à la carte dining upgrade offer. Passengers will enjoy one dinner in the Dynasty Dining room with à la carte dining menu service – an amenity normally reserved for guests enrolled in the cruise line’s VIP Executive Program.

Victoria Cruises works with Philadelphia-based Concepts By Staib, Ltd. to continually improve its culinary program. Internationally-acclaimed chef Walter Staib and his team routinely travel to China to equip the ships and train the culinary staff with the necessary skills and recipes to prepare high-quality Western dishes.

Travelers who book passage on applicable Victoria Cruises’ vessels as part of a packaged vacation from leading U.S.-based tour operators will also have access to the one-night à la carte dining upgrade. For a complete list of operators featuring the cruise line’s Yangtze River sailings, contact Victoria Cruises at 212-818-1680. Visit www.victoriacruises.com to learn more about river cruising on China’s mist-shrouded Yangtze.

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 and the only American-managed luxury cruise line on the Yangtze River with 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. Travel Weekly also recently 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 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; phone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit http://www.victoriacruises.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

http://www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Victoria Cruises Launches New ‘Tribes of the Three Gorges’ Excursion on China’s Yangtze River

Qutang Gorge Victoria Cruises is now offering a new optional Tribes of the Three Gorges excursion on its four-night upstream Yangtze River sailings from Yichang to Chongqing.

Victoria Cruises (http://www.victoriacruises.com) is now offering a new optional Tribes of the Three Gorges excursion on its four-night upstream Yangtze River sailings from Yichang to Chongqing.

Priced separately from Victoria Cruises’ standard excursion package at an additional $42 per person, the tour provides an introspective glimpse into local life in the Xiling Gorge region with opportunities to see Toad Spring, statues of the ancient Ba nationality, scenic Dragon Stream, Monkey Hill (featuring more than 200 wild specimens), Lover Bridge and Huanglong Waterfall. Additionally, passengers opting for the excursion will meet local fisherman and enjoy a boatman performance as well as Crying Wedding performance, a custom of the Tujia nationality.

Victoria Cruises’ standard excursion package is priced from $90 per person, which includes the “Ghost City” of Fengdu and Three Gorges Dam excursions, as well as an incredible sailing experience through the Small Gorges of the Daning River, one of the Yangtze’s tributaries (may be substituted for Shennong Stream tributary sailing at Victoria Cruises’ discretion). The Small Gorges excursion culminates with a tranquil sampan journey through the “Mini Gorges” of the Ma Du River, itself a tributary of the Daning.

Victoria Cruises also offers additional optional excursions, such as White Emperor City, which is priced at $38 per person, in addition to the cost of Victoria Cruises’ standard excursion package.

Overlooking the Western end of Qutang Gorge, White Emperor City has long been a refuge for would-be kings and poets who traveled there to be inspired by the breathtaking views. Legend has it that in 25 A.D., white vapor in the shape of a dragon rose from a well, and Gong Sunshu, a soldier who had been headquartered there, declared himself the “White Emperor.” Remains of the city wall can be seen on the hill behind Baidi Mountain, and a temple built to commemorate Gong’s reign dates back more than 1,950 years.

Travelers can book excursions as well as upgraded meal service and other VIP amenities offered through Victoria Cruises’ Executive Deck program in advance of departure, or they can upgrade onboard based on availability.

Victoria Cruises’ Executive Deck program features “white glove” concierge service, enhanced ship placement, access to exclusive VIP areas, exclusive shore excursions for groups of six or more, à la carte meal services or reserved window seating in the main dining room, exclusive happy hour, complimentary Internet access, exclusive cultural demonstrations and reserved seating for evening entertainment.

The four-night cruise is priced from $880 per person for a private balcony Superior Stateroom. Superior Staterooms on the Executive Deck start at $1,080 per person, while Executive Suites, Deluxe Suites and Shangri-La Suites start from $1,340, $1,820 and $2,300 per person, respectively. Prices are based on double occupancy and may vary based on ship and deck placement.

Based in New York, Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence for sailing China’s Yangtze River when its first ship edged out of port in 1994. Since that time, Victoria Cruises has achieved tremendous success by introducing the majesty of the Yangtze River to travelers worldwide. A true pioneer and innovator, Victoria Cruises delivers an unrivaled and unsurpassed Yangtze River experience. An American-managed company, Victoria Cruises operates the largest fleet of vessels with the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourism Administration. Victoria Cruises offers a variety of itineraries varying from four to nine days including Grand Yangtze Discovery, Three Gorges Highlights and Three Gorges Explorer.

Victoria Cruises has earned numerous awards and recognitions over the years and has most recently received 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. Travel Weekly also recently selected the Victoria Jenna as a Silver Award Winner for the Magellan Awards’ River Cruise Ship category.

China’s magnificent Yangtze River continues to awe and inspire and Victoria Cruises remains the finest guide for the journey.

For more information and a free color brochure or promotional DVD, contact Victoria Cruises at 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; phone 800-348-8084, 212-818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit http://www.victoriacruises.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin