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Victoria Cruises is in the process of implementing major renovations this winter season to expand its critically acclaimed Executive Deck privileges – previously available on only three of its ships – to the rest of its five-star fleet on China’s Yangtze River. The Victoria Prince, Victoria Queen and Victoria Star will be fully refurbished with new carpeting throughout the entire ships, renovated lobbies and hallways offering a refreshing new look, new curtains in all staterooms as well as new furniture in Executive Suites.
Additionally, the cruise line is adding a new deck to the Victoria Queen and Victoria Star, featuring an additional Executive Lounge and a la carte restaurant for Executive Deck passengers (3rd and 4th decks), as well as an elevator for all passengers’ convenience. On the Victoria Prince, new furniture will be installed in Deluxe and Shangri-La Suites.
Beginning March 2011, Executive Deck passengers on the Victoria Queen, Victoria Star, Victoria Prince and Victoria Empress will enjoy “white glove” Concierge service, access to exclusive VIP areas, a la carte meal service, private cultural lessons and reserved seating for evening entertainment.
“With our tour operator partners applauding the success of our Executive Deck program, we felt it wise to extend these benefits to the rest of our five-star ships,” said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruises.
“At the same time, we took advantage of reduced passenger traffic during the winter season to bring their look and feel up to speed with that of our newest ships. Some decks on the Victoria Queen and Victoria Star in particular will be completely gutted and rebuilt to entirely new specs,” noted Greenman, hinting that that the changes to the two vessels will be so extensive the cruise line is considering new names for their rechristening in March.
As an American-managed company adhering to the strictest Western standards, Victoria Cruises retained an interior design firm from New York. The firm’s renovations are currently being carried out and will be completed in time for the 2011 sailing season which begins in March.
Victoria Cruises is ultimately planning additional cosmetic alterations for the Victoria Prince and Victoria Empress and is currently evaluating projections to determine the most efficient renovation schedule so as not to impact regular season cruise traffic.
“Executive Deck level upgrades have proven popular with our most discerning guests, particularly those who come to us through tour operators catering to affluent markets,” said Greenman. “As we introduce these upgrades to the rest of our five-star fleet, they become the new standard in small luxury river cruising on China’s Yangtze.”
Farewell Victoria Rose
With the recent or planned renovation of all its five-star ships, Victoria Cruises has retired the last remaining vessel in its “classic ship” category – the Victoria Rose.
“While there is technically nothing wrong with the ship, it’s simply not on par with our premiere vessels, and with the market trending toward upscale river cruises, the Victoria Rose is no longer needed,” said Greenman.
The last sailing of the Victoria Rose departed on Nov. 30, 2010. With its retirement, Victoria Cruises is now an exclusively five-star fleet as well as the Yangtze’s largest.
Victoria Cruises
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 2010 TravelAge West WAVE Award Editor’s Pick for Best River Cruise Line as well as Best New River Cruise Ship 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.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
