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VICTORIA CRUISE LINES ADDS NEW EXCURSIONS FOR 2018 RIVER CRUISE SEASON ON CHINA’S MAJESTIC YANGTZE
NEW YORK – In order to enhance the passenger experience and provide greater flexibility based on river conditions, Victoria Cruise Lines (www.victoriacruiselines.com) debuted two new excursions when its 2018 sailing season on China’s mist-shrouded Yangtze River commences in March.
As an alternative to Shibaozhai, where passengers may experience an impressive 12-story wooden pagoda dating back to the 18th century, the only American-managed line on China’s Yangtze now includes Jade Emperor Scenic Area in Fengdu on select departures.
The Jade Emperor is the supreme deity of Chinese Taoism. The sacred scenic area lies on the northern side of Yangtze west of Mingshan Mountain and east of Shuangguishan National Forest. At more than 100 feet tall, it is the largest statue in the world depicting the Jade Emperor and is modeled according to the principles of Feng Shui. The scenic area features more than 30 different styles of traditional architecture and over 208 deity sculptures depicting Taoist and Buddhist culture.
Additionally, Victoria Cruise Lines debuted an excursion to the Hometown of Qu Yuan, a cultural highlight at the foot of Phoenix Mountain with sweeping views of the Three Gorges Dam and surrounding scenery. Qu Yuan is a celebrated poet and statesman who served as chancellor to King Huai of the Kingdom of Chu 23 centuries ago and whose tragic exile and death inspired the Dragon Boat Festival, which is commemorated every May. Passengers will observe hanging coffins, learn about dragon boating and enjoy a performance of Chinese traditional witchcraft during the excursion, which may be featured as an alternative to the Tribe of the Three Gorges excursion, based on river conditions.
In addition to taking in the famed Three Gorges scenery from one’s private balcony (featured in all staterooms on Victoria Cruise Lines’ five-star ships), passengers enjoy world-class dining designed for the Western palate with onboard activities such as acupuncture/acupressure demonstrations, Tai Chi lessons and nightly entertainment featuring traditional Chinese dance and musical performances.
For an additional charge, passengers can upgrade their onboard experience with Victoria Cruise Lines’ Luxury Amenities program, which offers VIP perks including upper deck stateroom placement, access to exclusive ship areas, “white glove” service, enhanced culinary privileges such as wine and beer with dinner, exclusive happy hour and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access.
Victoria Cruise Lines’ Yangtze River voyages are included in the comprehensive escorted or independent China packages offered by some of the finest tour operators worldwide.
Visit www.victoriacruiselines.com to learn more or contact Victoria Cruise Lines at 800-348-8084 or 212-818-1680 for a list of reputable tour operators featuring Yangtze River cruises in their competitively priced China programs.
About Victoria Cruise Lines
New York-based Victoria Cruise Lines established new standards of excellence for sailing China’s Yangtze River when its first ship edged out of port in 1994. Victoria Cruise Lines remains the service leader on the Yangtze River with each ship earning the coveted five-star rating from the China Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Victoria Cruise Lines has earned numerous awards and recognitions over the years including the 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, which also received the Silver Magellan Award from Travel Weekly. The cruise line operates a variety of itineraries on the Yangtze ranging from four to eight days.
For more information and a free color brochure or promotional footage and materials, contact Victoria Cruise Lines at 136-18 39th Avenue, 12th Floor, Flushing, NY 11354; phone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. E-mail contact@victoriacruiselines.com or visit http://www.victoriacruiselines.com.
Victoria Cruise Lines will offer excursions to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area on select departures in place of its popular Shibaozhai excursion