Having experienced increased demand for its luxury river cruise product on China’s Yangtze River, Victoria Cruise Lines reports that it will launch a new ship in the spring of 2020. The line says that the Victoria Sabrina will be the largest river cruise ship in the world when departs on its inaugural voyage next spring.
Designed in cooperation with nine research and design firms, the Victoria Sabrina will be the first of a new generation of ships with environmentally friendly technologies that utilize electric power, save energy and aim to provide a smoother ride.
With six passenger decks, along with an additional Theater Deck, the new ship’s design will combine an open-concept floor plan, traditional Chinese décor and modern touches.
“Though our entire fleet of five-star ships received a complete overhaul since 2017—including our 2009 build, the Victoria Jenna—this new ship is the first to take full advantage of the increased water level of the Yangtze as a result of the Three Gorges Dam,” said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruise Lines, in a written statement. Access to excursions along the Yangtze and its tributaries has also been enhanced, he said.
Accommodations will include Superior Staterooms providing approximately 275 square feet of living quarters, including a private balcony. Executive Suites offer more than 375 square feet of living space along with complimentary access to the Luxury Amenities package, which provides VIP perks such as “white glove” service, exclusive happy hour, complimentary Wi-Fi and access to exclusive ship areas, including the Top of the Yangtze a la carte restaurant. Additional a la carte seating for the popular Luxury Amenities program will utilize The View restaurant at the bow of the ship.
The highest room category on the Victoria Sabrina will be the Shangri-La Suites with more than 1,320 square feet of balcony space in addition to approximately 915 square feet of interior living space.
The onboard experience for passengers in all cabin categories includes lectures and demonstrations as well as a dining program designed by Emmy Award-winning celebrity chef Walter Staib, which will be aimed at the American palate. Passenger amenities are likewise designed to please Western clientele.
As with all of the cruise line’s vessels, all passenger staterooms on the Victoria Sabrina will have their own private balconies, from which guests can view landmarks such as the Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges, as well as centuries-old temples and pagodas. The new ship will also have a modern Observation Deck with mood lighting during the evening.
Excursions will expose passengers to archeological treasures, feats of modern engineering and the scenic natural beauty of the Yangtze and its tributary rivers and streams by day, while nightly entertainment will introduce guests to Chinese culture through music, dance and other performing arts during the evenings.
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