VICTORIA CRUISES ON CHINA'S YANGTZE RIVER: DECIDEDLY DIFFERENT AND MOVING FULL SPEED AHEAD

Company Celebrates Revitalized Fleet, Innovative Itineraries

NEW YORK - A journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step, says an old Chinese proverb. For Victoria Cruises, an American-managed company, that initial step involved the third longest river in the world - China's spell-binding Yangtze - and the ripples it caused in the world of travel have now extended to the far corners of the globe.

The year was 1994 when the Victoria I proudly edged out of port, its operators "testing the waters" and hopeful of success. Would the pull of the river's magnificent scenery including its Three Gorges fill the ship with Americans and other travelers eager to include the Yangtze as one of those must-see things to do along with The Great Wall and Forbidden City? Would the sleek new ship and the sizeable investment pay off with a tide of increasing interest in what one famous poet called "The River of Heaven?"

The answer was quick in coming. Indisputably positive reactions prompted the introduction of the Victoria II and Victoria III within the next two years. Advertising, editorial exposure and word-of-mouth underscored the fact that cruising with Victoria was not only a rewarding experience, but a truly exceptional one. Further strengthening the company's growth, tour operators began including Victoria Cruises and the Yangtze as a major must-see component in China tour packages.

That first step a decade ago has transformed itself into major strides. And now, as the company moves forward in 2005, Victoria Cruises is propelled by a revitalized fleet of vessels larger and more elaborate than ever before. In total, Victoria Cruises has a fleet of six ships. In April 2006, Victoria Cruises will welcome the Victoria Anna, the largest ship in the company's fleet boasting the highest passenger capacity and the most suites of all vessels on the Yangtze.

With the expansion of the physical product has come a broadening of passenger pleasures as well, both in terms of onboard enjoyment and places and things to see.

Yes, the Three Gorges are still on itineraries. But, now there is much, much more. Short trips. Longer ones. Itineraries of four to nine days - the Grand Yangtze Discovery, Three Gorges Explorer and Three Gorges Highlights, plus other seasonal specials - provide the diversity necessary for appealing to a global audience.

"The Yangtze goes right through the heart of China, and it also runs through the heart of Chinese civilization, right through her history," said James Pi, founder and president of New York-based Victoria Cruises. And, Pi and his energetic and visionary team intend to maximize that experience.

"We sell the total river from Chongqing to the Zhenjiang dock near Shanghai," noted Pi. "From the Three Gorges and the Three Gorges Dam to Mt. Huangshan and Nanjing, breathtaking beauty and historical significance emit a magnetic draw for consumers worldwide."

The responsibilities for enhancing that experience sit squarely on the shoulders of James Pi and his company, and they extend the "feel" of China in a myriad of ways aboard the ships. Skillfully prepared Chinese cuisine and Western fare are served during single seatings in the Dynasty Dining Room on each ship. Tai Chi, lessons in calligraphy, the Mandarin language, painting demonstrations and the making of silk kites are among the activities available along with informative lectures.

"Whether our guests find themselves moving along the river, or ashore on our tour-intensive trips, they are totally immersed in Chinese culture and are fascinated by one of the world's great and intriguing civilizations," declared Jerry Pi, director of global operations for Victoria Cruises.

The growth of Victoria Cruises has undeniably been linked to another major factor as well - that of quality and service. Ships are served by crews of 110-128 people, and multi-lingual Western cruise directors and local river guides are extremely helpful, knowledgeable and attentive.

CRUISING IN 'PREMIER' & 'CLASSIC' STYLE

In 2004, Victoria Cruises introduced a new generation of state-of-the-art sailing vessels with premier and classic ships. Premier ships (the Victoria Katarina, Victoria Empress, Victoria Prince, Victoria Queen and Victoria Star) are new or newly-rebuilt ships featuring enhanced facilities such as private balconies in every cabin, more spacious public areas, and a higher level of comfort, sophistication and décor throughout the ships. In the Classic ship category is the Victoria Rose (rebuilt in 2001). Although smaller than the other ships in the fleet, the Victoria Rose maintains the same high quality standards of the company's other vessels.

All vessels in the new generation of ships boast the same deluxe style and décor from tastefully-appointed cabins and elegant atriums with sparkling chandeliers and gleaming woods to an overall décor throughout of American and European influences with Asian accents. Each ship features Internet access, HBO and BBC broadcasts, the Dynasty Dining Room, beauty salon, fitness room, library, gift shop and elegant Yangtze Club for colorful cultural presentations, traditional fashion shows, and the sounds of traditional Chinese music. All ships maintain the highest international safety standards.

A journey together - Victoria Cruises and the ageless Yangtze. You're invited to enjoy them both.

For more information and a new free 2005 color brochure, 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