VICTORIA CRUISES EXPANDS ON-BOARD ACTIVITIES

WITH NEW CULTURAL OFFERINGS IN 2005 SEASON

NEW YORK (July 19, 2005) – In keeping with its tradition of presenting exciting and informative on-board activities, Victoria Cruises will be introducing a new series of culturally-inspired programs during its 2005 season on China’s Yangtze River.

Planned for launching later in the 2005 season are on-board lectures on the following topics: Feng Shui, Chinese dining etiquette (such as why soup is eaten at the end of the meal, when you should ask for rice and how to use chopsticks) combined with a Chinese tea ceremony demonstration, wedding and burial traditions, and the customs of Asian minority groups.

“Our new on-board cultural series will be a superb complement to our other popular activities that teach about China’s magnificent Yangtze River and 5,000 years of rich Chinese history and tradition,” said Benson Wu, vice president of Victoria Cruises.

“The Victoria Cruises’ passenger is interested in more than the typical activities one might find on a large, ocean-faring vessel. Our travelers desire to learn about the Chinese culture and what distinguishes it from other ways of life around the world,” he added.

The new on-board cultural activities will initially take place on one ship (the Victoria Star) and then expand throughout the fleet accordingly.

Presently, travelers with Victoria Cruises can enjoy lectures/instruction on the following subjects: the Yangtze River; the Three Gorges Dam project; Mahjong; Chinese 101 – A Basic Introduction to the Chinese Language; traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture (with a demonstration by the ship’s doctor); Tai Chi; Modern China Through the Eyes of a Foreigner – Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask; flying a Chinese kite (on the observation deck, weather permitting); freshwater pearls; vegetable carving and dumpling making; Chinese brush painting; and the manufacture and care of silk carpets.

A Victoria Cruises Cabaret and Fashion Show is a highlight of the evening entertainment featuring traditional Chinese costumes from the Han Dynasty to modern-day dress, Chinese instruments, music and dance.

Not all activities are available on all ships depending on the length of the cruise voyage, river conditions or the on-board staff available.

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’ portfolio of ships comes in two categories – premier and classic. 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 ships maintain the highest international safety standards. In April 2006, Victoria Cruises will welcome its largest and most elaborate ship into its fleet – the Victoria Anna.

Victoria Cruises offers a variety of itineraries varying from four to nine days – Grand Yangtze Discovery, Three Gorges Highlights and Three Gorges Explorer.

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

For more information and a 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 or visit the company in cyberspace at www.victoriacruises.com.