In addition to being the leading innovator on the Yangtze River and the cruise line with the most five-star vessels as rated by the China National Tourism Administration, Victoria Cruises (http://www.VictoriaCruises.com) is also the only American-managed company to operate on the river.  After launching a brand new ship in September and creating a new Executive Suite program for upscale travelers, the cruise line is now embarking on a marketing campaign to educate travel agents and their valued clientele on the advantages of traveling with an American-managed cruise line on China’s Yangtze River.

“Most importantly, booking one of our tour operator partners ensures peace of mind as our ships and facilities are top-notch in terms of safety, aesthetics and functionality – guaranteeing an enjoyable river cruising experience for even the most discerning traveler,” said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service, Victoria Cruises.

“Additionally, we excel in the culinary arts with delectable Chinese and Western specialties to impress any traveler,” said Greenman, noting that many tour operators have cited Victoria’s high quality cuisine as one of major reasons for selecting the cruise line as an exclusive partner for all Yangtze River tour components.

Victoria Cruises works with Philadelphia-based Concepts By Staib, Ltd. to continually improve its culinary program.  Internationally-acclaimed chef Walter Staib and his senior chefs travel to China periodically to outfit the ships as well as to train and update the onboard chefs with the necessary skills and recipes to prepare high-quality Western dishes.

In addition, many of Victoria Cruises’ chefs train at the Tung Shing House in New York City, a restaurant owned by Victoria Cruises’ parent company, where they are able to further hone their culinary and communication skills.

Another incentive for North American travelers is the fact that Victoria Cruises works with The Navigators Group, Inc., a U.S.-based insurance company with global coverage.  In addition to protection, this ensures that the infrastructure on all Victoria Cruises vessels is kept up-to-date and meets the highest safety and performance standards.  “This comes back to the ‘peace of mind’ issue, which is an important component of any overseas vacation,” noted Greenman.

“In addition to lavish accommodations and delectable cuisine, we want travelers to feel confident and at ease so that they can truly enjoy their experience – and toward that end Victoria Cruises has spared no expense,” added Greenman.

“Victoria Cruises was historically the first cruise line to raise cruising to an American standard in the early stages if China’s tourism expansion,” said Natalie Lardner, Victoria’s newest cruise director, who has just completed her first year sailing China’s Yangtze River on the Victoria Rose.

“The historic changes taking place on the Yangtze have come to exemplify China’s modernization over the last 25 years.  It’s such an exciting time there and it’s truly a privilege to be working with Victoria Cruises,” added Lardner, a Harvard graduate and former Museum of Modern Art translator.  “The way our cultures are learning from each other is a fascinating process and it’s just as interesting for the passengers to experience that growing knowledge.”

Victoria Cruises is China’s pre-eminent cruise line with the most experience sailing the temple and pagoda-lined Yangtze River.