Victoria Cruises Ships

My first trip on the Yangtze River was aboard a Victoria cruise ship. It was the Victoria Jenna, which was the biggest and newest ship of the fleet. Being a very meticulous planner, it took me weeks to research about the company and its fleet before making a decision. I have to tell you, I was never wrong about the choice I made. That was probably the reason why I went back for a second and third cruise.

About The Victoria Cruise Line
Before I’ll tell you about my experience on the Jenna, let me do a quick introduction about the Victoria cruise lines in general.
Victoria is an international cruise line, and is the only American managed one that provides cruise services in the Yangtze. Unlike local boat services, the Victoria implements Western standards and employs cruise directors who speak English, German and Indonesian.
As a luxury liner, passengers get internet access on all ships as well as international television channels in all cabins. Some of the vessels are older than the others, but they were recently refurbished to keep up with its newer vessels.

They Victoria Cruise line consists of eight vessels, varying in size and capacity. These are the:
-          Victoria Anna
-          Victoria Empress
-          Victoria Jenna
-          Victoria Katarina
-          Victoria Lianna
-          Victoria Prince
-          Victoria Rose
-          Victoria Selina
Victoria Jenna: Our Cruise Ship Of Choice
We spent four days and three nights on the Victoria Jenna, which was inaugurated back in 2009. It was the largest and newest ship on the fleet and consisted of five passenger decks, almost two hundred cabins and had a total passenger capacity of three-hundred seventy eight people. The Jenna is so huge that it is almost 50% bigger than the Anna, which is the second biggest ship on the Victoria cruise fleet.

Accommodations
We booked a superior cabin, which was very clean and furnished with two beds, a 26-inch flat screen television, in-room safe, refrigerator, and a private bathroom. I loved the fact that our room was facing outwards (as all the cabins are) and had a huge picture window that allowed us to enjoy the view of the river even while we were inside the room.

At around 225 square feet, we had our own little space along the Yangtze River. Sure, the cabin wasn’t that huge, but it was good enough to provide us with plenty of comfort and privacy during the cruise.

The vessel also had executive, deluxe and Shangri-la suites which were larger (and more expensive). Suite passengers had access to an executive deck which had concierge service, as well as complimentary dining to the ship’s alternative restaurant, the VIP club. While the extra space and other added benefits, I didn’t think we would need those, but if you’re willing to spend a little more for some added luxury, I’d definitely recommend any of the suites because you would definitely get what you pay for.

Dining Options
There were two dining options in the Victoria Jenna. The main dining room was huge – and we were assigned a specific table for the duration of the trip. Breakfast was buffet style, and we had the usually Western breakfast options as well as Chinese fare like noodles. Lunch meals were more Chinese than usual, but there were salads and cold cuts, too. Dinner on the other hand involved multiple courses, which were either also Western on Chinese. It’s a good idea to mix and match or try out different meals as you can – all of them are prepared by well trained chefs! One of our table companions was diabetic, and she had special meals served for her.
Downstream Itinerary

Our trip was downstream, boarding at Chongqing on Sunday and arriving at Yichang on Wednesday.

Day One – We boarded the ship at 7:00 PM, and the rest of the night was spent cruising on the river. They did not serve meals, so I suggest you have dinner earlier in Chongqing.

Day Two – After breakfast, we docked at Fengdu Ghost City for a shore excursion. They say that Fengdu is the home of the devil, so the place is eerie and mysterious with its empty streets and deserted structures. After boarding, we spent the rest of the day cruising on the river and seeing river-side sights such as the Three Gorges of Yangtze.

Day Three - After breakfast, we had another shore excursion on Shennong Stream. This stream is a tributary of the Yangtze. While it is smaller, the stream is known for its crystal clear waters, deep gorges, karsts formations and hanging coffins. We had to go off the Victoria cruise liner and ride smaller “peapod” boats, which are steered by several boatmen. Apart from the crowd, the waters are very peaceful and serene.

Day Four – We had a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam site, which we were able to see up close from the river, and also from the top of the dam. We eventually arrived in Yichang a little close to lunch time.

My Thoughts On Other Victoria Cruise Ships
While the Victoria Jenna is the newest and biggest, I have seen great reviews about other Victoria Cruise ships as well. Some friends say that the rooms, amenities and accommodations were comparable. It is also good to note that the ships have a gym, library, massage room, beauty salon and gift shop.

The reason why we chose this ship was not really because of its size or because it was new, it was also due to the fact that we were arriving in Chongqing on a Sunday, and that was the ship that left Chongqing on a Sunday, too.

That said, I do not just recommend the Victoria Jenna, but any other ship from their line. Mind you, the cost is a bit steep in comparison to local service providers, but if you are willing to pay for good service, great amenities, clean accommodations and good food, don’t think twice about it. 

Trip to Shanghai

Lying at the mouth of the Yangtze River is the majestic city of Shanghai.  A leader in the world of commerce, art, media, and fashion, this is one of the most well-known cities in China. For centuries a major administrative, shipping, and trading town, Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century due to European recognition of its favorable port location and economic potential. The city was one of several opened to foreign trade following the British victory over China in the First Opium War and the subsequent 1842 Treaty of Nanking which allowed the establishment of the Shanghai International Settlement. The city then flourished as a center of commerce between east and west, and became the undisputed financial hub of the Asia Pacific in the 1930s. The Chinese reforms of the ‘90s reinforced the role of Shanghai in terms of commerce and finance.

Many cruises on the Yangtze end at Shanghai as it empties into the East China Sea. This city is a perfect example of the boom undergone in China over the past 20 years, mixed with an ancient splendor dating back millennia. When in this beautiful city, here are some attractions you should be sure to visit:

·         The Bund:  This is a waterfront area in central Shanghai. The area centers on a section of Zhongshan Road within the former Shanghai International Settlement, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River, facing Pudong, in the eastern part of Huangpu District. The Bund usually refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai. The beautiful monuments and beautiful buildings will certainly make an impression on any visitor.

·         City God Temple: This is a temple located in Shanghai, China, within the old walled city. Today the "City God Temple" not only refers to the large temple complex, but also the traditional district of commerce in the city, surrounding the temple. There are over a hundred stores and shops in this area, and most of these store buildings are nearly a century old. The temple connects to the Yuyuan Garden, another landmark of the old city. Built in 1403 during the Ming Dynasty, this walled city is a perfect example of classic Chinese architecture.

·         Yu Garden: Yu Garden was first conceived in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan as a comfort for his father, the minister Pan En, in his old age. Pan Yunduan began the project after failing one of the imperial exams, but his appointment as governor of Sichuan postponed construction for nearly twenty years until 1577. The garden was the largest and most prestigious of its era in Shanghai. This garden was damaged in 1942 by the Japanese, but rebuilt after World War II. It was declared a national monument in 1982.

·         Nanjing Road: Over 600 businesses on the road offer countless famous brands, superior quality, and new fashions. KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and other world-famous food vendors line both sides of the street. Upscale stores include Tiffany, Mont Blanc, and Dunhill. In addition, approximately a hundred traditional stores and specialty shops still provide choice silk goods, jade, embroidery, wool, and clocks. Open-air bars, abstract sculptures, and lingering sounds from street musicians enhance evening strolls. Flashing neon signs illuminate the magnificent buildings and decorate the night skyline of this lively city.

·         Xin Tiang Di: It is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of Shikumen and modern architecture style. Xin Tian Di is unique because of its concept of construction. It retains the antique walls, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen housing of old Shanghai. On the other hand, its interior embodies a totally different world of international gallery, bars and cafes, boutiques or theme restaurants. When you walk into it, you will get the taste of both Shanghai in the 1920's and the sonic modern lifestyle of urbanites of the 21st century.

·         Shanghai Museum: Shanghai Museum is a large museum of ancient Chinese art. Its style and presentation surround visitors with artifacts demonstrating ancient wisdom and philosophy. The exterior design of the round dome and the square base symbolizes the ancient idea of a round heaven and a square land.  The museum is divided into eleven galleries and three exhibition halls. The eleven Galleries cover most of the major categories of Chinese art: Ancient Bronze, Ancient Ceramics, Paintings, Calligraphy, Ancient Sculpture, Ancient Jade, Coins, Ming and Qing Furniture, Seals, and Minority Nationalities.

·         Jade Buddha Temple:  In the western part of Shanghai, a very modern and flourishing city, there is a venerable and famous Buddhist temple, Jade Buddha Temple. In 1882, an old temple was built to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Fortunately the statues were saved and a new temple was built on the present site in 1928. It was named the Jade Buddha Temple.

·         Qibao Ancient Town: As the only ancient town forming part of greater Shanghai, with a history spanning over one thousand years, Qibao is more than just a living fossil of ancient Chinese conurbation and urban planning. The town was built in Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126) and grew into a prosperous business center during Ming (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasties (1644-1911).

·         Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: Located in a suburb of Shanghai city, Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town well-known throughout the country, with a history of more than 1700 years. Covering an area of 47 square kilometers, the little fan-shaped town glimmers like a bright pearl in the landscape of lakes and mountains. Endowed with another elegant name - 'Pearl Stream' - the little town is the best-preserved among the four ancient towns in Shanghai.

This city offers much for the tourist to see and experience. Cruises on the Yangtze River end at this wonderful city to show the majesty of modern China mixed with its impressive history. No trip to China and no cruise on the Yangtze would be complete without basking in this city’s glory.

Mudu Ancient Water Town

Being reputed to be the paradise on earth, Suzhou is one of the greatest residences for human. But I believe that Mudu Ancient Water Town, which located in the west of Suzhou City, is actually the highlight of Suzhou. It has a history of more than 2500 years, and it has been served as a witness of the War between Wu State and Yue State (this two states are both located around the area of Suzhou during the years around BC 221).

There is a legend for this water town. Xi Shi, the most beautiful lady in the Yue State, was presented as a spy by the King of Yue to the King of Wu in the purpose of winning the war. Captivated by the beauty of Xi Shi, the King of Wu overused the labor and prosperity of his state to build lots of palaces. A great amount of wood was delivered into Wu State, making the river blocked by wood, and the place where the river was blocked is Mudu Watertown, and that's why Mudu got its name, meaning "blocked by wood".

You can now easily plan a Suzhou tours from Shanghai. After a busy trip in Shanghai, you may now have a rest in this Chinese classic garden city, Suzhou. It is called the paradise of China in Chinese saying. Suzhou is famous for its classical gardens. Beautiful shape in different cultures of the gardens will give you a highlights of the Shanghai and Suzhou trip.

My Trip to Shanghai

With great expectation, I package all the daily things that will be used in my trips. Because it was my first time to Shanghai, I felt so happy that I had arrived our first destination, Shanghai China. Everything went smoothly for the excellent preparation and arrangement of our trip advisor and tour guides.

Like most visitors to Shanghai, we visit the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, City Gold Temple, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Nanjing Road, and the cruise on Huangpu River and so on. Because it is my first time to Shanghai, there are too many things and places that I want to visit. But for the time reason, I can only follow our team and tour guide to enjoy the two days trip in Shanghai. I try my best to discover the local culture and local specialties in Shanghai.

In the Bund, I was surprised at the great development of Shanghai. The scenery of the bund give me a vivid picture that I seen in TV before. From the river band, I can see clearly the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the highest Shanghai World Financial Center and other skyscrapers in bright color and harmonious environment. Each building is a shining star in both bank of the Huangpu River. With the busy whistling of ships and oil tanks on the river, I can feel the rhythm the developing Shanghai.

Different with the Bund, Yuyuan Garden and City Gold Temple gave me a familiar feeling of Chinese ancient culture and the special features of Shanghai culture. Shanghai is not only rich in its economic resources and financial resources, but also rich in its culture and history. Yuyuan is an ancient garden. There visitor can see many Chinese traditional style buildings and dragons on the ceilings and walls. You can feel the ancient China through its beautiful pavilions, miniature lakes, bridges and rock formations. Sitting in the pavilions, you can even listen to the singing of the birds. Every corners of the garden can be mini shows of Chinese traditional culture and ancient Chinese life. 

Another must see attraction is the city gold temple. If you want to feel the religious life of Shanghai people, you must visit the temple. It is a Taoist temple that was built several hundreds years ago. Here one can see and smell the burning incense and feel the religious worship of Chinese people. People come here to worship the Buddha or the God to protect family and relatives and keep safe when they are out.

You can easily find the styles of Chinese building here. Each building here can be a representative of temple in Shanghai. Although there are thousands of shops that selling traveling goods or souvenirs, rich religious culture can be learned in the temple.

Besides the temple and garden, we also visit the modern building, Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Not to mention the height of the tower, its style can give you a good memory of it. When you see it anywhere, you will know it is the symbol of Shanghai. It is also my first impression of Shanghai when I am just a little school boy.

It is difficult to learn the whole city in only two days. Maybe two month can not be enough to understand the history and nowadays of Shanghai. With a feeling of unwilling to leave, I have to move to our next destination. I told myself to revisit Shanghai again five years later. And I know it will be a different scene at that time.