Victoria Isabella Launches Largest Hybrid-Electric Yangtze River Cruise Ship

Victoria Cruise Lines is launching the Victoria Isabella in late September 2025 as the largest and most advanced electric-hybrid river cruise ship on the Yangtze River, with a capacity for 570 passengers across six decks. The ship features 236 superior staterooms with private balconies, 22 executive suites with luxury amenities, and two Shangri-La Suites, alongside the first-ever escalator on a Yangtze passenger vessel. This launch follows the success of the Victoria Sabrina, introduced in 2020, and reflects the company's commitment to eco-friendly and upscale river cruising. The introduction of a new visa program allowing Americans to visit China for up to ten days without a visa is expected to boost U.S. tourism to the region, which has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. Victoria Isabella will offer curated shore excursions and a luxury amenities package, positioning it as a premier option for discerning international travelers. Meanwhile, TUI's Mein Schiff 2 cruise ship will begin multiple calls to Southampton in 2025, marking its first visits to the UK’s busiest cruise port, complementing the presence of Mein Schiff 3.