While China remains closed to international tourism, Victoria Cruises said Wednesday that it will begin test runs of its newest Yangtze River ship, the Victoria Sabrina.
The American-managed line said it will operate several departures in October and November with domestic and Western expat passengers to test the luxury ship's amenities in preparation for China's expected reopening to the Western market next year.
With six passenger decks and a theater deck, the company bills the ship as the world's largest river cruise ship. It is just slightly larger than Century Cruises' Century Glory, which was launched last September.
"As we await the return of the international tourism sector, we will be fine-tuning the cruise experience aboard the Victoria Sabrina this fall," said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruise Lines.
"Since the Victoria Sabrina will be the largest river cruise ship in the world upon its official launch for the international market in 2021, we want to make sure the experience we deliver is also in a class of its own."