MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

World's largest river cruise vessel to be launched in 2020 on the Yangtze River

The ship, named Victoria Sabrina, is operated by the New York-based Victoria Cruises and was created in conjunction with nine research and design firms

The world's largest river cruise ship will launch spring of 2020 on China's Yangtze River, according to its maker Victoria Cruise Lines. The ship, named Victoria Sabrina, is operated by the New York-based Victoria Cruises and was created in conjunction with nine research and design firms, according to Victoria Cruises.

It will also be the first “generation of ships” to include technology optimized to be environmentally friendly by saving electricity and energy.

“This new ship is the first to take full advantage of the increased water level of the Yangtze as a result of the Three Gorges Dam,” spokesperson Larry Greenman said in a statement.

The cruise ship has six passenger decks — with 286 passenger staterooms that can hold 600 people — as well as a Theater Deck, according to Travel and Leisure. Onboard entertainment and amenities include lectures, Chinese cultural performing arts, music, and meals designed by Emmy-winning chef Walter Staib.

Victoria Cruise Lines is the only American-managed cruise line that runs on the Yangtze River with a menu and amenities designed for American and Western passengers, according to the cruise line.

The Victoria Sabrina joins China as the cruise market segment in the country is increasing rapidly. China is projected to grow to be the world's largest cruise market by 2030 with eight to 10 million customers annually, according to the Shanghai International Shipping Institute