Victory Cruise Lines will welcome photographer Gary Bogdon aboard the Victory I for its Apr. 25–May 5, 2026, Toronto-to-Chicago sailing. The cruise marks the line’s second Great Lakes season following its 2025 debut. Bogdon, known for his work in Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and USA Today, will lead photography workshops and accompany select shore tours for hands-on instruction.
“Claudette and I enjoyed sailing from Toronto on our inaugural season, and the voyage to Chicago calling on all five Great Lakes is Victory Cruise Lines’s most popular for a reason as it showcases so many postcard-worthy moments,” said John Waggoner, chairman and founder of Victory Cruise Lines, in a press statement. “As an avid photographer myself, I am confident having Gary aboard to share photography tips and stories of the many events he has captured will be a treat for everyone.”
A “Victory” for Creativity and Travel
With more than 30 years of experience, Bogdon has photographed major events including the Super Bowl, World Series, NCAA Championships, Olympic Games, The Masters, the NHL Stanley Cup and the Kentucky Derby. His portfolio also includes historic moments such as the visits of Pope John Paul and Mother Teresa to the United States, as well as official assignments covering Presidents Reagan, Carter, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Clinton and Obama.
During the sailing, Bogdon will teach your happy clients how to take high-quality photos with smartphones or digital cameras, emphasizing lighting, framing and visual storytelling across a range of settings, from natural landscapes to city architecture.
The 10-night itinerary aboard Victory I includes all five Great Lakes. Following a pre-cruise hotel stay in Toronto, the voyage begins with views of Niagara Falls from Port Colborne. Other ports include Cleveland, Detroit, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Escanaba and Milwaukee, with the journey concluding at Chicago’s Navy Pier. Each destination highlights regional landmarks and cultural attractions.
Victory Cruise Lines’ Great Lakes voyages include one pre-cruise hotel night, complimentary ground transfers, and an all-inclusive structure that includes a shore excursion at every port. Guests can expect regionally inspired dining, unlimited beverages including fine wines and spirits, open bars, Wi-Fi, nightly entertainment and enrichment programs.
For more information, visit victorycruiselines.com.
