Victory Cruise Lines has officially christened the Victory I in Toronto, marking a major milestone for the boutique cruise brand’s return to the Great Lakes. Under the leadership of Founder and CEO John Waggoner, the company finalized the purchase of both the Victory I and sister ship Victory II just under a year ago.
Purpose-built for the Great Lakes, these ships offer a unique alternative to traditional river and ocean cruising.
Cruising the Great Lakes
Victory Cruise Lines’ 2025 season includes 33 departures, hitting all five Great Lakes on select itineraries. The cruise line remains the only operator to dock at Chicago’s Navy Pier, where the Victory II will celebrate its christening on May 12, 2025. Both ships will operate 10- to 15-night voyages from key embarkation ports including Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee and Montreal, running through Oct. 2025.
“As we celebrate the return of Victory Cruise Lines to the Great Lakes, I must reflect on the amazing feat by an incredible team that has brought this vision to life once again,” said Waggoner during the Victory I ceremony.
The inaugural sailing for Victory I features a 10-night voyage between Toronto and Chicago, including a pre-cruise hotel stay. Ports of call include Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Cleveland, Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island and Escanaba, Michigan. Each port visit features excursions, from exploring Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to visiting Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Onboard, guests will experience three dining options, including the Tuscan Stone Grill, an interactive dining concept created by COO David William Kelly and Dietmar Wertanzl of Anglo-Eastern Leisure. Victory Cruise Lines also partners with the National Museum of the Great Lakes to offer an exclusive onboard enrichment program.
“LakeLorians,” experts from the museum, lead engaging lectures and discussions throughout the journey.
All Victory Cruise Lines voyages are all-inclusive, featuring:
- A 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay with ground transfers
- Shore excursions are included at every port
- Water-view accommodations, some with private verandas
- Unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits, craft beers and specialty coffees
- All meals with regionally inspired menus
- Daily onboard entertainment and enrichment activities
- Unlimited WiFi access
Fore more information, visit victorycruiselines.com.
