Sailings between Toronto and Chicago on the Victory I and Victory II feature all five Great Lakes. Shore excursions include Niagara Falls and Mackinac Island.
On April 27, 2025, in Toronto, Victory Cruise Lines launched its “5 Great Lakes Cruise” itinerary with the christening of the Victory I.
Emily Coleman, the daughter of Victory Cruise Lines owners John and Claudette Waggoner, christened the ship with a bottle of Crown Royal Canadian whiskey (rather than traditional Champagne). That evening, the Victory I departed Toronto on her inaugural sailing, arriving on May 6 at downtown Chicago’s Navy Pier.
Christening of the Victory I in Toronto
How Victory Cruise Lines Evolved
In 2011, John Waggoner founded the small-ship cruise line American Queen Steamboat Company. In 2019, he purchased two former coastal vessels, the Victory I and Victory II. They were renamed Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator. In 2021, a rebranding move changed the company’s name to American Queen Voyages (AQV); soon after, it was sold to Hornblower Group. Waggoner stayed on as president and CEO but retired in 2022. In 2023, Hornblower Group filed for bankruptcy and AQV stopped operating.
Some of the AQV ships, including the Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, came up for auction during the bankruptcy. In May 2024, Waggoner, having come out of retirement, decided to bring back the Victory brand with a veteran team of executives. He and his wife purchased the two ships. John became the founder and CEO of Victory Cruise Lines. He got financing to resume operations, doing repairs on both ships and enhancing their interiors.
Understandably, the Victory I’s christening in Toronto and the Victory II’s christening on May 12 in Chicago were both very emotional events for John and Claudette Waggoner.
Victory I and her Inaugural Cruise
I had the opportunity to sail on the Victory I’s inaugural cruise and it provided wonderful, diverse experiences. The staff was phenomenal and the cuisine was amazing. I’d never had the opportunity to sail on the Great Lakes, so it was a good way to visit new places.
Victory Cruise Lines includes a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay for all guests, complete with ground transfers between the hotel, ship and airport. I flew into Toronto the day before the sailing and had a very relaxing day and evening. After the beautiful christening and naming ceremony, we sailed out that evening, enjoying the calm waters and scenic views.
Michigan’s Mackinac Island
Shore excursions, including complimentary ones, were available in each of the following ports of call:
- Port Colborne, Ontario
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Detroit, Michigan
- Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
- Historic Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Escanaba, Michigan
Victory Cruise Lines’ Shore Excursions
The complimentary shore excursions range from one to three hours. Among the highlights:
- Niagara Falls Power Station & Tunnel to the Falls, which provided beautiful views of Niagara Falls when the Victory I was docked at Port Colborne.
- Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
- Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, during the stop in Detroit, Michigan
- Soo Locks and Downtown Stop, plus the USSU Center for Freshwater Research, in Sault Ste. Marie
- Mackinac by Horse & Carriage, Mackinac Island
- Exploring Escanaba’s History in Escanaba
In addition to the complimentary shore excursions, Victory Cruise Lines has Immersive and Premium shore excursions that require additional payment.
Dining and Entertainment Options on the Victory I
The Victory I and Victory II, with ocean-view staterooms, accommodate 190 guests. Both were built in the United States. They provide free unlimited Wi-Fi as well as daily onboard entertainment and enrichment. Victory Cruise Lines has created a partnership with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. They put expert “LakeLorians” on each cruise to do onboard lectures and guide tours of cities along the route.
Coastal Dining Room
The Coastal Dining Room offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menus include different gourmet options – a few include freshly prepared lobster and dishes inspired by regional flavors. During the day, The Grill offers casual dining with beautiful views. In the evening it converts into the Tuscan Stone Grill. Guests need to make a reservation (due to limited capacity) but each guest who dines there in the evening gets a
preheated stone to cook their own filet mignon, sirloin steak or salmon. There is no additional fee to do this.
Lectures and live entertainment take place in the Compass Lounge. In The Tavern, guests can enjoy drinks and entertainment.
Unlimited beverages are included, with an extensive wine list, local craft beers and premium spirits. In addition, specialty coffees are available at the open lounges and bars.
Great Lakes Cruises for 2025
Victory Cruise Lines’ 2025 season began in April and ends in October, with the Victory I and Victory II offering 33 sailings that cover all five Great Lakes. Designed for Great Lakes cruising, the two ships provide guests an intimate, all-inclusive experience that is much different from ocean cruises and river cruises. Voyages range from 10 to 15 nights, departing from Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee and Montreal.
New Itineraries in 2026
Victory Cruise Lines is already planning for the 2026 season, which will include new ports and itineraries for 2026, with several new ports and itineraries. Waggoner said, “We have received wonderful feedback on the 2025 itineraries and have listened to comments from our guests and travel advisors on where where they want to explore in 2026.”
The Grill
More Thoughts on Victory Cruise Lines
Why consider Victory Cruise Lines for a future group cruise? Victory Cruise Lines offers a beautiful way to experience the five Great Lakes. The two intimate ships provide all-inclusive experiences, complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursions, diverse dining and unlimited beverages. Victory Cruise Lines is definitely worth considering.
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By Cindy Bertram
