Victory Cruise Lines (now part of AQV-American Queen Voyages), specializing in all-inclusive, small-ship coastal cruising on the Great Lakes and Canadian coasts, officially christened the Victory I in Toronto (Canada) on Sunday, April 27.
The event signaled the operational return of the line under Founder and CEO John Waggoner, following his acquisition of the 190-guest Victory I and her sister ship Victory II less than a year prior. Both vessels, purpose-built for service on the Great Lakes, provide a distinct alternative to traditional river and ocean cruising.
For the 2025 season, Victory Cruise Lines will offer 33 departures, the highest number of sailings to all five Great Lakes by any operator. The company is also the only cruise line permitted to dock at Chicago’s downtown Navy Pier, where the Victory II is scheduled for christening on May 12, 2025. Both ships will operate 10- to 15-night voyages between key ports including Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee, and Montreal through October.
The christening ceremony aboard Victory I was conducted in the Compass Lounge. The proceedings opened with the national anthems of the United States and Canada, reflecting the shared stewardship of the Great Lakes. Remarks were delivered by Kelly Jackson, Vice President of Destination Development for Destination Toronto; Kate Fineske, Executive Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes; David William Kelly, Chief Operating Officer of Victory Cruise Lines; and John Waggoner. The highlight of the ceremony was the traditional christening by Godmother Emily Coleman, daughter of John and Claudette Waggoner, who broke a bottle of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky across the bow with the Toronto skyline as a backdrop.
Victory I’s inaugural voyage follows the company’s most sought-after itinerary, a 10-night journey between Toronto and Chicago. Ports of call include Port Colborne (for Niagara Falls), Cleveland, Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, and Escanaba, Michigan. Each port visit features included excursions lasting one to three hours, offered at multiple times to accommodate all guests. Shore excursion highlights include The Henry Ford Experience in Detroit, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and the Soo Locks & Maritime Heritage Tour in Sault Ste. Marie.
Onboard, guests have access to three dining venues, including the newly introduced Tuscan Stone Grill. Created by Victory Cruise Lines’ COO David William Kelly in collaboration with Dietmar Wertanzl of Anglo-Eastern Leisure, this dining concept offers interactive, upscale meals utilizing hot stones for table-side cooking, complemented by panoramic Great Lakes views from the ship’s stern.
Enrichment programming is led by LakeLorians, maritime experts who partner with the National Museum of the Great Lakes to provide lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions throughout the voyage. This collaboration delivers a comprehensive exploration of Great Lakes history and culture.
Each Victory Cruise Lines itinerary includes a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, with complimentary ground transfers to the ship and post-cruise airport transfers. All accommodations offer water views, with veranda options available. Guests enjoy included shore excursions at every port, acclaimed regional cuisine, unlimited beverages including fine wines and craft beers, open bars and lounges, unlimited Wi-Fi, daily live entertainment, and educational programs.
Victory Cruise Lines’ 2025 season on the Great Lakes reflects a strong commitment to delivering refined, destination-focused voyages aboard purpose-built small ships designed to celebrate the maritime heritage of North America’s inland seas.