MS Victory II
Former names: Sea Discoverer, Cape Cod Light
MS Victory II current position
MS Victory II current location is at US East Coast (coordinates 32.37203 N / -80.69289 W) cruising en route to PORT ROYAL. The AIS position was reported 6 minutes ago.
Current PositionSpecifications of MS Victory II
Year built | 2004 / Age: 17 |
Flag state | Bahamas |
Builder | Atlantic Marine (Jacksonville, Florida USA) BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards |
Building cost | USD 30 million |
Owner | American Queen Steamboat Company |
Operator | Victory Cruise Lines |
Speed | 13 kn / 24 kph / 15 mph |
Length (LOA) | 91 m / 299 ft |
Beam (width) | 15 m / 49 ft |
Gross Tonnage | 4954 gt |
Passengers | 220 |
Crew | 77 |
Passengers-to-space ratio | 54 |
Decks | 5 |
Cabins | 110 |
Decks with cabins | 5 |
Last Refurbishment | 2019 |
Former names | Sea Discoverer, Cape Cod Light |
MS Victory II Review
Review of MS Victory II
MS Victory II cruise ship was built as "Cape Cod Light" and was previously operated under the name "Sea Discoverer". In 2017, the vessel was acquired and upgraded by Victory Cruise Lines, with scheduled official launch/entering service in early summer 2018.
From the same series (sister-ship) is the fleet mate MS Victory 1 (formerly Cape May Light, Sea Voyager, and Saint Laurent). Both ships were built in resemblance to the traditional US coastal steamboats of the late 19th century. They both started operations on itineraries on the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritime, East Coast USA and Southern USA.
History - construction and ownership
The 220-passenger ship Victory II was built in 2004 (launched as "Cape Cod Light") by Atlantic Marine (shipyard Jacksonville Florida / now BAE Systems Southeast Florida). The vessel was originally built for Great Lakes Cruises (US company) and designated for expedition voyages with itineraries in Central and South America.
The cruise ship was acquired in July 2017 from Clipper Group (Bahamas-based international company specializing in dry-bulk shipping). The vessel's current owner is the Copenhagen-based Albatros Travel company, that specializes in polar expedition cruises and tours. The company Cruise Management International Inc provides the ship's deck and engine management, while the sister-company CMI Leisure Management Inc handles the onboard hotel operations.
In November 2018, American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) signed an agreement to purchase the brand "Victory Cruise Line", as well as its chartered (from Sunstone Ships) vessels. Victory Cruise Line has a separate fleet and management and operates as a subsidiary company of AQSC.
Victory Cruise Line fares are inclusive of all daily-scheduled tours (excursions ashore). Deals are also inclusive of alcohol (beer and wine) at lunch and dinner. The company's closest competitor in both USA and Cuba is Pearl Seas Cruises.
Cruise itinerary program
MV Victory 2 itinerary program started with the "Inaugural Cruise" from Detroit Michigan on July 27, 2018. The ship's cruise calendar has regularly scheduled 7-night Canada and New England cruises between Massachusetts USA (departures from Boston and Gloucester) and Nova Scotia Canada (Halifax). Other itineraries include St Lawrence Seaway, Lake Michigan and the Canadian Maritimes, plus the company's first cruises on Lake Superior (bordering Ontario Canada and Minnesota USA).
The ship's itineraries are themed "New England Splendour" (between Halifax NS and Boston MS), "St Lawrence Seaway and French Canadian Maritimes" (between Halifax NS and Detroit MI) and "Western Lake Superior" ((Wisconsin and Michigan, between Milwaukee WI, Thunder Bay MI and Detroit MI).
After summer 2018 season, the boat started Victory Cruise Line's new Mexico cruise itinerary program with roundtrips from homeport Miami.
- For 2019, Victory Cruise Lines planned an inaugural 9-night Yucatan Mexico cruise itinerary leaving roundtrip from Miami Florida. The voyage visits 3 of the most popular Mayan ruin sites in the Mexican states Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo.
- During company's Inaugural Mexican season (January through May 2019), the offered travel packages include all-inclusive 3-day pre- and post- cruise hotel stay in Campeche, or 12-day all-inclusive "land and cruise" package.
- Passengers booking by May 31 (2018) received USD 1,000 pp discount. "Grand Mayan Experience" itinerary was scheduled for departure from PortMiami on January 4, 2019.
- The inaugural "Grand Mayan Experience" season 2019 (Florida to Mexico) was divided into 2 parts - January-May, and November 2019 through May 2020.
For season 2019 (May through October), Victory Cruise Line scheduled 10-day Great Lakes cruises operated with all-inclusive deals. Victory 2 ship was homeported in Montreal and Detroit, with route ports Quebec City, Kingston, Toronto (crossing Welland Canal between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie), Port Colborne / Port Weller (gateways to Niagara Falls) and Cleveland. This "French Canada and Great Lakes" itinerary on MS Victory 2 in 2019 is offered on (departures) May 28, June 6, July 12-21-30, August 8-17-26, October 10. Unique is the waterway scenic cruising on Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, St Lawrence River, Thousand Islands archipelago (Canada–USA border). Prices started at USD 6390 per person (double occupancy fares).
For season 2021 (November through December), for the Victory 2 ship was scheduled a new 11-day itinerary themed "Yucatan’s Mayan Cruise Tour" roundtrip from Cancun (Cozumel, Mexico). Land trips are led by bilingual tour guides and on premium motorcoaches which transport travellers to the Mayan city Chichen Itza.
The Yucatan’s Mayan Cruise Tour includes an optional flight to Cancun (overnight hotel stay), excursion to Tulum and embarkation in Cozumel (Day 2), Costa Maya (Day 3), Gulf of Mexico cruising (Day 4), Progreso (Day 5), Campeche (Days 6-7 / overnight), Gulf of Mexico cruising (Day 8), Progreso/Valladolid (Day 9), Valladolid/Cancun (Days 10-11 / overnight hotel stay). First departure was planned for Nov 17, 2021. Prices started from USD 3300 pp (double occupancy).
Cabins
MS Victory II features a beautifully appointed interior with only 110 staterooms. Its stylish staterooms offer high thread-count bedding, premium mattresses, pillow menus and L’Occitane bath amenities. Passengers enjoy free WiFi Internet access and 24-hour room service, as well as nightly turndown service. The stateroom entertainment systems feature LCD flat screen televisions with satellite programming and radio/alarm clocks with iPod Docking Station. Outside staterooms include armoires and picture windows for panoramic views.
Dining options - Food & Drinks
MS Victory II dining options include Shearwater dining room, Tavern and Outdoor Grill. Guests can enjoy fine à la carte dining in the main restaurant or the outdoor Cliff Rock Grill & Bar. they can treat themselves to fresh “hot rock” cooking at Cliff Rock, savour regionally inspired cuisine and western classics at Shearwater Dining Room, indulge in delightful afternoon tea service, complete with cakes and cookies, mingle with old and new friends in ship's English-style Seascape Tavern.
Entertainment options - Fun and Sport
MS Victory II has an Observation lounge, Sun Deck, Terrace and Boutique. Expertly led shore excursions are included. Listen & Learn Aboard program is hosted by experts in culture, history and natural wonders of the places visited.
Victory Cruise Lines deals
Follows the list of onboard amenities and services offered complimentary to all passengers (cruise price inclusive) regardless of cabin grades:
- accommodation: sleeping area (2 twin beds or 1 queen bed / excepting Owners Suites and Category E (with 1 fixed queen bed, 100% Egyptian cotton bedding sets, premium mattresses), en-suite bathroom (robes, slippers, make-up mirror, hairdryer), electronic safe (in the closet), individual climate control, flat LCD TV (satellite programming), direct dial phone (outside line), radio (alarm, docking station)
- daily housekeeping, nightly turndown service
- daily tour (1 excursion in each cruise port)
- complimentary drinks (coffee, tea, bottled water, soft drinks, house brand beers and wine by the glass with all lunches and dinners)
- all onboard meals
- brunch time Consume and Afternoon Tea service
Not included in the cruise deals are:
- flights (domestic or international airfare to and from the port destination)
- Other beverages (not mentioned above)
- gratuities (onboard and onshore excursions), port charges, cruise insurance.
Victory Cruise Line's closest competitor (in both USA and Cuba) is Pearl Seas Cruises.
MS Victory II - user reviews and comments
MS Victory II ship related cruise news
- Cruise Industry
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and VCL-Victory Cruise Lines release 2023 season
In response to demand for the 2022 cruise season, AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and VCL-Victory Cruise Lines, Hornblower Family Companies...
February 19, 2021 - Cruise Industry
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines launch 2021 promo campaigns
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and its fully-owned subsidiary and brand VCL-Victory Cruise Lines (both part of Hornblower Group Inc...
January 15, 2021 - Cruise Industry
VCL-Victory Cruise Lines introduces Yucatan’s Mayan Cruise Tour 2021
VCL-Victory Cruise Lines (subsidiary company and brand owned by AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company) announced a new itinerary for season 2021...
October 13, 2020 - Cruise Industry
AQSC cancels the entire 2020 season for Victory Cruise Lines ships
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company cancelled the entire 2020 season for its Victory Cruise Lines ships, ms Victory I and ms Victory II, and pushed...
May 28, 2020 - Cruise Industry
Victory Cruise Lines Announces Successful Inaugural Season
The US cruise travel brand Victory Cruise Line announced the success of its inaugural season under the new shipowner AQSC-American Queen Steamboat...
November 13, 2019 - Cruise Industry
Victory Cruise Lines Announces 2020 Discover Beyond Itineraries for MS Victory I and MS Victory II
Victory Cruise Lines (operated by American Queen Steamboat Company) announced the 2020 Discover Beyond itineraries for MS Victory I and MS Victory II...
November 7, 2019 - Cruise Industry
Victory Cruise Lines Announces 2020 Itineraries
Victory Cruise Lines, which is committed to small-ship cruising on the Great Lakes and along the North American coasts, announced their 2020 cruise...
June 17, 2019 - Cruise Industry
Major Milestone Completed in the Construction of American Countess
The leader in United States' overnight river cruising, American Queen Steamboat Company, completed a major milestone on Friday, March 15, in the...
March 17, 2019 - Cruise Industry
American Queen Announces Repairs and Updates
American Queen Steamboat Company recently acquired Victory Cruise Lines, and are now making improvements, updates and repairs to its 4 riverboats and...
February 8, 2019 - Cruise Industry
American Queen Announces Itineraries for Victory Cruise Lines
Victory Cruise Lines highlighted the line’s first couple of itineraries since joining American Queen Steamboat Company. The sailings onboard...
February 1, 2019 - show more news
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MS Victory II Wiki
Due to extended drydock refurbishment in Europe, boat's maiden voyage (pre-scheduled for May 20 from Boston MA) was re-scheduled for July 27 leaving from Montreal (Quebec Canada). The 9-night "Great Lakes Cruise" includes overnights in Montreal, Quebec City, St Lawrence Seaway, Thousand Islands, Toronto, Kingston, Niagara Falls, Cleveland. The inaugural cruise ended in Detroit MI on August 5. Cruise-only fares started from GBP 3,320 pp. Ship's 2018 summer program had scheduled voyages between Detroit-Halifax and along Atlantic Canada-New England.
In mid-November 2018, the shipowner AQSC (American Queen Steamboat Company) announced an agreement to acquire the brand "Victory Cruise Line", that includes purchasing its two chartered (Sunstone Ships-owned) vessels Victory I (built 2001) and Victory II (built 2004). To AQSC fleet was also added the newbuildOcean Victory (2021) - Sunstone-owned vessel operated under a charter. All the 3 ships stay in a separate fleet - under the "Victory Cruise Line" brand. Transaction terms (and price) were not disclosed. The acquisition deal was closed in mid-January 2019.
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