Victory Cruise Lines Announces Exciting Return to Great Lakes and Canadian Waters

Victory Cruise Lines is set to make a comeback in the U.S. market this April, focusing on the Great Lakes and Canadian waters. Led by John Waggoner, who also founded American Queen Voyages, the company is reintroducing two refurbished 190-passenger vessels: Victory I and Victory II.

Originally crafted for navigating the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the French-Canadian Maritimes, these ships were previously part of American Queen Voyages, which acquired Victory Cruise Lines in 2019 before ceasing operations last year. Since then, Waggoner has removed any affiliation with American Queen.

The refurbished vessels will operate across a range of popular and lesser-known North American ports. Waggoner highlighted that the clientele usually comprises seasoned travelers who desire domestic voyages highlighting national heritage and regional uniqueness, with many eager to indulge in American and Canadian cultures during their trips.

Waggoner and his wife Claudette, co-owner of the company, will debut the season with a 10-night voyage aboard Victory I, departing from Portland, Maine to Toronto prior to the ship’s formal christening. The Victory II is set to be christened in Chicago on May 12.

Beginning in 2025, itineraries will last from 9 to 14 nights, featuring comprehensive tours of all five Great Lakes—Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, and Superior—with routes linking Chicago, Milwaukee, and Toronto. Additional voyages will traverse the St. Lawrence Seaway between Chicago and Montreal, while others will offer round-trips from Chicago that explore Lakes Michigan and Superior, with overnight stops at destinations like Mackinac Island.

Ports of call include cities like Detroit and Marquette in Michigan, Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Port Colborne, Ontario, which provides access to Niagara Falls. Notably, Victory Cruise Lines will be the only cruise line allowed to dock at Navy Pier in Chicago.

Guests will have the option to enjoy various shore excursions, including visits to the Soo Locks and Museum Ship Valley Camp in Sault Ste. Marie, alongside a behind-the-scenes tour of Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. Onboard, passengers will benefit from a LakeLorian enrichment program in collaboration with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which offers lectures from historians and naturalists. Amenities on the ships will include three dining venues, a sundeck, a salon, and a spa.

Sailing prices start at US$4,999 per person, which encompasses a pre-cruise hotel stay, hotel-to-ship transfers, all meals and beverages on board, one guided tour at each port, Wi-Fi, and additional benefits.

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