Victory Cruise Lines Celebrates the Christening of Victory I in Toronto, Canada

Victory Cruise Lines has officially christened its vessel, the Victory I, on April 27, 2025, in Toronto, Canada. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the company, which now falls under the umbrella of American Queen Voyages (AQV). Founder and CEO John Waggoner, who acquired the 190-guest ship Victory I and its sister ship, the Victory II, less than a year ago, celebrated the return of operations focused on small-ship coastal cruising in the Great Lakes region.

Initially designed for the unique demands of these inland waters, both ships are now poised to redefine cruising experiences. For the 2025 season, Victory Cruise Lines is set to provide an impressive 33 departures across all five Great Lakes—more than any other operator. Notably, the line holds exclusive docking rights at Chicago’s Navy Pier, where the Victory II will be inaugurated on May 12, 2025. Voyages will run from Chicago, with stops at notable ports like Toronto, Milwaukee, and Montreal through October.

The christening ceremony was a lively event held in the ship’s Compass Lounge, commencing with the national anthems of both the United States and Canada to highlight the shared stewardship of the Great Lakes. Speeches from several dignitaries, including Vice President Kelly Jackson of Destination Toronto and David William Kelly, COO of Victory Cruise Lines, set the tone for the event. The highlight was a traditional christening by Emily Coleman, the daughter of John and Claudette Waggoner, who joyfully broke a bottle of Crown Royal Whisky against the ship’s bow with the Toronto skyline as a backdrop.

Victory I’s inaugural sailing consists of a sought-after 10-night journey stretching between Toronto and Chicago, including stops at Port Colborne for Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, and Escanaba, Michigan. Guests can look forward to included excursions that last between one to three hours, allowing for exploration of unique regional attractions like The Henry Ford Experience in Detroit and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Aboard, passengers will enjoy three distinct dining options, including the new Tuscan Stone Grill—a concept designed by COO David William Kelly in collaboration with maritime culinary expert Dietmar Wertanzl. This dining experience features interactive, high-end meals prepared with hot stones, all while guests savor stunning views of the Great Lakes.

The programming onboard will be enriched by expert-led sessions from LakeLorians, collaborators with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, ensuring a deep dive into Great Lakes history and culture.

Each sailing will also include a complimentary one-night hotel stay before the cruise, with ground transfers to the ship and airport transfers afterward. Passengers can expect water view accommodations and a variety of included amenities such as regionally inspired cuisine, fine wines, craft beers, unlimited Wi-Fi, live entertainment, and educational programming.

Victory Cruise Lines aims to deliver thoughtfully curated, destination-focused experiences on its purpose-built small ships, celebrating the maritime heritage of North America’s inland seas.

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