Federal Operation Leads to Crew Removal from Victory Cruise Lines in the Great Lakes

During routine visits to the Port of Detroit, crew members from Victory Cruise Lines’ ships, Victory I and Victory II, were removed by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on July 9 and 11. Thirteen crew members, who had been previously approved to work in the USA and hired through third-party agencies, were detained as part of an ongoing federal operation in the Great Lakes region. The CBP has not released specific details due to the active investigation.

Victory Cruise Lines has resumed operations this spring under new ownership after the previous closure of American Queen Voyages and is cooperating fully with authorities. John Waggoner, the founder and chairman of the company, emphasized that the welfare of the crew and the experience of guests are paramount. He and senior executives are currently aboard the vessels to oversee the situation. Other overnight cruise operators in the area have reportedly faced similar crew removals.

Despite these events, both Victory I and Victory II continue to operate their itineraries throughout the Great Lakes and New England-Canada regions this fall.

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