Victory Cruise Lines officially launched its 2025 Great Lakes season on April 27 with the christening of its ship, Victory I, in Toronto. The event marked a significant achievement for the company, which was founded by John Waggoner, who acquired the 190-guest Victory I and its sister ship, Victory II, less than a year ago. Both ships are specially designed for Great Lakes cruises, offering a more intimate, all-inclusive experience compared to traditional river or ocean cruises.
For the 2025 season, Victory Cruise Lines is offering 33 sailings that will cover all five Great Lakes in a single itinerary. The company remains the only cruise line that docks at Chicago’s downtown Navy Pier. Victory II will be christened on May 12, 2025. Both ships will operate 10- to 15-night voyages, departing from Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee, and Montreal, with trips available through October.
Founder and CEO John Waggoner reflected on the company’s growth, saying, “As we celebrate the return of Victory Cruise Lines to the Great Lakes, I must reflect on the amazing feat by an incredible team that has brought this vision to life once again. Thank you to everyone who has believed in us and this dream to share our passion for cruising here on the Great Lakes.”
The christening ceremony took place in the Compass Lounge aboard Victory I. It began with the national anthems of both the United States and Canada, acknowledging the two countries that share the Great Lakes. Key speakers at the event included Kelly Jackson, Vice President of Destination Development at Destination Toronto, and Kate Fineske, Executive Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes. The ceremony culminated with a traditional christening, where Emily Coleman, daughter of John and Claudette Waggoner, broke a bottle of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky against the bow, with Toronto’s skyline as the backdrop.
“Victory Cruise Lines will bring thousands of visitors to Toronto, with many exploring the city’s neighborhoods, culture, and cuisine,” said Kelly Jackson. “Cruise visitation supports local jobs and businesses, and Victory’s return highlights Toronto’s growing importance as a key port in the Great Lakes cruise market.”
Victory I’s first voyage will follow the line’s popular 10-night itinerary between Toronto and Chicago. This route includes stops at Niagara Falls (via Port Colborne), Cleveland, Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, and Escanaba, Michigan. Guests will have the opportunity to visit top attractions like The Henry Ford Museum, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a Soo Locks maritime heritage tour.
Onboard, travelers can enjoy three dining venues, including the new Tuscan Stone Grill, which offers a unique, upscale experience with hot-stone cooking and panoramic views of the Great Lakes. The LakeLorian program, in partnership with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, provides guests with expert-led lectures and discussions about the region’s history and culture.
Every Victory Cruise Lines voyage includes a pre-cruise hotel stay with complimentary ground transfers. Guests will also enjoy water-view accommodations, some with private verandas, as well as a shore excursion in every port, from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to the Henry Ford Museum.
The dining experience includes gourmet options, such as freshly prepared lobster and regional specialties. Guests can enjoy unlimited beverages, including premium spirits, local craft beers, and specialty coffees. Other amenities include unlimited Wi-Fi, daily live entertainment, enrichment programs led by LakeLorians, and complimentary hiking sticks for onshore excursions.
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