Victory Cruise Lines, committed to all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on The Great Lakes and Canadian Coasts, is partnering with Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, for hotel operation, provisioning, crewing and logistics services. An established small-ship and expedition provider led by cruise industry veteran President and CEO Dietmar Wertanzl, Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management was chosen for its high-quality and cost-efficient expertise that will seamlessly maintain superior guest experience standards.

“Dietmar Wertanzl and the Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management team have a proven track record of superior service delivery across the cruise industry and small ship space, paired with firsthand knowledge of these specialized vessels operating in the Great Lakes,” said David William Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, Victory Cruise Lines. “I value Dietmar’s personal touch collaborating on the onboard cuisine development in particular and look forward to this partnership relaunching Victory Cruise Lines together.”

The Victory Cruise Lines team, in partnership with Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, has developed a fine food and beverage program onboard Victory I and Victory II delivering casual pub fare to elegant meals with breathtaking views. The Tuscan Stone Grill, a new inclusive specialty concept for dinner in The Grill, was meticulously created by Victory COO David William Kelly and Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management’s Dietmar Wertanzl. Transforming into an upscale interactive dining experience utilizing hot stones for guests cooking at their table, the space spanning the stern of the ship offers expansive views of The Great Lakes.

“At Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, we are passionate about small-ship cruising and admire the Victory Cruises Lines Founder and Chairman John Waggoner, for returning these beautiful boutique vessels back to where they were intended to sail – The Great Lakes,” shares Wertanzl. “I look forward to once again collaborating with David William Kelly and the Victory Cruise Lines team to deliver memorable experiences onboard.”

Victory Cruise Lines will mark the inaugural season with a special New England & Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise Portland to Toronto departing April 16, 2025. Hosted by John and Claudette Waggoner, the 10-night cruise through the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes will reunite friends from past voyages featuring notable guest entertainers, Greg and Lindy Pendzick and Michaelyn Oby.

Victory Cruise Lines voyages along magnificent coastlines, journeys through seaways and lakes, navigates hidden harbors and calls on downtown marinas with ease.

Onboard, guests will enjoy the Victory Cruise Lines’ own LakeLorian lecture program including engaging, destination-oriented historians and naturalists who share their vast knowledge and expertise of the history, ecology, and culture of each port of call. Victory I and Victory II feature a home-away-from-home atmosphere with gathering spots including the Compass Lounge, home to a grand piano and a favorite locale for old fashioned sing-alongs. The English-style Tavern is another favorite onboard venue to share stories and laughter with friends and fellow travelers. Guests may lounge on the aft deck on the Observation and Sun Deck with cushioned outdoor sofas, the perfect place to celebrate a successful excursion, gather for afternoon cocktails, amber sunsets, or late-night stargazing.

Victory Cruise Line chefs bring exclusive culinary delights to the table with menus of local specialties and fresh fish, when available. The wine selection reflects the routes and never fails to impress with fine wines from the various regions. The Coastal Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from the chef’s menu of regionally inspired dishes. The Grill serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and seated dinner. Guests will also find a variety of healthy dining alternatives that meet their dining needs.

Each Victory Cruise Lines voyage includes 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay with complimentary ground transfers between the hotel and ship and from the ship to the airport; all oceanview accommodations, some with veranda; an included shore excursion in every port from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Detroit; acclaimed cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner served in multiple venues plus culinary events throughout each cruise; gourmet selections including freshly prepared lobster and regionally-inspired dishes; unlimited beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees; open bars and lounges throughout the vessel; unlimited Wi-Fi; live, daily onboard entertainment and enrichment with our own LakeLorians®; hiking sticks.