Victory Cruise Lines, committed to all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on The Great Lakes and Canadian Maritimes, announces Victory I has departed Portland, Maine. Embarking on the line’s first revenue cruise, the New England & Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise is hosted by Victory Cruise Lines Chairman and Founder John Waggoner and wife Claudette. Marking the line’s first revenue voyage in preparation for the inaugural Great Lakes season, the sailing includes many past guests of the Waggoners and special entertainment they have handpicked featuring Greg and Lindy Pendzick and Michaelyn Oby.
“Today is an exciting milestone for Victory Cruise Lines as we set sail for Toronto onboard Victory I joined by family, friends and longtime guests,” said John Waggoner, founder and chairman of Victory Cruise Lines. “In less than a year, Claudette and I purchased these purpose-built ships for the Great Lakes, the team has come together, we are welcoming guests onboard and poised to embark on an incredible travel experience on all five Great Lakes.”
The New England & Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise voyage began with a pre-cruise hotel night in Portland, followed by 10-night sailing with ports of call including Halifax, Sydney, Quebec City, Montreal and concluding in Toronto. Victory I will be christened in Toronto on April 27 and her sister ship Victory II will be christened at Chicago’s Navy Pier on May 12, 2025. Victory Cruise Lines offers 33 voyages in 2025 that touch all five Great Lakes.
The 190-guest Victory I was purpose-built to cruise on all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the French-Canadian Maritimes. Onboard, guests will enjoy the Victory Cruise Lines’ own LakeLorian lecture program in partnership with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which includes 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 transforms to Tuscan Stone Grill for a special dining experience. 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 vessel; all water view 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.
