Victory Cruise Lines, committed to all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on The Great Lakes and Canadian Coasts, announces reservations for the 2025 inaugural season are now open. Comprised of the 190-guest Victory I and Victory II, these ships were purpose-built in Jacksonville, Florida, to cruise on all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the French-Canadian Maritimes. The size and maneuverability of these ships are perfectly suited for coastal cruising in this region. Cruising connoisseurs can celebrate the christening celebrations of Victory I in Toronto on April 27 and Victory II at Chicago’s Navy Pier on May 12.
“As long-time enthusiasts of maritime adventures, my wife Claudette and I are thrilled for the team to open reservations of the inaugural season and we prepare to sail these magnificent waters,” shares Victory Cruise Lines Chairman and Founder, John Waggoner, who acquired the two ships in May 2024. “Our cruise experience will offer many special touches, including being the only cruise line to dock at Chicago’s Navy Pier, and most of all, our ships will be a home away from home exploring all five Great Lakes.”
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, Phil Westbrook, and Greg and Lindy Pendzick.
Victory Cruise Lines voyages along magnificent coastlines, journeys through seaways and lakes, navigates hidden harbors and calls on downtown marinas with ease.
– Victory Cruise Lines is the coastal cruising product on the Great Lakes that docks at Navy Pier in Chicago.
– Victory Cruise Lines offers 36 voyages on the Great Lakes in a single season.
– Victory Cruise Lines has the most coastal cruises in a single season that hit all 5 Great Lakes in one cruise, 33 voyages.
– Victory Cruise Lines is the only coastal cruising product that includes a 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel at a premium property plus ground transfers to the ships for ALL voyages.
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 vessel; 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 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.
