Victory Cruise Lines Launches 2025 Great Lakes Season with Victory I
Victory Cruise Lines has officially launched its 2025 Great Lakes cruising season with the christening of its ship, Victory I, in Toronto on April 27, 2025. This event marks a significant milestone for the company, which was recently acquired by founder and CEO John Waggoner. He purchased the 190-guest Victory I and its sister ship, Victory II, less than a year ago. Designed specifically for Great Lakes voyages, these ships offer a unique, intimate all-inclusive cruising experience, distinct from traditional river and ocean cruises.
For the 2025 season, Victory Cruise Lines is offering 33 sailings that explore all five Great Lakes on a single itinerary. Victory Cruise Lines remains the only cruise line to dock at Chicago’s downtown Navy Pier, where Victory II will be christened on May 12, 2025. Both vessels will operate 10- to 15-night voyages, departing from Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee, and Montreal, with itineraries running through October.
“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,” said John Waggoner. “Thank you to everyone here, as well as those not in the room today, who have believed in us and this dream to share our passion for cruising here on the Great Lakes.”
The christening ceremony, which took place in the Compass Lounge aboard the Victory I, was marked by the national anthems of the United States and Canada, paying tribute to the two countries that share the Great Lakes. Key speakers included Kelly Jackson, Vice President of Destination Development at Destination Toronto; Kate Fineske, Executive Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes; COO David William Kelly; and Waggoner himself. The ceremony’s highlight was the christening moment when Emily Coleman, daughter of John and Claudette Waggoner, broke a bottle of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky against the ship’s bow, with Toronto’s skyline serving as the stunning backdrop.
“Victory Cruise Lines will bring thousands of visitors to Toronto, with many taking time to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, culture, and cuisine,” Kelly Jackson shared. “Cruise visitation supports local jobs and businesses across the city, and Victory’s resumption of service underscores Toronto’s growing role as a key port in the Great Lakes cruise market.”
Victory I’s inaugural voyage follows the line’s most popular itinerary: a 10-night journey between Toronto and Chicago. This voyage includes stops at notable destinations like Niagara Falls (via Port Colborne), Cleveland, Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, and Escanaba, Michigan. Guests can enjoy curated shore excursions, including visits to The Henry Ford Museum, Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Soo Locks maritime heritage tour.
Onboard, guests can enjoy three dining venues, including the new Tuscan Stone Grill concept, offering an interactive hot-stone cooking experience with panoramic views of the Great Lakes. In collaboration with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, the LakeLorian hosts enriching lectures, discussions, and educational programming. These experts, with deep knowledge of the region, deliver exclusive content developed in partnership with the esteemed museum in Toledo, Ohio.
Victory Cruise Lines ensures a luxurious experience with a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, complimentary ground transfers, and all water-view accommodations, some with private verandas. Guests enjoy all-inclusive shore excursions, gourmet meals, unlimited beverages, including local craft beers and specialty coffees, as well as unlimited Wi-Fi. Onboard entertainment, enrichment programs, and complimentary hiking sticks for onshore adventures round out the experience.
As Victory Cruise Lines embarks on this new season, it continues to offer a distinctive and intimate way to explore the Great Lakes, combining luxury, education, and adventure for every guest.
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