Victory Cruise Lines to Make a Comeback on the Great Lakes in Next Year’s Cruising Season

Victory Cruise Lines is set to make a triumphant return to the Great Lakes next year with its two renowned vessels, Victory I and Victory II, as reported by Seatrade Cruise News. These 190-passenger sister ships, previously known as Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager, were part of American Queen Voyages before the company ceased operations in February following Hornblower Group’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

In a significant development this April, the ships were purchased at auction by John Waggoner for approximately $2 million. Waggoner, who originally bought the ships in 2018 for $55 million, has a deep-rooted history in the maritime industry, having founded Hornblower Marine Services in 1994, which later evolved into HMS Global Maritime. This entity encompassed several business units including Seaward Services, HMS Ferries, American Queen Steamboat Co., and Victory Cruise Lines. These last two eventually merged to form American Queen Voyages.

Citing an “unbelievable deal” and a passion for the cruising business, especially on the Great Lakes, Waggoner decided to come out of retirement to relaunch Victory Cruise Lines. The planned revival is scheduled for next spring when both Victory I and Victory II will begin offering 10- to 12-day voyages across all five Great Lakes, following refurbishments currently underway in Maine.

Victory Cruise Lines will be headquartered in New Albany, Indiana, marking a new chapter for the brand with a focus on providing exceptional cruise experiences in the scenic Great Lakes region. This relaunch not only highlights the enduring appeal of Great Lakes cruising but also underscores the resilience and evolving dynamics of the cruise industry.