Victory Cruise Lines Revives Tourism in the Great Lakes
Victory Cruise Lines proudly announced the christening of Victory I in Toronto, marking the triumphant return of the company, led by founder and CEO John Waggoner. Less than a year ago, he finalized the purchase of the Victory I and Victory II—two ships specially designed for the Great Lakes—offering an innovative alternative to traditional river and ocean cruising.
In 2025, Victory Cruise Lines will operate 33 voyages that explore all five Great Lakes in a single cruise. The company is also the only one authorized to dock at Navy Pier, the iconic tourist port in downtown Chicago, where the Victory II was officially christened on May 12, 2025. Both vessels will offer cruises lasting 10 to 15 nights, with departures from Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee, and Montreal through October.
Victory I Toronto
Victory I Toronto
John Waggoner, Founder and CEO of Victory Cruise Lines, proudly highlighted the company’s return to the Great Lakes, praising the extraordinary efforts of the team that made this project possible. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who, directly or indirectly, believed in the vision and dream of bringing cruise passion to this remarkable region.
The christening ceremony took place on board in the Compass Lounge, with tributes to the two nations that share the Great Lakes—the United States and Canada—through the playing of their national anthems. Speakers included Kelly Jackson, Vice President of Destination Development at Destination Toronto; Kate Fineske, Executive Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes; David William Kelly, COO of Victory Cruise Lines; and John Waggoner himself. The ceremony’s highlight was the official christening by godmother Emily Coleman, daughter of John and Claudette Waggoner, who broke a bottle of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky on the ship’s bow, with Toronto’s skyline as the backdrop.
Representing Destination Toronto, Kelly Jackson emphasized that Victory Cruise Lines will bring thousands of visitors to the city, many of whom will have the opportunity to explore its neighborhoods, culture, and cuisine. She also noted that cruise tourism supports local jobs and businesses, and that the return of Victory Cruise Lines further strengthens Toronto’s position as a strategic port in the Great Lakes cruise market.
Victory I Toronto
Victory I Toronto
The Victory I’s inaugural cruise will follow the company’s most popular route: a 10-night itinerary between Toronto and Chicago, including a pre-cruise hotel night. Ports of call include Port Colborne (Niagara Falls), Cleveland, Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, and Escanaba, Michigan. At each stop, excursions of varying lengths (from one to three hours) will be offered, with multiple options and schedules to ensure all guests can participate. Highlights include the Henry Ford Experience in Detroit, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and the Soo Locks & Maritime Heritage Tour in Sault Ste. Marie.
Onboard, guests can choose from three restaurants, including the new Tuscan Stone Grill, an interactive dining concept created by COO David William Kelly in partnership with Dietmar Wertanzl of Anglo-Eastern Leisure. This elegant venue offers refined dining with hot stone cooking at the table, located aft with panoramic views of the Great Lakes. The educational “LakeLorian” program, developed in collaboration with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, features lectures, debates, and Q&A sessions throughout the journey, blending knowledge with a deep passion for the Great Lakes region.
Victory I Toronto
Each cruise includes a pre-departure hotel stay, complimentary transfers to and from the ship and airport, lakeview accommodations (some with verandas), one included excursion per port, gourmet cuisine served in multiple venues, culinary events, unlimited beverages (including wines, spirits, local craft beers, and specialty coffees), bars, unlimited Wi-Fi, daily entertainment, and enriching activities hosted by the LakeLorian staff—plus trekking poles for shore exploration.
The return of Victory Cruise Lines to the Great Lakes not only presents an innovative travel opportunity but also provides a significant boost to local tourism and cultural appreciation in the destinations visited. With an all-inclusive offering designed to promote comfort, discovery, and sustainability, the company is establishing itself as a leader in a new era of cruising in this captivating region.
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