This article first appeared in the August edition of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
The Reborn Victory Cruise Lines The company is currently operating its first season in the Great Lakes region, which attracts multi-generational clients who want to learn more about the regions of the U.S.A. and Canada.
John Waggoner acquired the two Victory vessels from American Queen Voyages in 2024 after the company went bankrupt. In just over a calendar year, Waggoner renovated the ships, planned itineraries, and managed the launch of Victory Cruise Lines in the spring. Waggoner, who was purchased by American Queen and left its day-today operations in 2021 – well before the company collapsed – left his position.
Before joining American Queen as Cape May Light & Cape Cod Lights in 2019, the ships were owned by various different owners.
Waggoner was a 30-year maritime entrepreneur who had worked at American Queen. As a result, he knew the ships well and were familiar with the Great Lakes.
The twin 190-passenger ships – Victory I and Victory II – are virtually identical, and purpose-built for sailing the Great Lakes and coastal waters. Victory I began its first voyage from Toronto on April 27, followed by Victory II from Chicago on May 12.
The pub-style restaurant (Photo credit: Victory Cruise Lines).
My cruise aboard Victory II left Chicago’s Navy Pier. It stopped at Escanaba Island, Mackinac Island and Sault Ste. Marie and Detroit (in Michigan); Cleveland, Ohio; Niagara Falls on the Canadian side from Port Colborne, Ontario; before ending in Toronto.
The Onboard Ambience
The Victory vessels bring back memories of the glory years of passenger shipping along the Great Lakes. Waggoner says that the atmosphere onboard is friendly and family-like with passengers and crew who are able to bond easily.
“We like to say, ‘Welcome to John and Claudette’s beach house on the Great Lakes,'” Waggoner joked, referring to his wife, who regularly travels with him. The atmosphere that we are aiming for is: No. “The crew knows everyone’s name on the first night and they know what drinks you drink.”
As I soon discovered, they certainly did.
“I had a couple come to me and say, ‘Mr. Waggoner: We’ve taken 60 cruises and this crew was the most friendly we’ve ever encountered. They provided outstanding service, and made everyone feel as if they were family.
Target Clientele
On Victory’s Great Lakes cruises, who exactly are the passengers? Repeat cruisers, they are well-travelled, well-educated and well-traveled. Many are from the U.S. or Canada and are multigenerational, including some groups of grandparents in their 50s with their parents who are 90 years old.
Photo Credit: Victory Cruise Lines. A bedroom in Category AA.
One note of caution: The ship’s doorways have raised thresholds – common on older ships – which can create challenges for those in wheelchairs or using walkers. The elevator runs from Deck 1 up to Deck 4.
Public Spaces and Accommodations
Victory I and Victory II have both five decks. The sun loungers are located on the top deck. Deck 4 is Club Level. Cabins have additional amenities like invitations to events, laundry, and a minifridge with beer and sodas.
Staterooms are on the small side – 146 to 185 square feet – with wooden furniture, comfy beds, and bathrooms with tight round showers and vanities with plenty of shelf space for toiletries and cosmetics.
Onboard, the cuisine is varied and includes many local options. At Tuscan Stone Grill guests can cook any protein to the desired degree of doneness on a hot rock.
The entertainment after dinner is always lively. There’s a three piece band and a singer who was a big hit on my cruise.
The Victory app allows passengers to view the daily schedule and menus.
Working With Travel Consultants
Victory wants to work with Travel Advisors. The website has a portal that contains everything from brochures and marketing information, to fam trips and commission policies.
The line provides one free shore excursion in every port, including the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation outside Detroit, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, a boat ride in Niagara Falls and a horse-drawn carriage ride around carless Mackinac Island.
The optional excursions are more detailed explorations and include food and wine tastings.
Every trip includes an overnight stay in a hotel with breakfast. My overnight stay in Chicago was at the Sheraton Chicago Riverwalk. The hotel is connected to the ship by motorcoach and at the end of the cruise the ship will take you to the airport.
Itineraries, rates and itineraries
Victory Cruise Lines operates two ships: Victory I and Victory II. They will be in service from April until early November. In 2026 the line will offer longer cruises. These will include 14-day trips from Portland, Maine to Halifax, Nova Scotia or to Jacksonville, Florida. The ships will be repaired or improved when out of service.
Fares start at $4,999 per person for double occupancy on the ninenight Montreal-to-Portland, itinerary onboard Victory I. For the 10-night Great Lakes voyages between Chicago and Toronto, double occupancy, starting at $6299 per person in 2025. $5799 in 2026.
Fares include all meals and drinks – along with afternoon tea during days with no stops – dining in the specialty Tuscan Stone Grill, daily housekeeping service, a journal, afternoon snacks and local turndown treats, such as Garrett popcorn from Chicago, chocolate covered cherries from Northern Michigan and Mackinac Island fudge.
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