As godmother of the Victory II, Molly Grace Applegate practiced smashing liquor bottles in the backyard of her San Diego home and giving speeches to her dog Lamb Chop who fell asleep halfway through her speech.

But the 12-year old did an excellent job on Monday, May 12, christening the ship at Pier One in Chicago with a bottle of Maker’s Mark Bourbon. The milestone moment marked Victory II’s 10-night cruise between Chicago and Toronto.

“As her grandparent, I can say with absolute confidence that if anyone can bring charm, luck and just a little bit of sparkle to this ship, it is Molly,” John Waggoner, founder and CEO of Victory Cruise Lines, said.

As Molly’s grandfather, Waggoner said, “You have already brought joy to our life and I know you will bring good fortune to Victory II.”

The milestone moment marked the full return of Victory Cruise Lines. Both Victory I and Victory II ships  were purposely built for the Great Lakes, offering a refreshing alternative to rive and ocean cruising.

Waggoner came out of retirement to resurrect the cruise line, which he once owned. Following the bankruptcy of Hornblower Group, Waggoner and his wife, Claudette, paid $1.9 million in cash for the auctioned ships.

“It’s hard to believe we only purchased the Victory II 395 days ago,” Waggoner said at the christening.

John Waggoner

In that short amount of time, Victory II was updated in preparation for cruising again. Waggoner thanked “my entire family who support my crazy ideas and support me unconditionally.”

Victory Cruise Lines is committed to all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on the Great Lakes and Canadian coasts. Victory Cruise Lines is the only  cruise line to dock at Chicago’s Navy Pier and offers the most cruises – 33 departures in 2025 – that hit all five Great Lakes in one voyage.

Both ships will operate 10-15 night voyages from Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee and Montreal now through October.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has made it possible for us to showcase all five Great Lakes and provide guests with the opportunity to create lasting travel memories together,” Waggoner said.

Molly Grace Applegate

The christening ceremony began onboard Victory II in the Compass Lounge by first honoring the United States and Canada with the singing of the national anthems, as both share the Great Lakes.

Remarks were made by Choose Chicago Vice President Partnerships Jordan Engerman, National Museum of the Great Lakes Executive Director Kate Fineske, Victory Cruise Lines Chief Operating Officer David William Kelly and John Waggoner.

The highlight of the ceremony was Molly Grace Applegate, granddaughter of John and Claudette Waggoner, who christened the Victory II.

Molly Grace Applegate

Victory II’s inaugural sailing is the cruise line’s most popular itinerary, 10-nights between Chicago and Toronto including a pre-cruise hotel with ports of call in Escanaba and Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, Cleveland Port Colborne (Niagara Falls).

Victory Cruise Lines included excursions give guests an opportunity to enjoy both morning and afternoon options. Highlights include The Henry Ford Experience in Detroit, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Soo Locks & Maritime Heritage Tour in Sault St. Marie.

Molly Grace Applegate with her godmother portrait aboard Victory II

“Victory Cruise Lines will bring thousands of visitors to Chicago and we are proud the cruise line is docking right here downtown at Navy Pier,” said Jordan Engerman on behalf of Choose Chicago.”

Jordan Engerman

David William Kelly

“Cruise visitation supports local jobs and businesses across the city and is yet another way for travelers to explore our rich and diverse destination,” Jordan said.

Kate Fineske

On the Victory II cruise, LakeLorian Ian Ross hosts lectures, discussion and answers questions throughout the journey. LakeLorians provide exclusive programming in collaboration with the renowned National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio.

Chicago night scene as Victory II departs 

Photos by Jackie Sheckler Finch

Cover photo courtesy of Victory Cruise Lines

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