Cruise Lines has launched its new 2025 inaugural season. The two-ship fleet – the Victory I and Victory II –will cruise on all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the French-Canadian Maritimes.

Guests can join the christening of the Victory I in Toronto on April 27 and Victory II at Chicago’s Navy Pier on May 12.

“As long-time enthusiasts of maritime adventures, my wife Claudette and I are thrilled for the team to open reservations of the inaugural season and we prepare to sail these magnificent waters,” John Waggoner, Victory Cruise lines chairman and founder, said in a press release.

Waggoner acquired the two ships in May 2024 when American Queen Voyages shut down operations in February. Its parent company, Hornblower Group, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The founder of American Queen Voyages, Waggoner had previously owned the ships – formerly named Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager – but sold his shares to retire before the company began having financial problems.

“Owning these intimate vessels, each carrying only 190 guests, is a dream come true for us, “Waggoner said.  “These small-ship, all-inclusive coastal cruises are sure to offer the experience of a lifetime.”

 

John Waggoner in Victory I restaurant

                                                Docking at Chicago’s Navy Pier

The Victory Cruise Lines cruise experience will offer many special touches, including being the only cruise line to dock at Chicago’s Navy Pier, Waggoner said. “Most of all, our ships will be a home away from home exploring all five Great Lakes.”

The season will begin with a “New England & Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise” from Portland, Maine, to Toronto, departing April 16, 2025.

Hosted by John and Claudette Waggoner, the 10-night cruise through the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes will reunite friends from past voyages and feature guest entertainers Phil Westbrook and Greg and Lindy Pendzick.

Victory Cruise Lines will operate 36 Great Lakes voyages in a single season. Thirty-three of those visit all five of the lakes.Cruise

                                                    Cruise inclusives 

All departures include a one-night pre-cruise premium hotel stay and transfers.

Besides the pre-night hotel and transfers, fares also include a shore excursion at every port, unlimited beverages and WiFi.

Fares start at $5,700 per person, double occupancy, with $1,000 inaugural season savings per person.

                                          Highlighted 2025 itineraries include

Nine-night Ultimate Great Lakes, sailing from Chicago to Toronto from April through September 2025

Nine-night Ultimate Great Lakes, sailing from Milwaukee to Toronto, May through August 2025.

11-night Ultimate Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, sailing from Chicago to Montreal in September and October 2025.

14-night Great Lakes and Thunder Bay, sailing roundtrip from Chicago in May and June 2025.

Photos by Jackie Sheckler Finch

Ed. Note: Please contact us for more information and to book a cruise Crown Cruise Vacations | Cruise Getaways You Can Afford!

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