It’s official. The Victory I cruise ship has been christened in Toronto. The ceremony marks a triumphant return of Victory Cruise Lines, led by founder and CEO John Waggoner.

“As we celebrate the return of Victory Cruise Lines to the Great Lakes, I must reflect on the amazing feat by an incredible team that has brought this vision to life once again,” Waggoner said in a press release.

“Thank you to everyone here, as well as those not in the room today, that have believed in us and this dream to share our passion for cruising here on the Great Lakes,” he said.

Waggoner closed on the purchase of the 190-guest Victory I and sister-ship Victory II just under a year ago. Both ships were purposely built for the Great Lakes, offering a refreshing alternative to river and ocean cruising.

Committed to all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on the Great Lakes and Canadian Coasts, Victory Cruise Lines offers the most cruises, 33 departures in 2025, that hit all five Great Lakes in one voyage.

Godmother Emily Coleman prepares to christen the ship

Victory Cruise Lines also is the only company to dock at Chicago’s downtown Navy Pier, where Victory II will be christened May 12.

                                 Both Ships Will Offer Voyages Through October

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

“Victory Cruise Lines will bring thousands of visitors to Toronto, with many taking time to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, culture and cuisine,” Kelly Jackson, Destination Toronto Vice President Destination Development, said in a press release.

“Cruise visitation supports local jobs and businesses across the city and Victory’s resumption of service underscores Toronto’s growing role as a key port in the Great Lakes cruise market,” Jackson said.

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

Godmother Emily Coleman christens Victory I

The highlight of the ceremony was Godmother Emily Coleman, daughter of John and Claudette Waggoner, breaking a bottle of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky on the ship’s bow officially christening the vessel with the skyline of Toronto in the background.

                             Victory Cruise Lines’ Most Popular Itinerary

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

Victory Cruise Lines included excursions give guests an opportunity to enjoy a one-to-three-hour experience in each port of call with multiple times the excursion is offered to ensure guests are able to choose an option.

Highlights include The Henry Ford Experience in Detroit, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Soo Locks & Maritime Heritage Tour in Sault Ste. Marie.

In partnership with the National Museum of The Great Lakes, a LakeLorian hosts lectures, discussions and answers questions throughout the journey.

With equal parts knowledge and passion for the Great Lakes, LakeLorians provide exclusive programming in collaboration with the renowned National Museum of The Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio.

Claudette and John Waggoner with their daughter Emily Coleman

                               New Tuscan Stone Grill for Dinner

Onboard the ships, guests enjoy three dining options including Tuscan Stone Grill, a new inclusive interactive concept in The Grill for dinner.

Originally created by Victory Cruise Lines COO David William Kelly and Angle-Eastern Leisure’s Dietmar Wertanzl, Tuscan Stone Grill delivers an upscale interactive dining experience using hot stones for guests cooking at their table. The dining space spans the ship’s stern, offering expansive views of The Great Lakes.

Each Victory Cruise Lines voyage includes:

• One-night pre-cruise hotel stay
• Complimentary ground transfers between the hotel and ship and from the ship to the airport
• All water view accommodations, some with verandas
• An included shore excursion in every port
• Acclaimed cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner served in multiple venues, plus culinary events throughout each cruise
• Gourmet selections including freshly prepared lobster and regionally-inspired dishes
• Unlimited beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees.
• Open bars and lounges throughout the vessel
• Unlimited Wi-Fi
• Hiking sticks
• Live, daily onboard entertainment and enrichment with Victory’s LakeLorians.

Photos courtesy of Victory Cruise Lines

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