Victory Cruise Lines: A Revival and Rich New Horizons on the Great Lakes
A new chapter for a storied pair of ships
Victory Cruise Lines is back. When American Queen Voyages collapsed in early‑2023, the two 190‑passenger coastal vessels that once operated as Victory I and Victory II were idle and facing an uncertain future. Their fortunes turned in spring 2024 when river‑cruise entrepreneur John Waggoner—who founded American Queen Steamboat Company—bought the ships at bankruptcy auction. Within a year he invested in technological upgrades and interior refurbishments and reassembled crews, determined to “provide stellar passenger experiences on the Great Lakes”.
In late April 2025 that vision became reality when Victory I was christened in Toronto Harbour. Waggoner welcomed guests with his trademark enthusiasm and promised that the refurbished vessels would showcase the region in style. On 12 May in Chicago, Victory II received her own christening at Navy Pier. Local dignitaries celebrated the return of small‑ship cruising, and Waggoner’s grand‑daughter smashed a bottle of Kentucky bourbon against the bow, marking a new beginning. These ceremonies were more than marketing events; they signalled the rebirth of the only all‑inclusive line dedicated to the Great Lakes.
The inaugural 2025 season: all‑inclusive comfort and immersive excursions
Victory Cruise Lines’ inaugural 2025 season features 33 itineraries ranging from ten to fifteen nights, with departures from Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee and Montreal. Every sailing is designed to be hassle‑free: the fares include a one‑night pre‑cruise hotel stay with breakfast, complimentary ground transfers, daily entertainment and unlimited Wi‑Fi. Guests also enjoy unlimited beverages—wine, spirits, craft beer and specialty coffees—and open bars and lounges. The line’s “LakeLorian” enrichment program brings local historians and naturalists on board to deliver lectures and host Q&A sessions. Waggoner described the ships as purpose‑built to navigate the narrow locks of the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the coastal waters of all five Great Lakes.
Cabins aboard Victory I and Victory II are all outside‑facing; categories range from Owners Suites (335 sq ft with semi‑private verandas) to standard staterooms of 165 sq ft. Each room features Aveda amenities and a small bar stocked with beer and soft drinks. Travel advisors who sailed on the inaugural voyage described the cruise as “amazing for art, culture and food” and praised the quality of included excursions. They noted the ships’ “perfect size” for exploring the region, moderate pricing and flexibility—ideal for guests over 60 who appreciate adventure but enjoy a comfortable base.
Dining is a highlight. Chefs serve regional dishes showcasing fresh fish, seafood, meats and locally sourced vegetables; plates are beautifully presented and there is always a vegetarian option. For something different, the Tuscan Stone Grill lets guests sear their own steaks or seafood on sizzling lava rocks. Complimentary wine pairings accompany meals, and the open‑bar policy means champagne or craft beer is always close at hand.
Shore excursions reflect Victory’s commitment to cultural immersion. Visits to small towns and cities around the Great Lakes are included in every port. In Port Colborne, guests stroll a vibrant waterfront and sample maple‑syrup treats. The itinerary includes a no‑fee visit to Niagara Falls with access to the Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel that leads to the base of the falls. In Cleveland, some passengers spend the day at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, while others explore art museums or the scenic Cuyahoga Valley. Detroit surprises visitors with its revitalised riverfront; the included excursion visits the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and a curator‑led tour of Saarinen House at Cranbrook. Further north, guests may tour the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo or watch ore carriers navigate the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie. Crew help passengers use the Victory app to manage excursion details, lecture schedules and entertainment; unlimited Wi‑Fi makes it easy to share photos and stories with family back home.
2026 Great Lakes season: a deeper dive and new ports
Barely a month after the christenings, Victory Cruise Lines announced its 2026 season, comprising 40 all‑inclusive voyages—an expansion that reflects strong demand. According to Travel Agent Central, 34 of these itineraries will visit all five Great Lakes, illustrating the line’s commitment to exploring the region in depth. Signature favourites will return, including the Chicago–Toronto route (and its reverse) operating April through September, and two roundtrip cruises from Chicago that delve deep into Lake Superior with stops at Thunder Bay, Duluth, Houghton and Marquette. Also returning are three 11‑night cruises from Chicago to Montreal, a journey that traverses four lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the storied Saguenay Fjord. Shorter repositioning voyages include Portland (Maine) to Toronto in April and Montreal to Portland in October.
The 2026 lineup introduces several new itineraries. Guests can now sail from Portland to Quebec City (and reverse) and from Quebec City to Chicago (and reverse), linking New England and Québec with the western Great Lakes. Another novel route connects Toronto with Milwaukee—a convenient option for Midwestern travellers. These changes bring new ports to the Victory portfolio, including Milwaukee, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Sturgeon Bay, Whitefish Bay, Trois‑Rivières, Gaspé, Baie‑Comeau and Saguenay. Such additions broaden the scope of Great Lakes cruising, allowing travellers to experience more diverse landscapes—from sandstone cliffs and quaint Wisconsin harbours to the dramatic fjords of Québec.
Victory’s voyages remain fully inclusive. Each sailing includes a one‑night hotel stay before embarkation, breakfast, complimentary transfers, and a shore excursion in every port. On board, guests enjoy outside‑view accommodations, some with verandas, and multiple dining venues including the Tuscan Stone Grill and a main dining room with open seating. Unlimited beverages, open bars, and unlimited Wi‑Fi are standard, as are live evening performances and enrichment lectures hosted by LakeLorians. Victory also provides hiking sticks for guests who join guided walks—a thoughtful touch that underscores the line’s focus on active exploration.
Wave Season promotions have further sweetened the value proposition. For bookings made by March 15 2025, the line offered $2,000 off per stateroom for 2026 voyages. While that deal is now past, early‑bird pricing and travel advisor incentives suggest more offers could emerge as the program grows.
Beyond 2026: what’s next for Victory?
Victory Cruise Lines’ return resonates because it fills a gap in North American cruising. After American Queen Voyages ceased operations, no other line offered inclusive, small‑ship itineraries across all five Great Lakes. Waggoner’s quick action rescued the vessels and preserved hundreds of jobs. Looking ahead, he has hinted at further refurbishments and potential expansion into the St. Lawrence Seaway, Canadian Maritimes and New England, where Victory’s shallow drafts and intimate size would be assets. Industry observers also note the synergy between Victory and Waggoner’s river cruise venture, American Queen Voyages 2.0 (rebranded under his new portfolio), which could create combined lake‑and‑river packages in the future.
Victory’s success may inspire competitors, but the line’s early lead and focus on authenticity should help it retain an edge. The company emphasises personal connection: Waggoner’s family participates in christenings, and crew members share local knowledge and passion. Guests are invited to join the captain for early morning coffee, or toast at sunset on deck as the ship glides beneath the Mackinac Bridge. Those intangible moments, along with generous inclusions and immersive shore excursions, differentiate Victory from mainstream cruise lines that treat the lakes as a sideshow.
Expert insight
Victory Cruise Lines’ comeback illustrates how nimble, entrepreneurial leadership can revive beloved ships and reimagine a classic itinerary. By coupling all‑inclusive pricing with culturally rich excursions and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere, the line appeals to sophisticated travelers who value comfort but crave authenticity. Its 2026 program—with new ports and creative routes—signals confidence in the Great Lakes as a destination worthy of deep exploration. Expect cabins to sell quickly; with only about 190 guests per vessel, the ships feel more like private yachts than cruise liners. Experienced cruisers should book early and consider pairing voyages to sample both western lakes and Québec’s dramatic fjords. Ultimately, Victory demonstrates that small‑ship cruising can deliver luxury through thoughtful inclusions, regional cuisine and meaningful connections—not just through opulent décor. In a market saturated with megaships, that kind of understated elegance is a rarity.
