NEW ALBANY, IN — It’s a victory lap for cruise industry veteran John Waggoner, who’s bringing two ships back to Great Lakes itineraries with ports including Toronto and Montreal.

Waggoner, who founded American Queen Voyages (AQV), bought Victory I and Victory II from auction in early 2024 after the ships were put up for sale in the wake of AQV’s bankruptcy proceedings. AQV had acquired Victory Cruise Lines in 2019.

AQV meanwhile was acquired by Hornblower Group and “run into the ground” by Hornblower, as agents told Travelweek in February 2024, when Hornblower announced AQV’s bankruptcy and its own acquisition.

AQV had been in operation since 2011, with a focus on river sailings in the U.S. (and later in Costa Rica). AQV had carved out a strong niche, with its beautiful and historic fleet of paddlewheelers.

In early 2019, when AQV acquired Victory Cruise Lines, the M/V Victory I and M/V Victory II ships were renamed to Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator in 2021.

AQV sold Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager in June 2023. And then everything came to a halt in February 2024 when Hornblower announced bankruptcy proceedings for AQV and the immediate end of its cruises.

Compass Lounge

RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN

Reservations for the 2025 inaugural season are now open.

Comprised of the 190-guest Victory I and Victory II, these ships were purpose-built in Jacksonville, FL, to cruise on all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the French-Canadian Maritimes.

The size and maneuverability of these ships are perfectly suited for coastal cruising in this region, says Waggoner. Cruising connoisseurs can celebrate the christening celebrations of 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,” says Waggoner, Victory Cruise Lines Chairman and founder. “Our cruise experience will offer many special touches, including being the only cruise line to dock at Chicago’s Navy Pier, and most of all, our ships will be a home away from home exploring all five Great Lakes.”

Victory Cruise Lines will mark the inaugural season with a special New England & Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise Portland to Toronto departing April 16, 2025.

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

Waggoner notes that Victory Cruise Lines is the only coastal cruising product on the Great Lakes that docks at Navy Pier in Chicago.

Victory Cruise Lines will offer 36 voyages on the Great Lakes in a single season, and the most coastal cruises in a single season that hit all 5 Great Lakes in one cruise, 33 voyages.

Victory Cruise Lines is also the only coastal cruising product that includes a 1-night pre-cruise hotel at a premium property plus ground transfers to the ships for all voyages.

Deluxe Outside Stateroom with Veranda

FIRST LOOK AT ITINERARIES

Here’s a look at the Great Lakes itineraries feature the following voyages for the 2025 season:

• ULTIMATE GREAT LAKES (all 5 Great Lakes): Sailing from Chicago to Toronto, this nine- or 10-night cruise plus pre-cruise hotel visits: Chicago, Illinois; Lake Michigan; Escanaba, Michigan; Mackinac Island, Michigan; Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Locks), Michigan; Lake Superior and Lake Huron; Detroit, Michigan; Lake Erie; Cleveland, Ohio; Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Ontario; Lake Ontario; and Toronto, Ontario. A total of 25 voyages run from April through September 2025.
• ULTIMATE GREAT LAKES (all 5 Great Lakes): Sailing from Milwaukee to Toronto, this itinerary version includes either a nine- or 10-night cruise plus pre-cruise hotel in Chicago. Six voyages are available from May through August 2025, visiting: Chicago, Illinois; Transfer to Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Lake Michigan; Escanaba, Michigan; Mackinac Island, Michigan; Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Locks), Michigan; Lake Superior and Lake Huron; Detroit, Michigan; Lake Erie; Cleveland, Ohio; Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Ontario; Lake Ontario; and Toronto, Ontario.
• ULTIMATE GREAT LAKES & ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY (all 5 Great Lakes): Sailing from Chicago to Montreal, this 11- or 12-night cruise plus pre-cruise hotel sails to: Chicago, Illinois; Lake Michigan; Escanaba, Michigan; Mackinac Island, Michigan; Sault Ste Marie (Soo Locks), Michigan; Lake Superior and Lake Huron; Detroit, Michigan; Lake Erie; Cleveland, Ohio; Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Ontario; Toronto, Ontario; Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway; and Montreal, Quebec. Three voyages are available in September and October 2025.
• GREAT LAKES & THUNDER BAY (2 Great Lakes + Mackinac Island Overnight): Sailing roundtrip from Chicago, this 14- or 15-night cruise plus pre-cruise hotel will have two departures in May and June 2025. Destinations include: Chicago, Illinois; Lake Michigan, Mackinac Island, Michigan (Overnight); Marquette, Michigan; Houghton, Michigan; Duluth, Michigan; Thunder Bay, Ontario; Lake Superior; Sault Saint Marie (Soo Locks), Michigan; Lake Michigan; Green Bay, Wisconsin (Overnight); Muskegon, Michigan; and Chicago, Illinois.

Onboard, guests will enjoy the Victory Cruise Lines’ own LakeLorian lecture program including engaging, destination-oriented historians and naturalists who share their vast knowledge and expertise of the history, ecology, and culture of each port of call.

Victory I and Victory II feature a home-away-from-home atmosphere with gathering spots including the Compass Lounge, home to a grand piano and a favourite locale for old fashioned sing-alongs. The English-style Tavern is another favourite onboard venue to share stories and laughter with friends and fellow travellers.

The Coastal Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from the chef’s menu of regionally inspired dishes. The Grill serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and seated dinner. Guests will also find a variety of healthy dining alternatives that meet their dining needs.

Each Victory Cruise Lines voyage includes one-night pre-cruise hotel stay with complimentary ground transfers between the hotel and vessel; all oceanview accommodations, some with veranda; an included shore excursion in every port from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit; 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; live, daily onboard entertainment and more.

Victory Cruise Lines fares are all-inclusive and based on double occupancy from US$5,799 per guest. Fares include Inaugural Season Savings of $1,000 per guest.

Travellers are asked to contact their travel advisor or call 1-855-556-7193. Visit www.VictoryCruiseLines.com.