Time: 2024-07-25
Victory Cruise lines has announced the opening of bookings for its inaugural 2025 season , featuring the Victory I and Victory II ships . The cruise line will offer unique experiences on all five Great Lakes , the St. Lawrence Seaway , and the French - Canadian Maritimes . Guests will have the opportunity to join the christening celebrations of the Victory I in Toronto on April 27 and Victory II at Chicagos Navy Pier on May 12 . These cruises are a dream come true for maritime enthusiasts looking to explore the stunning waters of the Great Lakes.
AQV , a prominent cruise line focusing on river sailings in the U.S. and Costa Rica , was acquired by Hornblower Group and subsequently faced bankruptcy in February 2024 . The company had a strong reputation for its historic fleet of paddlewheelers . The M / V Victory I and M / V Victory II ships were purchased by AQV in 2019 and renamed Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator in 2021 . However , in June 2023 , AQV sold both ships , marking the end of its operations.
The acquisition of Victory Cruise Lines by AQV brought forth new opportunities and challenges . After the bankruptcy announcement , Victory Cruise Lines seized the chance to expand its offerings , focusing on all - inclusive , small ship cruising . The Victory I and Victory II ships , purpose - built in Jacksonville , FL , are perfectly suited for coastal cruising on the Great Lakes . The cruise line will celebrate its inaugural season with a special New England and Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise departing from Portland to Toronto on April 16 , 2025.
Victory Cruise Lines will offer 36 voyages on the Great Lakes in the 2025 season , including the most coastal cruises hitting all five Great Lakes in a single season . The itineraries range from nine to twelve nights , with pre - cruise hotel stays and visits to iconic destinations like Niagara Falls , Mackinac Island , and Toronto . The cruise line prides itself on being the only coastal cruising product that docks at Navy Pier in Chicago , offering a unique and unforgettable experience for passengers.
Guests onboard the Victory I and Victory II can enjoy a variety of amenities , including the LakeLorian lecture program and gathering spots like the Compass Lounge and English - style Tavern . The Coastal Dining Room serves up delicious , regionally inspired dishes , while the Grill offers buffet options for breakfast , lunch , and dinner . All cruises include one - night pre - cruise hotel stays , shore excursions , gourmet dining , unlimited beverages , live entertainment , and more.
As travellers eagerly anticipate the 2025 season , Victory Cruise Lines encourages them to explore the exciting itineraries and all - inclusive fares starting from , 799 per guest . With Inaugural Season Savings of , 000 per guest , now is the perfect time to book a memorable cruise on the Great Lakes . Contact your travel advisor or visit the Victory Cruise Lines website for more information and reservations.