Victory I Christened in Toronto

Photo by Gerry Barker

(Press Release) Toronto (April 27, 2025) – Victory Cruise Lines, committed to all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on The Great Lakes and Canadian Coasts, announces the successful christening of the Victory I in Toronto on April 27, 2025. The moment signified a triumphant return of the cruise line, led by Founder and CEO John Waggoner, who closed on the purchase of the 190-guest Victory I and sister-ship Victory II  just under one year ago. Both ships were purposely built for the Great Lakes,  offering a refreshing alternative to river and ocean cruising.

Victory Cruise Lines offers the most cruises, 33 departures in 2025, that hit all five Great Lakes in one voyage. The cruise line is also the only company to dock at Chicago’s downtown Navy Pier, where Victory II will be christened May 12, 2025.  Both ships will operate 10-15 night voyages from Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee and Montreal now through October.   

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​“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,” said John Waggoner, founder and CEO, Victory Cruise Lines. “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.”  

The christening ceremony took place onboard in the Compass Lounge, first honoring the United States and Canada with the singing of the national anthems, as both share the Great Lakes.  Remarks were made by Destination Toronto Vice President Destination Development Kelly Jackson, National Museum of the Great Lakes Executive Director Kate Fineske,  Victory Cruise Lines Chief Operating Officer David William Kelly and Mr. Waggoner. 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 will bring thousands of visitors to Toronto, with many taking time to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, culture, and cuisine,” shared Kelly Jackson on behalf of Destination Toronto. “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 ” 

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 all guests are able to choose an option. Highlights include the The Henry Ford Experience in Detroit, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Soo Locks & Maritime Heritage Tour in Sault Ste. Marie.

Onboard, 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 Anglo-Eastern Leisure’s Dietmar Wertanzl, Tuscan Stone Grill delivers an upscale interactive dining experience utilizing hot stones for guests cooking at their table, in a space spanning the stern, offering expansive views of The Great Lakes.

The LakeLorian, in partnership with the National Museum of The Great Lakes, 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.

Each Victory Cruise Lines voyage includes 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay with complimentary ground transfers between the hotel and ship and from the ship to the airport; all water view 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 of American Innovation 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 enrichment with our own LakeLorians®; hiking sticks.

Victory Cruise Lines fares are all-inclusive and based on double occupancy from $4,999 per guest. Contact your travel advisor or call 1-855-556-7193. Visit www.VictoryCruiseLines.com.