Victory Cruise Lines has announced the christening of the Victory II in Chicago on May 12. The milestone moment marked the full return of the cruise line, led by Founder and CEO John Waggoner, whose daughter christened sister ship, 190-guest Victory I in Toronto on April 27. Both ships were purpose-built for the Great Lakes, offering an alternative to river and ocean cruising.
Victory Cruise Lines is also the only cruise line to dock at Chicago’s downtown Navy Pier and offers the most cruises—33 departures in 2025—that hit all five Great Lakes in one voyage. Both ships will operate 10–15-night voyages from Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee and Montreal now through October.
The christening ceremony took place onboard in the Compass Lounge. Attendees included Jordan Engerman, VP of partnerships, Choose Chicago; Kate Fineske, executive director, National Museum of the Great Lakes; David William Kelly, COO, Victory Cruise Lines; and Waggoner. The highlight of the ceremony was godmother Molly Applegate, granddaughter of John and Claudette Waggoner, breaking a bottle of bourbon on the ship’s bow, officially christening the vessel.
Victory II’s inaugural sailing is the cruise line’s most popular itinerary. Operating for 10 nights between Chicago and Toronto, it includes a pre-cruise hotel stay with calls at Escanaba, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, Cleveland and Port Colborne (Niagara Falls). Included excursions give guests an opportunity to enjoy one-to-three-hour experiences in every port of call, each with both morning and afternoon options, to provide flexibility. 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.
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 William Kelly and Anglo-Eastern Leisure’s Dietmar Wertanzl, Tuscan Stone Grill delivers an interactive dining experience utilizing hot stones for guests at their table, in a space spanning the stern, offering 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. LakeLorians provide exclusive programming in collaboration with the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, OH.
Each Victory Cruise Lines voyage includes a one-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; breakfast, lunch and dinner served in multiple venues plus culinary events throughout each cruise; regionally inspired dishes; unlimited beverages including wines, spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees; open bars and lounges throughout the vessel; unlimited Wi-Fi; live, daily onboard entertainment and enrichment with LakeLorians; and hiking sticks.
For more information, visit www.victorycruiselines.com.
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