by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 7:20 AM ET, Mon April 28, 2025
Victory Cruise Lines marked a major milestone on April 27 with the christening of Victory I in Toronto, symbolizing the line’s triumphant return to the Great Lakes.
The Victory I inaugural sailing features a 10-night itinerary from Toronto to Chicago, with stops at Port Colborne (Niagara Falls), Cleveland, Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, and Escanaba, Michigan. Included excursions highlight regional attractions like the Henry Ford Museum and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Onboard, guests can experience the new Tuscan Stone Grill interactive dining concept, daily entertainment, lectures by onboard "LakeLorians," and all-inclusive amenities.
Founder and CEO John Waggoner, who reacquired the 190-guest Victory I and sister ship Victory II last year, led the ceremony aboard the ship in the Compass Lounge.
“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 Waggoner.
“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 honouring the United States and Canada with the singing of the national anthems, as both share the Great Lakes.
The event included speeches from Destination Toronto’s Kelly Jackson, the National Museum of the Great Lakes' Kate Fineske, and Victory’s COO David William Kelly.
Godmother Emily Coleman, daughter of John and Claudette Waggoner, breaking a bottle of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky on the ship’s bow (Photo Credit: Viking Cruise Lines)
The highlight came when Godmother Emily Coleman, daughter of John and Claudette Waggoner, broke a bottle of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky on the bow against the backdrop of Toronto’s skyline.
“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.”
“Victory Cruise Lines will bring thousands of visitors to Toronto, with many taking time to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, culture, and cuisine,” said Jackson.
“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 Cruise Lines will offer 33 departures in 2025, operating 10- to 15-night voyages between Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee, and Montreal.
According to a press release, the line remains the only cruise company to dock at Chicago’s downtown Navy Pier, where Victory II will be christened on May 12.
Fares for Victory Cruise Lines start at $4,999 per guest based on double occupancy.
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