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 IIin Chicago on May 12, 2025. 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, 2025. Both ships were purposely built for the Great Lakes, offering a refreshing 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.

"There is no city in the world quite like Chicago, and we are delighted to celebrate here today at Navy Pier as Victory II joins Victory I in sailing the Great Lakes once again," said John Waggoner, founder and CEO of Victory Cruise Lines. "We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has made it possible for us to showcase all five Great Lakes and provide guests with the opportunity to create lasting travel memories together."

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 Choose Chicago Vice President Partnerships Jordan Engerman, 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 Molly Applegate, granddaughter of John and Claudette Waggoner, breaking a bottle of Maker’s Mark Kentucky bourbon on the ship’s bow officially christening the vessel with the mouth of the Chicago River and the city’s magnificent skyline in the background.

“Victory Cruise Lines will bring thousands of visitors to Chicago and we are proud the cruise line is docking right here downtown at Navy Pier,” shared Jordan Engerman on behalf of Choose Chicago. “Cruise visitation supports local jobs and businesses across the city and is yet another way for travelers to explore our rich and diverse destination.”

Victory II’s inaugural sailing is the cruise line’s most popular itinerary, 10-nights between Chicago and Toronto including a pre-cruise hotel with ports of call including Escanaba and Mackinac Island, Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, Cleveland and Port Colborne (Niagara Falls). Victory Cruise Lines included excursions give guests an opportunity to enjoy one-to-three-hour experiences in each port of call, each with both morning and afternoon options, to provide flexibility. 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.