Victory Cruise Lines Officially Back in Operation

With the departure of Victory I from Portland, Maine today, Victory Cruise Lines is officially back in business.

“Today is an exciting milestone for Victory Cruise Lines as we set sail for Toronto onboard Victory Ijoined by family, friends, and longtime guests,” said John Waggoner, founder and chairman of Victory Cruise Lines. “In less than a year, Claudette and I purchased these purpose-built ships for the Great Lakes, the team has come together, we are welcoming guests onboard and poised to embark on an incredible travel experience on all five Great Lakes.”

The rebirth of Victory Cruise Line, which had been part of the American Queen Voyages rebrand back in 2021 and then disappeared entirely when AQV went out of business in early 2024, was announced by Waggoner just under a year ago. At the time, he had just purchased the two former Victory Cruise Lines ships during AQV’s bankruptcy auction.

Less than a year later, Waggoner is back onboard Victory I for its first revenue sailing, a special “reunion” cruise that includes many past guests. Victory I will be re-christened in Toronto on April 27, while Victory II will be named at Chicago’s Navy Pier on May 12.

The 190-guest Victory I was purpose-built to cruise on all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the French-Canadian Maritimes.