Another cruise line is about to make a comeback — in an unusual place

23.07.2024 - 18:48 / thepointsguy.com

Another cruise line is about to relaunch after not operating for many months — in a place that typically doesn't get a lot of cruise ships.

Small-ship operator Victory Cruise Lines, which until recently was part of American Queen Voyages, will restart operations in April with sailings on the Great Lakes.

The two-ship line is being revived by John Waggoner, a well-known entrepreneur in the maritime world. Waggoner bought Victory's two vessels in May at an auction in the wake of the bankruptcy of American Queen Voyages.

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Waggoner has a history with the vessels, as he ran American Queen Voyages when it originally bought them in 2018. Waggoner founded American Queen Voyages but no longer owned it when it was placed into bankruptcy earlier this year by subsequent owners.

Waggoner's new company on Tuesday announced that Victory would restart operations April 16 with a special 10-night cruise from Portland, Maine, to Toronto on one of the two vessels, 190-passenger Victory I.

Dubbed the New England and Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise, the sailing will be hosted by Waggoner and his wife, Claudette, and include a passage through the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Great Lakes.

Related: TPG's guide to Great Lakes cruising

The ship will then be rechristened in Toronto on April 27.

The line's second vessel, 190-passenger Victory II, will restart operations shortly thereafter. It'll be rechristened in Chicago on May 12.

The inaugural season of the two ships will bring itineraries that span all five Great Lakes.

"As long-time enthusiasts of maritime adventures, my wife Claudette and I are thrilled for the team to open reservations for the inaugural season as we prepare to sail these magnificent waters," Waggoner said in a statement accompanying the announcement. "Our cruise experience will offer many special touches, including being the only cruise line to dock at Chicago's Navy Pier, and most of all, our ships will be a home away from home exploring all five Great Lakes."

Both of the Victory vessels were originally purpose-built to fit into the locks of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, which are narrower than some other locks around the world. Their small size — roughly 5,000 gross tons — allows them to navigate small harbors and call at downtown marinas in the region that would be off-limits to bigger ships.

The relaunching line on Tuesday revealed all its planned sailings for 2025 — a total of 36.

They will include 33 voyages that feature visits to every one of the five Great Lakes — the most of any cruise operator.

The line also said it would include a one-night precruise hotel stay at a premium hotel property and ground transfers for