2 refurbished cruise ships set to return to Great Lakes next spring

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Bookings are now open for two cruise ships returning to the Great Lakes next year.

Multiple outlets have reported that the Victory I and Victory II will have christening ceremonies next year to celebrate a second life on the lakes and their new owner.

Victory I and Victory II are now owned by Victory Cruise Lines , a new company founded by the John Waggoner, the former director of American Queen Voyages. Waggoner had retired, but as American Queen went bankrupt, he jumped back in the game.

According to Crain’s Grand Rapids Business , Waggoner secured the two ships, previously dubbed the Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, for $1.9 million. Both ships have been refurbished and given new names, which will be made official next spring.

Seatrade Cruise News reports Victory I will be christened in Toronto on April 27 and Victory II will be christened at Chicago’s Navy Pier on May 12.

The ships are scheduled to make 36 trips next year across four different routes. The trips range from eight- to 15-night stays. According to SCN, 33 of those trips will visit all five Great Lakes. While most Great Lake cruises sail out of Milwaukee, Victory Cruises will set sail between four ports: Chicago, Toronto, Montreal and Portland, Maine.

According to Crain’s, 35 of the 36 voyages will have at least one stop in Michigan, including two stops set for the Port of Muskegon. Detroit, Mackinac Island and Sault Ste. Marie will see several more.

Both ships were built in 2001 and are 286 feet long — very small compared to most cruise ships but the necessary size to navigate the Great Lakes’ canals and ports.

Victory I and Victory II have five decks for guests . The main deck holds the dining room and galley. The second, known as the saloon deck, includes a bar, a spa and a gym. The fourth deck includes a separate terrace and another dining space. And the fifth level is the sun deck.

The third deck is the only one dedicated solely to staterooms and suites. There are also staterooms on the first, second and fourth decks. Staterooms range between 146 and 185 square feet. Suites, including a veranda measure in at 335 square feet.

Each ship can accommodate 190 guests with a crew of 80 people.

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