With the shimmering Chicago skyline as a backdrop and the mouth of the iconic Chicago River before her, Victory Cruise Lines proudly christened the Victory II in a spirited ceremony at Navy Pier, officially launching the ship’s return to the Great Lakes.
In a touching family moment steeped in tradition, Molly Applegate, granddaughter of Victory Cruise Lines’ founders John and Claudette Waggoner, broke a bottle of Maker’s Mark bourbon across the bow, officially christening the vessel as its Godmother. Just weeks earlier, her cousin had christened sister ship Victory I in Toronto, symbolizing a powerful homecoming for the beloved cruise line.
“This moment is more than a christening, it’s a celebration of legacy, family, and our deep connection to the Great Lakes,” said John Waggoner, founder and CEO of Victory Cruise Lines. “There’s no city like Chicago, and we’re thrilled to launch Victory II right here at Navy Pier, where our Great Lakes story continues.”
Victory Cruise Lines is the only cruise line to call downtown Navy Pier home, and the 2025 season is packed with 33 departures—more than any other cruise line, featuring all five Great Lakes in a single journey. Purpose-built for the region, Victory I and II offer a fresh alternative to ocean and river cruising, combining small-ship intimacy with immersive itineraries.
From now through October, the ships will sail 10- to 15-night voyages from Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee, and Montreal, visiting charming ports like Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, Cleveland, and Niagara Falls.
The inaugural sailing of Victory II,a 10-night adventure between Chicago and Toronto, features a pre-cruise hotel stay and beloved stops in Escanaba, Michigan and beyond. It remains the cruise line’s most popular itinerary, offering guests a front-row seat to the natural beauty, history, and culture of the Great Lakes region.
During the onboard ceremony in the elegant Compass Lounge, guests honored both the United States and Canada with national anthems, highlighting the shared waters and partnership the Great Lakes represent. Jordan Engerman of Choose Chicago and Kate Fineske from the National Museum of the Great Lakes joined the festivities with remarks on the cruise line’s impact on tourism and regional pride.
“Victory Cruise Lines brings thousands of travelers to Chicago each year,” said Engerman. “Its presence at Navy Pier is not only a draw for visitors, but a boost to local jobs, businesses, and the vibrant cultural fabric of our city.”
With both Victory I and Victory II now cruising the waters they were built for, Victory Cruise Lines is once again poised to deliver unforgettable voyages through North America’s most storied and scenic waterways.
