Experience a Great Lakes Cruise with Victory Cruise Line
USA TODAY’s Nathan Diller shares his experience on a nine-night Victory Cruise Lines Great Lakes cruise from Chicago to Toronto.
In one Great Lakes cruise, I ticked multiple destinations on my once-in-a-lifetime travel list.
On my fourth day sailing with Victory Cruise Lines, I arrived at Mackinac Island, a place I had wanted to visit for years.
I arrived around 9 a.m. by ferry from St. Ignace, Michigan, where my ship was docked, and walked the short distance to Watercolor Cafe. There, we had the best views of the water from the sun-drenched dining area.
So I grabbed a Cherry Poppy (an arrangement of Pop-Tarts) and after refueling, I hiked through Mackinac Island State Park to Arch Rock, browsed the shops on Main Street, and stopped at the 1880s Grand Hotel. That was just the beginning: By the end of the ninth inning.–On our night voyage, we took a boat tour of Niagara Falls, explored the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, strolled through downtown Detroit, and more.
This voyage provided a low-stress and convenient way to visit destinations and sights that I had long wanted to see. The region is also in high demand, with more than 25,000 passengers expected to sail this year, an increase of 5% from 2025, according to Cruise the Great Lakes.
Here are some other things that struck me during my voyage from Chicago to Toronto in early May:
1. The trip was like a combination of ocean and river cruising.
Victory, which relaunched in 2025 with two ships, began its second season in April. Our cruise on the 190-passenger Victory felt like a combination of an ocean and river cruise.
One night, after leaving Milwaukee, I opened the door to my room, which was located on a promenade that also served as a balcony, to find black water stretching as far as the eye could see. On a windy, 45-degree night, Lake Michigan’s rapids and sheer size resembled the ocean more than I expected.
But when we anchored, I could have been convinced I was on an intimate river boat.
Getting on and off the ship took a few seconds most of the time. Not only were there fewer crowds and smaller than the travelers typically seen on ocean-going ships, but the ships anchored close to city centers in most ports, making it easy to come and go as you pleased.
In Cleveland, Detroit, and Port Colborne, Canada, we took morning shore excursions provided by the cruise line and boarded a motorcoach that was parked just a short distance from the ship. I then returned to the ship to grab my backpack and water bottle and set out to explore on foot in the afternoon.
2. Made for maritime history enthusiasts
The itinerary and onboard program were primarily centered around maritime history and infrastructure.
During our cruise, we visited Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed through the Soo Locks, allowing ships to be raised and lowered to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. As we approached the locks, the captain made an announcement and a crowd gathered in front of the ship to watch the process.
That afternoon I took a tour to Museum Ship Valley Camp. Here, visitors can explore exhibits inside the cargo hold of a cargo ship. The Soo Locks Visitor Center, just down the street, provided another perspective to tour the locks and learn about the history of the site.
Lake Lorian, a trained onboard guide as part of Victory’s partnership with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, also provided lectures during the voyage, including about the types of vessels in the region and what it’s like to winter on a mineral vessel. Several examples of the ships described passed during our trip. It was a more immersive learning experience than reading about ships at home.
3. It had a personal feel.
John Waggoner, founder of America’s Queen Voyages, revived Victory. The two ships in this fleet were built to navigate the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the French-Canadian Maritimes, and were owned by the American company Queen Voyages until its closure in 2024.
Mr. Wagoner was no longer involved with the company at the time. American Queen Steamboat Company acquired Victory Cruise Lines in 2019 and later combined the two companies into American Queen Voyages.
The ships were built in 2001, but were refurbished before being relaunched, and were upgraded again this year. Victory Although I felt a certain age, I was comfortable with many modern amenities, from the complimentary espresso machine to the bedside reading lights.
Most impressively, this ship had a more personal feel than the ships of the major cruise lines.
The shore excursion manager previewed each destination each night, held office hours to answer questions, provided reservation assistance, checked us into the motorcoach, and dropped us off over the intercom. The cruise director also served as the onboard singer (I particularly enjoyed the Carole King tribute set).
There is a small spa onboard, offering massages, facials, and other treatments.The spa manager remembered my name after only meeting me once, on the first night of the cruise. Whether it was in one of the ship’s two restaurants, the Compass Lounge, or the small but well-equipped gym, I saw the same faces over and over again, and it was one of the most special ships I’ve ever been on.
How much does a Victory cruise cost?
Prices vary by sailing date, cabin category and other factors, but a 10-night trip from Chicago to Toronto starting September 5th (including pre-cruise hotel stay) currently starts at $6,899 per person, according to Victory’s website.
Fares include onboard food and beverages, excursions at each port (additional options available at additional cost), Wi-Fi, and more.
The reporter for this article received access to this cruise from Victory Cruise Lines. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.
