American Queen Voyages has revealed that Victory I and Victory II will be renamed Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, respectively.

The ships are due to resume operations in early 2022, the line confirmed.

Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator will focus on lakes and ocean cruise experiences for American Queen Voyages – the new brand that encompasses the former American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines.

Ocean Voyager will start its 2022 season on 4 January with Mexico and Yucatán Peninsula itineraries.

Meanwhile, Ocean Navigator is set to debut in Savannah on April 10, sailing up the eastern seaboard towards the Great Lakes for the summer season.

The two vessels are currently in Port Royal, South Carolina, undergoing minor renovations.

Chief operating officer Shawn Bierdz said: “The transformation of our small-coastal vessels to Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator was a natural next step as we introduce our American Queen Voyages lakes and ocean experiences.

“Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator will deliver encounter travel with innovative itineraries and enrichment programming showcasing the best of North America’s unique waterways.”

Executive vice-president of vessel operations David William Kelly added: “The evolution into American Queen Voyages has enabled us to blend elements of the guest experience enjoyed from our river vessels into the lakes and ocean experience on board Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator.

“We are currently making minor adjustments to these vessels, training their crews and look forward to guests experiencing for themselves soon.”