The Victory I and Victory II will be visiting Escanaba a total of 34 times in 2025 as part of Victory Cruise Lines’ inaugural season on the Great Lakes, according to a press release.
Previously owned by American Queen Voyages, the former Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator last visited Escanaba in the summer of 2023.
In addition to Escanaba, the line’s inaugural season will visit destinations such as Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Detroit, Niagara Falls, Sault Ste. Marie and Mackinac Island.
Delta County Chamber of Commerce leaders and Downtown Escanaba officials met with Victory Cruise Lines Chief Executive Officer John W. Waggoner and Vice President of Marine Operations Bill Annand on Tuesday, July 23, at the Commerce Center to discuss plans for including Escanaba as a stop on Victory Cruise Lines’ Great Lakes voyages.
“Our guests are looking for quaint, homey, and unique small-town experiences,” said Waggoner.
According to the company, Waggoner also assured attendees that his decades of experience in the cruise industry have prepared him to successfully revive the ships focusing solely on Great Lakes cruise itineraries.
Delta County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vickie Micheau said: “The hospitality of our community attracted Victory Cruise Lines to return to Escanaba. We are looking forward to welcoming these cruise ships and their guests back to our Waterfront community. I just know that the wonderful business owners and residents here will be ready to welcome our cruise guests next spring and summer.”
A follow-up meeting with the Victory Cruise Lines excursion team is being scheduled to discuss the venues of greatest interest to their guests.