Victory Cruise Lines: Luxury small ship cruising the Great Lakes

Thinking about cruising closer to home? Would you like to try a smaller ship rather than a mega ocean cruiser? Here’s why Victory Cruise Lines’ Great Lakes itineraries and ships might just steal your heart, and be the perfect cruise for you.

Why choose Victory Cruise Lines for a Great Lakes cruise?

If the phrase “Great Lakes cruise” makes you curious, you’re not alone. Victory Cruise Lines has carved out a wonderful niche: small ship, all-inclusive journeys on North America’s inland seas. Their ships carry about 190–210 guests—big enough to feel comfortable, yet small enough to slip into charming harbors the mega-ships can’t reach.

The result? You get both the personalized service of a boutique ship and the chance to explore hidden corners of the Great Lakes that most travelers never see.

What sets Victory Cruise Lines apart:

• Small ships = more personal attention

• All-inclusive ease (meals, many excursions, port fees already covered)

• Access to smaller ports and islands

• Itineraries that cover all five Great Lakes (yes, all five!)

What to expect on a Great Lakes cruise

All-inclusive cruising with a personal touch

Picture this: you’re savoring a beautifully prepared dinner, knowing tomorrow’s shore excursion is already sorted. With Victory, you don’t have to sweat the details—meals, many tours, and port fees are bundled in. You’re free to focus on enjoying yourself.

Photo courtesy of Victory Cruise Lines

Intimate ships, cozy vibe

The Victory I and Victory II feel like floating boutique hotels. Think spacious lounges, sunny observation decks, and a relaxed atmosphere where it’s easy to strike up a conversation—or just curl up with a view of endless blue.

Itineraries that span the Great Lakes

Some favorites include:

• 10-night All Five Great Lakes Cruise – A full sweep between Toronto and Chicago, covering Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.

• Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway – Add Montréal, Québec City, and Canadian coastal charm to your lakeside adventure.

• Great Lakes with Thunder Bay – Perfect for travelers craving wilderness and dramatic Lake Superior views.

Destinations & ports of call

One of the best parts of a Victory Cruise Lines itinerary? The mix of cultural stops and natural beauty. You might wander car-free Mackinac Island one day, and then sip in the skyline of Toronto the next.

Some favorites along the way:

• Mackinac Island, Michigan – Step back in time with horse-drawn carriages and historic hotels.

• Duluth, Minnesota – A rugged northern gateway to Lake Superior.

• Toronto & Montréal – Vibrant Canadian cities packed with culture, food, and history.

• Thunder Bay & Green Bay – Smaller ports where you’ll find forests, wildlife, and local character.

When’s the best time to cruise the Great Lakes?

Victory Cruise Lines sails May through October. Summer is warm and lively, while early fall wraps the lakes in golden foliage and crisp air.

(Pro tip: September often gives you the best of both worlds—comfortable weather and autumn color.)

Is a Great Lakes cruise right for you?

This style of travel is ideal if you:

• Prefer small ships over mega-liners

• Enjoy both city culture and natural escapes

• Want a luxury experience without the snob factor

• Love finding off-the-beaten-path ports alongside famous cities

If your idea of a cruise is neon lights and endless pool decks, this might not be the fit. But if you dream of scenic shorelines, historic towns, and meaningful moments, Victory Cruise Lines will feel just right.

Planning your Victory Cruise Lines adventure

A few practical things to keep in mind:

• Where to board: Most cruises start or end in Chicago or Toronto—easy to reach with major airports.

• What’s included: Meals, many excursions, and port fees. Some itineraries even add a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay.

• What to pack: Layers, comfy walking shoes, a light rain jacket, and binoculars (you’ll thank yourself when spotting lighthouses or wildlife).

• What’s extra: Gratuities, premium excursions, airfare, and travel insurance are usually not included—I can give you all the details, and add all of those on for you if you’d like.

Final thoughts

A Great Lakes cruise with Victory Cruise Lines isn’t just another vacation—it’s a way to rediscover North America in style. From the storybook charm of Mackinac Island to the cosmopolitan energy of Montréal, every day feels like a new chapter.

Have you ever thought about cruising the Great Lakes? If so, which stop would be first on your list: Mackinac, Toronto, or Duluth?