Inspired by the Undiscovered

Our Company

Victory Cruise Lines® is committed to delighting travelers with the joy of all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on The Great Lakes and Canadian Coasts.

Victory Cruise Lines proudly takes you to destinations beyond the horizon aboard our sleek small ships, showcasing the Great Lakes and Canadian Maritimes with captivating insights and intimate perspectives. Sail on Victory I® or Victory II®, each carrying only 190 guests, to explore legendary lakes and coastal ports where vibrant landscapes and rich cultures beckon.

Indulge in top-tier service, cuisine, entertainment, and enrichment. The all-inclusive value of Victory Cruise Lines is unparalleled. Beyond the stellar pre-cruise hotel stay and included shore excursions, enjoy superior accommodations, immersive enrichment, elevated service, and unmatched inclusions throughout your voyage. Each journey immerses you in your destination, featuring exclusive stories from local residents and our own LakeLorians®. Every day is full of hidden gems, rich local cultures, and regional culinary delights that tantalize your taste buds.

Victory's Visionary

John Waggoner

John Waggoner, a maritime veteran with 30+ years of experience, leads Victory Cruise Lines as CEO and lead visionary. From sportfishing to cruise operations, John’s passion for the water fuels his vision for intimate Great Lakes adventures. Now, alongside his wife Claudette, they’ve turned their dream into reality with Victory I® and Victory II®. Expect exceptional service, world-class amenities, and immersive experiences – Victory cruises are voyages of discovery, not just vacations.

David W. Kelly

COO

David, a Vessel and Hotel Operations Executive, has extensive experience in cruise and hotel management, including luxury start-ups and new builds. He led Vessel Operations at American Queen Voyages™ for 12 years and held leadership roles at Prestige Cruise Holdings, Aurora Hotels & Resorts, Royal Caribbean International, and Oceania Cruises. Known for exceeding expectations in premium product development and delivery, David is passionate about guest satisfaction, positive crew culture, and driving growth and revenue goals.

Christina Hobbs

CAO

Christina is the Head of Operations, CHRO, and Executive Coach at a Texas consulting firm. With over 20 years of experience, she excels in HR and administrative operations. She led the HR & People Strategy at American Queen Voyages™ for 12 years and was head of HR at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits – Indiana. Christina has a track record of establishing and optimizing HR and operations teams, policies, and start-up projects. She is passionate about organizational development, leadership optimization, compliance, and culture.

Erica Kinsella

CFO

With over 16 years of experience in finance and accounting, Erica has established a strong track record of leadership and expertise across industries such as cruise, hotel & hospitality, logistics, and financial services. Prior to her role as CFO with Victory Cruise Lines, Erica held the position of Vice President of Finance & Accounting at Road & Rail Services and American Queen Voyages™. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers as an Assurance Associate. Erica holds a BA in Accounting and an MBA from Bellarmine University and is a certified CPA in Kentucky.

We’re inspired by the vastness of the Great Lakes. At Victory Cruise Lines, we are open to following our hearts and our senses to our life’s next adventure, and that vision remains consistent throughout every aspect of our traveler’s experiences.

Offering unlimited opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime, Victory Cruise Lines offers curated, bespoke travel experiences that are simply unforgettable.

That singular sense of wonder that only traveling can bring about… That is what truly moves us.