Victory Cruise Lines ships getting improvements

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The Victory II docked at Chicago's Navy Pier in 2025.
The Victory II docked at Chicago's Navy Pier in 2025. Photo Credit: Victory Cruise Lines

Victory Cruise Lines is renovating its two ships before the 2026 season begins. The $5 million project includes technical and guest-facing upgrades.

Guest-facing enhancements include new windows in The Grill, a new sound system in the Compass Lounge and new lighting, carpeting and upholstery in multiple public spaces. Victory is also redesigning the entry to the Coastal Dining Room. 

The intention is to make the spaces feel contemporary and elevated, said the cruise line's hotel operations director, Andrew Felisberto.

Victory is installing new equipment in the galley and adding a mobile cooking station in the Compass Lounge for demonstrations and competitions. Areas dedicated to the crew are getting new flooring and fixtures.

There will also be some decking replacement and work on the main engines. The ships' exteriors will be completely repainted.

COO David William Kelly described the $5 million investment as a "long-term commitment to the technical integrity of our vessels and the continual elevation of the onboard experience."

The cruise line's two vessels, the Victory I and Victory II, are 190-passenger sister ships that were built in 2001.

Victory will sail Great Lakes and Canada/New England cruises this year, its second year in service since relaunching under John Waggoner's leadership. This year's sailings begin in mid-April.

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