Victory II

Victory II is a small cruise ship carrying 220 passengers, launched in 2004 as Cape Cod Light at Atlantic Marine's shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida. She was originally built for Great Lakes Cruises and designated for expedition voyages with itineraries across Central and South America, sharing her design with sister ship Victory I, built in 2001.

In December 2024, she was renamed Victory II and reflagged to the USA, and on May 12, 2025, Victory Cruise Lines christened her at Chicago's Navy Pier. Victory Cruise Lines' Great Lakes voyages typically run 10 to 12 days, and the ship now operates as part of American Queen Voyages, a company specialising in intimate, small ship cruising through North America's rivers, Great Lakes, and coastal waters.

Victory II has been thoughtfully designed for close quarters exploration. At 286 feet long, she and her identical sister ship stay nimble enough to navigate locks and narrow channels that larger vessels simply cannot traverse. She offers 101 suites and staterooms across 5 passenger decks, 2 dining venues, and 2 lounges, including the Compass Lounge. Cabins come with queen beds convertible to twin beds, Egyptian cotton bedding, sitting areas with vanity tables, flat screen televisions, and en-suite bathrooms with shower facilities, with daily housekeeping and nightly turndown service standard throughout.

The Compass Lounge serves as the social heart of the ship, where passengers gather for meals, evening entertainment, and daytime activities. With only around 220 guests aboard, there's a genuine sense of community and personal service that sets Victory II apart from larger ocean going vessels. Her small size proves a real strength, letting her dock in downtown city centres, access smaller ports, and navigate the historic waterways of the Great Lakes and St Lawrence Seaway, opening up regions bigger ships simply cannot reach.

Victory II suits passengers who value intimate, all-inclusive cruising, those drawn to North American history and natural beauty, and travellers who prefer the relaxed pace and personable atmosphere of small ship exploration.

Have you set sail on Victory II? Add this Great Lakes voyage to your account on The Cruise Globe to see your exact route!