CHICAGO – Cruise the Great Lakes, a collaboration of the region’s States, Provinces, and partner cruise businesses working together to grow regional cruising, applauds the news that John Waggoner is reviving Victory Cruise Lines and returning the elegant Victory I and Victory II vessels to the Great Lakes region.
“We are excited to hear of John’s plans and cannot wait to see those beautiful Victory ships traversing the Great Lakes,” said Anna Tanski, tourism director for Cruise the Great Lakes. “John and his team always believed that the Great Lakes region was ideal for the intimate cruise ships, and he knows how much we have to offer.”
Anne Sayers, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and chair of Cruise the Great Lakes, said the Victory brand has “always been associated with excellence, from the passenger experience to the elegant details, so future passengers are in for a treat with John and his team back in action. We wish Victory all the best in returning to our region in 2025.”
Following a record-breaking 2023, the 2024 Great Lakes cruising season will continue to uphold the resilience of the region’s cruising sector and deliver passengers and their onshore spending to large and small regional destinations.
Passenger visits
Cruise the Great Lakes projects vessels will make nearly 600 port visits in 2024, bringing over 20,000 individualpassengersto experience the beauty and charm of Great Lakes cities – roughly double that of a decade ago. Regional ports are anticipated to see total estimated cruise passenger visits of over 140,000 in 2024.
Cruise the Great Lakes projects vessels will make nearly 600 port visits in 2024, bringing over 20,000 individualpassengersto experience the beauty and charm of Great Lakes cities – roughly double that of a decade ago. Regional ports are anticipated to see total estimated cruise passenger visits of over 140,000 in 2024.
Economic impact
Cruise the Great Lakes anticipates the regional economic impact generated by cruising will surpass $200 million in 2024, driven by the upward trend in passenger numbers, port visits, shoreside spending, and the growing domestic and international appeal of Great Lakes cruises. The 2024 season represents a remarkable increase in the economic impact of nearly 50% compared to 2022.
