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$6,399
$5,799
Per Person
Great Lakes Grand Discovery
Sail through all five Great Lakes and save up to $1,200 per stateroom! 13 days from only $5,799 per person (based on double occupancy)
Tour Summary
Nearly 15,000 years ago, the last of the great glaciers retreated, leaving us the Five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. These vast bodies of water contain more than one fifth of the planet’s fresh surface water, and together are the largest body of freshwater in the world. On the M/V Victory II, you’ll delve into North America’s maritime history throughout the Great Lakes, set sail through the storied Georgian Bay, admire the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and take in the breathtaking vistas of the southern Canadian coast.
This remarkable itinerary includes time to explore lovely towns where you can enjoy shopping, stroll along the docks, or relax in waterfront parks. They include rare stops in quaint French Canadian villages, Victorian-era towns rich with seafaring history, and remote islands with spectacular wildlife viewing. We love these itineraries and ships for travelers over 50, however any age will enjoy the iconic American landscapes offered on this tour.
The Itinerary:Chicago, Illinois to Montreal, Quebec
Dates: September 2 – 14, 2020
Duration: 13 Days/12 Nights
Ports: Chicago – Mackinac Island – Sault St. Marie – Little Current/Manitoulin Island – Detroit – Cleveland – Port Colborne (Niagara Falls) – Toronto – Disembark in Montreal
DAY 1: Hotel stay in Chicago
Enjoy a complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening allows time to become acquainted with the city. For your convenience, our Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and our friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about the upcoming voyage to reservation of premium experiences. Representatives will be available to provide suggestions for dining, entertainment and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.
Chicago Skyline in the Evening
DAY 2: Chicago (EMBARK)
Welcome to Chicago! This uncommon ground is blooming with gourmet dogs, baseball crowds, supper clubs and, of course, the Bean. There are plenty of sights to be seen in this city of global commerce and culture. Chicago invites you to stroll through its canyons of glass and steel, embrace hustle and go anywhere the wind blows.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Chicago Cityscape
DAY 3: Scenic Sailing on Lake Michigan
As we traverse through the aqua, turquoise and cerulean shades of Lake Michigan, watch dunes of sand slowly become lost in the horizon while sunlight plays upon the deck. You may choose to visit the fitness center for a workout, or pamper yourself with a soothing massage in the spa. Regardless of preference, embrace the relaxation that scenic sailing offers to all.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Scenic Lake Michigan
DAY 4: Mackinac Island
Vacationers adore this unique American destination. Its devotees long for the time they can return to their beloved island retreat and truly disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle. Clip-clop rhythms of horse hooves soothe the soul, with not a car in sight. The rich aroma of Mackinac’s signature treat – its famous fudge – permeates charming shops. The view from America’s longest front porch at the Grand Hotel stretches for miles.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
DAY 5: Sault St. Marie
A city divided presents duality in experience; Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and ON, bridged together by name and commerce, are diverse waterfront communities that harbor a flood of opportunity. Culture beats through street veins that connect these harbors to the distinctly different North American countryside beyond each border. Join the included tour, and ascend to the apex of the Tower of History for an unmatched perspective on the region, or peer into the past in the preserved fur traders’ settlement homes on Water Street. Drink in the atmosphere, and encounter life in Sault Ste. Marie.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 6: Little Current/Manitoulin Island
The raw beauty of Georgian Bay leads to the world’s largest freshwater island – Manitoulin – featuring picturesque granite outcrops and rolling farmland. In its largest town, Little Current, indigenous life and legend meld with European history, with Immaculate Conception Church and its distinctive tepee-like architecture as a symbol. Venerated rhythms of the ages come to life in the talented hands and feet of Native drummers and dancers on an island considered sacred by the native Anishinaabe people.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ojibwe Tribe in Little Current
DAY 7: Scenic Sailing on Lake Huron
Today the M/V Victory II transforms into a self-contained universe ripe for exploration. Craft your experience as you choose: Kick back on deck to embrace the calmness and spirituality of Lake Huron, or take some time to connect with friends in the many public spaces aboard the ship. This day on the lake is all yours.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 8: Detroit
This strong, resilient city is synonymous with automotive innovation, musical genius and winning sports teams. The grit and determination of this storied metropolis reflect true American can-do spirit. Scout city gems from the Detroit Institute of Arts – ranked among the top five collections in America – to melodies of the Motown Museum and the bustling Campus Martius, affectionately known as Detroit’s gathering place.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Detroit Waterfront
DAY 9: Cleveland
Majestically situated on the south shore of Lake Erie between the Welland Canal and Detroit/Windsor, Cleveland offers much to behold. Choose a tour-de-force optional premium experience focused through the lens of famous films shot in Cleveland, including a visit to the home where “A Christmas Story” unfolded, to reminisce about secret decoder pins, Ovaltine and the infamous Red Ryder BB gun.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Cleveland Bridge
DAY 10: Port Colborne (Niagara Falls)
A short motorcoach ride from Port Colborne is Niagara Falls, which attracts millions of visitors each year. At the site, Horseshoe Falls inspires awe. How many shimmering rainbows can you spot in the refreshing spray? The rumbling din of cascading waters forms a serene frequency. A narrated driving tour reveals popular attractions such as Whirlpool Rapids, the Floral Clock and Table Rock Park, with a stop downtown.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Niagara Falls
DAY 11: Scenic Sailing on Lake Ontario
The lower reaches of the St. Lawrence give way to unspeakable splendor at Thousand Islands, the glorious corridor leading us onto the lake. Search the intricate maze of lichen-cloaked mounds for glimpses of their bounty of wildlife.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 12: Toronto
Considered Canada’s premier metropolitan center, diverse Toronto provides options for any taste. The flavor of the city comes alive in historic St. Lawrence Market, a source of authentic artisan foods and crafts – and community – for more than 200 years. A visit to this modern metropolis with 19th-century flair becomes a cultural kaleidoscope that emerges as a singular and unique experience.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Aerial view of Toronto
DAY 13: Disembark in Montreal
As the journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town. Enjoy the city at your leisure, or consider a post-cruise premium experience with airport transfer.
Included meals: Breakfast
Aerial view of Montreal Biosphere
Pricing per person, based on double occupancy
Category E (Deck 1/160 Sq ft avg): $5,799
Category D (Deck 1/158 sq ft avg): $6,099
Category C (Deck 2 & 3/152 sq ft avg): $6,399
Category B (Deck 3/146 sq ft avg): $6,899
Category A (Deck 3/185 sq ft avg.): $7,699
Category AA (Deck 4/161 sq ft avg.): $9,099
Owner’s Suite (Deck 3/335 sq ft avg): $12,099
About the Tour Operator
Owner’s and operators of two boutique sisterships, the M/V Victory I and the M/V Victory II, Victory Cruise Lines has joined American Queen Steamboat Company and together represent the very best in domestic cruising. Offering the most in depth tours and shore experiences available on the Great Lakes, you’ll be impressed with the exceptional quality, fine cuisine and experiences that await!
About the Ship
The newly refurbished and intimate 4-star M/V Victory II invites you to relax and unwind as you discover the world’s most remarkable coastal regions. Enjoy quiet time in a cozy corner. Stretch your legs on the promenade, or gather with friends as you watch the world go by. No matter where you are, you’ll find perfectly designed spaces for every mood and every possibility.
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- 200 guests
- 2 suites (335sq ft)
- 146-190sq ft staterooms
- 84 crew members
- 286.32 feet in length
- 50 feet wide
- Cruising speed of 12 knots
- Registered in Nassau, Bahamas
Onboard Amenities
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- Casual but sophisticated onboard ambiance
- Three dining venues: the English style Whale of a Tail Tavern for casual fare, The Lighthouse Bar & Grille, the outdoor venue featuring “hot rock” cooking, and the Victory Dining Room, the main dining area serving breakfast, lunch, dinner including a chefs menu and regional inspired dishes
- Observation deck with the Seaview Bar, a perfect place to celebrate a successful shore excursion, gather for afternoon cocktails, amber sunsets or a little late-night stargazing
- Great Lakes Lounge where guests enjoy an enriching presentation by an onboard specialist, gather around the grand piano for an old fashioned sing-along, and after dinner, enjoy cocktails, music, and dancing
- Fitness Center
- Elevator (Deck 1 – Deck 4)
- Spacious suites and staterooms, including: premium mattresses & 100% Egyptian cotton bedding, LCD flat screen television (satellite) with on demand movies, in room telephone, electronic safe, personal robes and slippers, and Individual climate control
- Private full bathroom with walk-in shower in all staterooms including top of the line bath products that are environmentally sensitive and hair dryer
- Complimentary Internet and Wi-Fi Internet (speeds may vary)
- Personal cabin service with daily housekeeping that caters to your preferences, with nightly turndown
- Traditional afternoon tea service featuring three internationally themed high teas
- Latitude Salon and Spa featuring indulgent scented oil treatments and a beauty salon for manicures, pedicures and styling (additional cost)
M/V Victory II in Montreal
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- Lighthouse Bar and Grill
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- Great Lakes Lounge
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DepartureChicago, Illinois
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IncludedShore excursions in every portFree-flowing wine, beer, and spiritsInternet and WiFi
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Not IncludedAirfarePort charges ($559)Transfer costs to and from the shipGratuities ($16.50 per day)
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