Cool Off On A Great Lakes Cruise With Victory Cruise Lines

We were looking for a way to escape the summer heat, and after considering our cruise options, we decided to try something different: a small ship coastal cruiser. The 10-day itinerary that Victory Cruise Lines offers on the Great Lakes is just what the doctor ordered. We boarded the Victory I in Toronto, which had a capacity for 202 passengers, and we disembarked in Chicago one week later.

The region surrounding the Great Lakes combines harsh wildness with unspoiled coastal landscapes. Both port cities and port towns have excellent cultural institutions, but port cities have more of a historic allure. At each port, the ship was greeted by well-maintained, air-conditioned vehicles staffed by experienced tour guides who were conversant with the surrounding area.

Niagara Falls

Following our departure from Toronto the previous day, we arrived the next morning in the breathtaking region of Ontario that is home to Niagara Falls. After being greeted in a friendly manner by our tour guides and drivers, we made our way to the Chateau de Charmes Winery for a wine tasting and lunch. We were able to stroll around the charming stores and galleries in Niagara-on-the-Lakes during our free time.

We arrived on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls in the middle of the afternoon in motor coaches. After taking pictures of the falls from a cliff above them, we strolled down to the foot of the attraction and put on red plastic ponchos before boarding a Hornblower boat for an exciting journey up close to the misty falls.

The Ohio city of Cleveland

Cleveland was the next point of call on day three of the trip. Tours were provided by knowledgeable trolley drivers, and topics included the city’s history, as well as its industrial and medical advancements, educational institutions, parks, and philanthropists.

The highlight of the visit was a docent discussion that was given in the historic Wade Chapel that is located in Lake View Park Cemetery. The chapel, which was given to the university by Jeptha Wade, the founder of Western Union Telegraph, was designed by Louis Tiffany. Other visitors from Victory I who went to Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame throughout the afternoon had really positive things to say about it.

The Canadian city of Windsor

On the fourth day of our journey, we arrived in Windsor, which is located in Ontario. A number of the guests went across the river to explore the Detroit Art Institute, while others went to see the old Fort Maldin. There was a lot of interest in going on the tour of the wonderful Henry Ford Museum of Innovation in the afternoon. The huge collection of artefacts on display included railroads, farm and industrial gear, presidential cars, American furniture, and a great deal more.

Our day at “sea”

The crossing of Lake Huron took up the entirety of the fifth day. Along with the first of three uniquely themed high teas, we also had a fascinating tour of the bridge. After a talk about shipwrecks that occurred in the Great Lakes, the onboard speaker concluded with a recording of the haunting song “Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot.

Both the Soo Locks and Lake Superior are there.

On a bright and beautiful day in June, Victory By going through the renowned Soo Locks, I was able to go from Lake Huron to Lake Superior. There was a detour to the Soo Locks viewing platform when the group was in Sault Ste. Marie, in the state of Michigan. Seeing these enormous freighters make their way through the channels was a wonderful experience.

conclusion on Mackinac Island

The highlight of our trip was a full-day excursion to the historic Mackinac Island, which does not permit the use of private automobiles but instead encourages the use of horse-drawn carriages, waggons, bicycles, and foot travel. The guests of the Victory I were treated to an island tour in larger carriages that were carried by teams of two or three horses.

During the summer, carriage drivers told us that the island has six veterinarians to care for its 500 horses. On the other hand, there is only one doctor to service the island’s 500 permanent people.

Attending Fort Mackinac and taking in a cannon and rifle firing display put on by historic interpreters was a highlight of the trip. The renovated fort, which was situated on the highest point of the island, turned out to be an excellent location for photographic opportunities. Because we had been to the island in the past, we decided to forego the dozens of fudge and gift stores that were there.

The Sunday Buffet breakfast at the Grand Hotel, which touts having the world’s longest porch, was a treat that guests eagerly anticipated. The extensive and lavish buffet surpassed expectations in terms of both the quality and quantity of the cuisine as well as the level of service provided. The enormous building, which began construction in 1890 and was finished in a record 93 days,

The Grand Hotel has been the setting for a number of movies throughout the years, notably “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. The property is a tourist attraction in and of itself, as it is surrounded by extensive beds of fragrant and bright spring flowers. We had a great time exploring the expansive grounds, which featured fountains, a swimming pool, and a golf course, as well as the art gallery and climbing the stairs to the cupola, which offered the best view in the entire hotel.

The Sunday Buffet breakfast at the Grand Hotel, which touts having the world’s longest porch, was a treat that guests eagerly anticipated. The extensive and lavish buffet surpassed expectations in terms of both the quality and quantity of the cuisine as well as the level of service provided. The enormous building, which began construction in 1890 and was finished in a record 93 days,

The Grand Hotel has been the setting for a number of movies throughout the years, notably “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. The property is a tourist attraction in and of itself, as it is surrounded by extensive beds of fragrant and bright spring flowers. We had a great time exploring the expansive grounds, which featured fountains, a swimming pool, and a golf course, as well as the art gallery and climbing the stairs to the cupola, which offered the best view in the entire hotel.

A look back at life on board

Throughout the entirety of the journey, the Victory I navigated the waters of all five of the Great Lakes with ease.

Meals that were delicious and included decadent desserts that were prepared by seasoned chefs were very warmly welcomed. The waiting staff was knowledgeable, well-trained, and responsive to the specific needs of each individual visitor. At lunch, supper, and during cocktail hours, guests were provided with an unlimited supply of alcohol. A definite advantage was that the dining room on the first deck could accommodate all of the guests at once in a single seating. The open seating policy fostered interaction and conversation with guests from all across the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The breakfast was served as a buffet, and guests could ask for freshly produced hot foods at any time. At lunch, there was a choice of three different hot entrees, as well as a burger, soup, and salad. At dinner, there was a choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian entrée, as well as soup and salad. There was usually a choice of steak, chicken breast, or salmon for dinner.

Cliff Rock Bar & Grille was an alternative dining location on an outdoor deck that featured hot lava rock cooking at a temperature of 800 degrees. The guests had the option of preparing their own main courses in the kitchen. It is necessary to make reservations.

An elevator that services decks 1 through 4 is a definite advantage that the Victory I possesses. The vessel has room for 202 passengers, the majority of them are retired people who have experienced the world. There are no nights with a formal dress code. The guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own personal amenities, comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, and coats. There is shampoo and hand/body soap available for use.

The cruise ticket typically includes all meals, shore excursions, tours, and the majority of alcoholic beverages, however the ship does not provide transfers for passengers. We said our tearful goodbyes to our new friends over a delicious meal of lobster at a special supper. We took with us wonderful memories of lush landscapes, gentle lake breezes, and an array of port excursions as we sailed away.

Regarding Mr. Pat Woods

Pat is an avid cruiser and has numerous articles published in various travel publications. Pat frequently contributes to CruiseMaven. Her advice to her followers is to SKI, which stands for “spend the kids’ inheritance” on a vacation.