National Museum of the Great Lakes Partners with Victory Cruise Lines for LakeLorian® Program, Announces Shore Excursions in Toledo
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Victory Cruise Lines — the LakeLorian® program and Toledo shore excursions, set to debut in the 2025 cruise season.
The LakeLorian program features museum-trained “LakeLorians” who will guide Victory’s guests through the history, science, and significance of the Great Lakes. As these storytellers lead discussions, give lectures, and host one-on-one sessions across Victory I® and Victory II® vessels, passengers will gain unique insight into each port visited and experience the region’s distinctive past through engaging discussions.
“The Victory Cruise Lines team has long been a valued supporter of the National Museum of the Great Lakes, and we are thrilled to reignite this partnership,” said Kate Fineske, Executive Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “Victory’s fleet will serve as floating extensions of our museum, delivering dynamic programming to travelers and creating a unique learning experience both on the waters of the Great Lakes and at the museum in Toledo. We look forward to sharing the science and stories of these extraordinary lakes.”
Additionally, in partnership with Destination Toledo, every sailing will feature an excursion to the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Guests will enjoy unique, behind-the-scenes access to Great Lakes experiences, content, and artifacts.
“We are excited to be a part of the launch of a new industry in Toledo through our partnership with the museum and Victory Cruise Lines,” said Lance Woodworth, President & CEO of Destination Toledo. “With the unique experiences offered by Victory Cruise Lines and the National Museum of the Great Lakes, cruise passengers will have a brand new and exclusive opportunity to take a deep dive into Great Lakes stories here in Toledo.”
Victory Cruise Lines is dedicated to offering exclusive, all-inclusive, small ship cruising experiences throughout the Great Lakes and Canadian coasts. This partnership solidifies Victory Cruise Lines’ commitment to not only showcasing the beautiful landscapes of the Great Lakes but also enriching its passengers’ understanding of the region. As John Waggoner, chairman and founder of Victory Cruise Lines, noted, “Our guests seek more than just a visit to ports – they crave an in-depth understanding of the Great Lakes. Working with the National Museum of the Great Lakes adds depth to the guest experience and allows us to celebrate this extraordinary region.”
Victory Cruise Lines' 2025 season kicks off with a special New England & Canada Reunion Cruise, setting sail from Portland to Toronto on April 16, 2025, and offering guests a unique journey through the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes. With a comprehensive lineup of 36 Great Lakes voyages and a commitment to all-inclusive coastal cruising, Victory Cruise Lines is poised to deliver unforgettable experiences that touch all five Great Lakes. You can find out more at VictoryCruiseLines.com.
About the National Museum of the Great Lakes: Founded in 1944, the Great Lakes Historical Society has been preserving our shared cultural history by publishing a quarterly journal Inland Seas® since 1945; by operating a maritime museum since 1952; by offering educational programs to the general public since 1956; by conducting underwater archaeological research across the Great Lakes since 2001; and by managing the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship since 2014 and Museum Tug Ohio since 2019. The opening of the National Museum of the Great Lakes enables the Great Lakes Historical Society to continue its mission to preserve and make known the important history of the Great Lakes.
About Victory Cruise Lines: Debuting in April 2025, Victory Cruise Lines® is committed to delighting travelers with the joy of all- inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on The Great Lakes and Canadian Coasts. Comprised of the Victory I® and Victory II®, the 190-guest ships are purpose-built to cruise on all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the French-Canadian Maritimes. Service and cuisine. Entertainment and enrichment. Discovery and adventure. Explore legendary lakes and coastal ports showcased with captivating insight and intimate perspectives with Victory Cruise Lines, Discover Beyond®.
MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, 419-460-8181