Cruise & Cruise Line

Victory Cruise Lines Announces Godmothers for Victory I and II

Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:25 AM ET, Mon December 16, 2024
Victory Cruise Lines, people, Waggoners, godmothers, victory cruise line godmothers

L to R: Marissa Applegate, Victory I Godmother Emily Coleman, Angie Hack; Victory II Godmother Molly Applegate, Claudette Waggoner, Jasper Coleman. (Photo Credit: Victory Cruise Lines)

All-inclusive, small-ship cruise line Victory Cruise Lines, which offers itineraries along the Great Lakes and the Canadian Coasts, has announced the godmothers for its two new ships ahead of their spring 2025 debuts, in which they’ll sail hosted cruises with the Waggoners, the line’s founding family. 

Emily Coleman, the daughter of Chairman and founder John Waggoner and his wife, Claudette, will be the godmother of Victory I. The Waggoner’s eldest granddaughter, Molly Applegate, is the Victory II’s godmother. 

The family will host two special sailings for the two ships’ debuts: an april 16, 2025 New England & Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise from Portland to Toronto with Chairman Waggoner and Claudette, followed by the Victory I’s christening on April 27. Following the christening, the ship will embark on a 9-night maiden Great Lakes voyage to Chicago. 

Meanwhile, the Victory II will celebrate its christening on May 12 at Chicago’s Navy Pier before sailing the Great Lakes on a special Mother’s Day voyage, which includes a brunch hosted by the Waggoner godmothers. 

Victory Cruise Lines is the only cruise line in the Great Lakes that docks at Chicago’s Navy Pier. It also offers the most sailings visiting all five Great Lakes in one itinerary, with 33 voyages each season. Each itinerary includes a 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay at a premium hotel and ground transfers. 

“I am proud to have three accomplished and successful daughters, three sons-in-law who share my passion for fishing and cars, five beautiful grandchildren who say I still ‘have it’—whatever ‘it’ is—and, of course, my biggest cheerleader Claudette,” shared Victory Cruise Lines Chairman and Founder John Waggoner. “This past Thanksgiving was special as I reflected on founding this cruise line with my friends, celebrated another victory with my family and we look forward to soon sharing new moments with guests on the Great Lakes in 2025.”

Travelers can save on select 2025 sailings departing from Toronto and Chicago in April, May or June with the Holiday Sale, which is offering $2,000 off per stateroom and one free premium pre-cruise shore excursion. THey can save even extra on cruises from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Travelers can enjoy the deal now through January 8, 2025. 


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Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Senior Editor, News & Features

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

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