My recent Victory Great Lakes cruise…
My recent Victory Great Lakes cruise had several bright spots, especially the staff, who were consistently kind and helpful. Pre cruise hotel stay at the Sable - Navy Pier was wonderful! Each port offered something enjoyable, and I particularly loved the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Ford Museum—both were true highlights of the itinerary. Niagara Falls, while beautiful, ended up being extremely rushed. The ship docked later than planned due to issues setting up the disembarkation ramp, and the shortened schedule made the experience feel hurried. Cabins are small and in need of upgrading. Black sediment was pooling in the shower drain. I also had an uncomfortable experience regarding laundry service. After thinking a pair of jeans might have been overlooked, I asked politely if the laundry team could double-check. The cabin steward initially looked with me in the closet, and I checked the drawers myself. Later, he informed me he had “found” the jeans—after searching through all of my dresser drawers while I was out of the cabin, without asking my permission. I would have eventually located them, and while I appreciate the intention to help, going through my personal belongings without consent felt intrusive. For the price of this cruise, I expected more. Activities were extremely limited: one bingo session, a few afternoon crafts, port talks, and a single nightly band (which was wonderful, but the only entertainment). The food was generally bland and often cooked in oil, though the breakfast buffet was the most reliable option. All wait staff were friendly and attentive. A serious safety concern: at the Cleveland port, there is a gradual, unmarked curb right in front of the parking area. I took a hard fall here, injuring my knee and hand. This should be addressed with the port authority immediately to prevent future passenger injuries. Communication also needs improvement, especially regarding onboard credits, which have very limited use if you already have drinks and laundry included. The gift shop ( display case) offers very little; adding items featuring the ports of call would be a welcome improvement. Additionally, the spider and spiderweb buildup on Deck 5—and even Deck 4—was noticeable and should be regularly cleaned. And finally, having sailed in suite cabins on other cruise lines such as Celebrity and Viking at a similar price point, I can confidently say those experiences offer significantly more in terms of amenities, activities, dining quality, and overall value. Victory’s pricing does not align with what is delivered. Victory has wonderful staff and the Great Lakes is a great itinerary, but with the prices being charged, the overall experience needs significant improvement. Especially, since Victory advertises it as a luxury cruise.