Victory Cruise Lines, the all-inclusive small-ship cruise line operating on the Great Lakes and Canadian coasts, is executing a $5 million fleet enhancement program across Victory I and Victory II during the 2026 layup period, combining significant technical overhauls, regulatory compliance, and elevated guest-experience upgrades ahead of the upcoming season.
The marine scope includes main engine top-end overhauls, crane recertifications, drydock improvements, select decking replacement, and a full exterior paint refresh. Annual regulatory inspections are being conducted in partnership with the United States Coast Guard.
“Our layup period is a disciplined investment cycle,” David William Kelly, chief operating officer, said in a statement. “This $5 million reinvestment reflects our long-term commitment to the technical integrity of our vessels and the continual elevation of the onboard experience.”
Marine execution is being led by Dave Martin, senior director of Marine, alongside Chris Merrick, director of Marine, who are overseeing mechanical servicing, structural works, and compliance items across both ships.
“From propulsion systems to lifting equipment and critical certifications, this is foundational work,” said Martin. “We are ensuring these vessels operate with strength, reliability, and full regulatory alignment for the seasons ahead.”
Merrick added, “Layup is where precision matters most. The attention to engineering detail now translates directly into operational consistency and guest confidence once the ships return to service.”
Interior and hotel projects, overseen by Andrew Felisberto, director of Hotel Operations, include a redesigned Coastal Dining Room entry featuring a custom herringbone design, new windows in The Grill, upgraded lighting in multiple public areas, and a new sound system in the Compass Lounge. Custom-designed carpeting is being installed in the restaurant and stair towers, with replacement wall coverings in select spaces. Soft goods and upholstery are also being refreshed throughout key guest areas.
“These enhancements are about refinement and durability,” Felisberto said. “We are updating finishes, soft goods, and upholstery to ensure our ships feel contemporary, comfortable, and aligned with the elevated experience our guests expect.”
Culinary capability is expanding with upgraded galley equipment and the introduction of mobile cooking stations in the Compass Lounge, enabling live demonstrations and interactive culinary competitions involving senior officers.
Crew areas are being refreshed with new flooring and updated fixtures, reinforcing the company’s commitment to team wellbeing. Both vessels continue to maintain fully equipped medical centers with a dedicated onboard physician.
“Layup is stewardship,” Kelly added. “When Victory I and Victory II return to service, they will do so technically strengthened, visually refreshed, and operationally refined.”
The enhanced vessels will resume service for the 2026 sailing season across the Great Lakes and Canadian maritime regions
For reservations or additional information, call 1-855-556-7193. Visit www.VictoryCruiseLines.com.
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