These videos, articles and podcasts will illuminate some of the experiences that await you on our elegant voyage across the Great Lakes. Drawn from respected independent sources, we’ve curated this multi-media collection to inspire your imagination. Captivating as they are now on your screen, the things you see, read and hear will truly come to life when you travel with our attentive A+R Host and wonderful Great Lakes guides.
Our A+R Library
About Your Journey... America's Great Lakes
Comprising more than 20% of the world’s surface freshwater, the largest group of lakes on Earth may be close to home…but the travel experiences that await you are far from ordinary! Indeed, the storied and beautiful shores of North America’s five Great Lakes are home to some of the most iconic places in the United States and Canada – from vibrant Midwestern cities to the heart-pounding wonders of Niagara Falls and the Victorian charms of historic Mackinac Island.
Your upcoming voyage will take you from places you may know quite well, such as Chicago’s lakefront skyline and Cleveland to more distant shores, such as Manitoulin Island, certainly not as easy to reach by plane or car. You’ll step off with engaging guides well-versed in the history, natural wonders and colorful local stories of the places you visit. Back on board, these shore excursions will be enriched by engaging talks with our Great Lakes’ experts.
All along the way, you’ll delight in the warm camaraderie of newfound friends, and enjoy wonderful regionally inspired cuisine with wine and even an open bar throughout your cruise. In short, we think this journey has all the hallmarks of a perfect vacation – with easygoing enjoyment, a chance to engage your intellect and curiosity and opportunities to deepen your appreciation of new places and people.
Weather
Weather forecasts are widely available on the Internet, and some of the favorites for large international cities are at
www.weather.com and
www.cnn.com/weather. Average temperatures:
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Chicago
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Toronto
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May
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66/53
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66/50
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June
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77/63
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76/59
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July
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82/70
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81/65
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August
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81/70
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80/64
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September
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74/62
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73/57
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Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled between 3 - 5 p.m. The ship is scheduled to sail at 6:00pm and all guests are required to be on board at least 60 minutes prior to departure. For departure in non-U.S. ports, guests are required to be onboard at least 90 minutes prior to departure. If you arrive early, you will be permitted to leave your luggage at the ship any time after 10:00am local time and explore the city at your leisure. Please ensure you return to the ship by 5:00pm at the latest. There is a mandatory safety drill onboard at 5:30pm.
Disembarkation
Disembarkation typically starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 9 a.m. Passengers may disembark after the respective government formalities have been completed. We recommend scheduling departing flights for 1:00pm local time or later.
On Board the M/V Victory I
Communication Services
Internet/Wi-Fi is complimentary on the M/V Victory I for one device per person. Due to limitations with satellite bandwidth, internet access is best used for quick email communication. Certain websites will be restricted due to limited bandwidth. We recommend avoiding downloading music, video or books. Please utilize Internet on land to upload photographs and larger email files. That will help make your Internet usage more pleasurable while onboard.
Direct-dial phones are provided in suites/staterooms on the M/V Victory I, but outside lines are not available. Shipboard staff have access to satellite phones in case of emergency.
Cell phones are permitted on board the ship, however international roaming charges can be expensive. It is advisable to contact your carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage.
While cell phone service is typically available throughout our itineraries, please be aware that in certain areas, service might be extremely limited, and at times may not be available
Should you choose to take a cell phone on your trip, please refrain from conducting conversations while on shore excursions or during lectures and movies.
Moving Around the Ship
Because the ship will often be in motion and the decks are sometimes slippery, please take care when moving around the decks. Stairs may be steeper than you are used to, and it is best to always use the handrails.
Pets
We are unable to allow pets of any kind on board the ship.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in staterooms, on decks outside the staterooms, on Deck 4 or on the terraces of the Owner’s Suites. Smoking is permitted only in the designated outside smoking area on board the ship (Deck 5 aft). We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
Safety Precautions and Procedures
The ship will hold a mandatory safety drill, which is scheduled to take place prior to the ship’s departure from the port of embarkation. Participation by all guests is required. Emergency information can be found in your stateroom/suite.
Educational Talks
We have selected only the most interesting and engaging speakers to enhance your cruise experience with presentations on such topics as marine life, naval history and geology during our North American cruises.
Dining on Board the M/V Victory I
In the main restaurant, The Coastal Dining Room, enjoy a sumptuous seated breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in a casual and comfortable environment.
Enjoy afternoon tea with cakes, cookies, sandwiches, coffee and tea.
Complimentary free-flowing beverages such as coffee, tea, mineral water, soft drinks and non-premium beer, wine and spirits are available throughout your cruise.
During our daily cocktail hour, before dinner, we will feature cold canapés and bar snacks.
Vegetarian options are always available on the ship. Please include special dietary needs on your Guest Information Form. We will do our best to ensure that your request is accommodated, but cannot guarantee that all diet needs and preferences can be met.
The Coastal Dining Room
Savor delicious cuisine in the easy elegance of the main dining room, where a professional wait staff serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from our chef’s menu of regionally inspired dishes.
The Grill
Enjoy the view and fresh selections at The Grill, serving buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, enjoy your favorite cocktail at the open-air bar.
Gym and Spa
There is a guest gym on board with equipment to meet your exercise needs.
Also, spa amenities are available, and a menu of options will be provided on board.
Shore Excursions
All our cruises feature complimentary excursions that are coordinated by the cruise director on board. Details of the shore excursions will be listed in the daily program. Your cruise director will review the excursions in a port-of-call briefing on board.
Suite/Stateroom Amenities
We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your voyage with us. Our onboard team will do its best to ensure the highest possible standards of cleanliness and comfort in your room. Please let us know if you have questions or if you are not satisfied with any aspect of our service. All suites/staterooms are equipped with individual climate control, a personal safe, a flat-screen television, an alarm clock, a hair dryer, robes, slippers and spa bath amenities. Premium mattresses, linens and pillows provide a comfortable night’s sleep.
Each stateroom is equipped with a combination safe for your use. Please use a combination that will be easy to remember. If you forget your combination, please notify the office immediately, because repeatedly trying to unlock the safe with an incorrect code will result in the safe being disabled.