NEW ALBANY, IN, Feb. 12, 2020 – Victory Cruise Lines (VCL), operated by American Queen Steamboat Company, a Hornblower® Families Company, is excited to announce the inaugural itineraries for the 2021 season on board the 200-passenger Ocean Victory. Currently under construction, Victory Cruise Lines’ third vessel invites guests to explore the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of Alaska and British Columbia on expert led excursions and small-ship, scenic cruising.
To ensure that the Ocean Victory showcases the very best of expedition cruising, VCL is working with California Polytechnic State University to include marine biologists, scientists and naturalists among its expedition team of 19 who will lead excursions, provide education lectures and act as a resource for all guests.
Please see below for highlights from the new Discover Beyond ™ Alaska Expedition Adventure Cruise itineraries on Victory Cruise Lines.
Northbound: Vancouver, B.C to Sitka, Alaska
12-Day Cruise: May 21; June 11; July 2, 23; August 13; September 3
From the bustling city of Vancouver to the stunning views along the British Columbia Inside Passage, guests will experience the best of this varied region. Fiordland Conservancy’s dramatic waterfalls dropping into majestic fjords, unbelievable wildlife sightings in Misty Fjords National Monument, expansive ice fields at LeConte, Sawyer and Dawes Glaciers and world-famous whale watching in Frederick Sound will leave guests in awe. In addition, the fascinating culture of the Tsmshian people, Norwegian-inspired Petersburg, Alaska and Russian influenced Sitka, Alaska all welcome travelers to learn about the area’s diverse and storied heritage. Ports of call include: a pre-cruise hotel in Vancouver, B.C.; British Columbia Inside Passage; Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet); Ketchikan/Metlakatla; Misty Fjords National Monument; Wrangell/Stikine River Wilderness; Waterfall Coast/Baraof Wilderness; Petersburg/Le Conte Glacier; Tracey Arm/Sawyer Glacier; Kake/Frederick Sound/Five Finger; and Sitka, Alaska. Fares start at $4,199 per person, plus port fees, taxes and gratuities.
Southbound: Sitka, Alaska to Vancouver, B.C.
13-Day Cruise: May 31; June 21; July 12; August 2, 23; September 13
The southbound itinerary reverses the northbound itinerary, with an additional day exploring Tracey Arm, Endicott, Dawes and Sawyer Glacier and Ford’s Terror Wilderness. On all Ocean Victory sailings 20 Zodiacs and dozens of kayaks will transport guests through narrow inlets larger ships cannot access and expedition leaders have the flexibility to choose the best spots for the day’s adventure, setting the Alaska adventures on the Ocean Victory apart from competition. Ports of call include: a pre-cruise hotel in Sitka, Alaska; Kake/Frederick Sound/Five Finger; Endicott Arm/Ford’s Terror/Dawes Glacier; Tracey Arm/Sawyer Glacier; Petersburg/LeConte Glacier; Waterfall Coast/Baranof Wilderness; Misty Fjords National Monument; Ketchikan/Metlakatla; Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet); British Columbia Inside Passage and Vancouver, B.C. Fares start at $4,999 per person, plus port fees, taxes and gratuities.
Hidden Coast: Vancouver, B.C. to Seattle, W.A.
12-Day Cruise: September 24
This one-time itinerary will explore the ports and sights along Vancouver Island. Keeping with VCL’s dedication to education, guests will visit the Copeland Island Marine Park and U’Mista Cultural Center, one of the longest operating First Nations’ cultural facilities in British Columbia. On the southbound leg, striking views of Cortes Island, Von Donop Inlet and Desolation Sound await, revealing the majesty of British Columbia. Ports of call include: a pre-cruise hotel in Vancouver, B.C.; Princess Royal Reach/Princess Louisa Inlet; Copeland Islands Marine Park; Alert Bay/U’Mista Cultural Center; Cortes Island/Von Donop Inlet; Desolation Sound - Redonda Islands; “Sunshine Coast” – Pender Harbour; Nanaimo; Gulf Islands/Ganges; Victoria and Seattle, W.A. Fares start at $4,199 per person, plus port fees, taxes and gratuities.
The 104.4m Ocean Victory will feature 93 suites, of which, 68 will have balconies, nine with French balconies and 16 with panoramic windows. The vessel will carry a crew of 100 featuring a 2-to-1 guest to crew ratio. Onboard venues include two restaurants, in addition to an open-deck dining area, piano bar, library, gym, heated outdoor pool, spa services and jacuzzi, plus observation and lecture lounges and a dedicated expedition and adventures launching platform.
Bookings for Ocean Victory Alaska cruises are now open, with early booking savings up to $1,400 per stateroom on reservations made by March 31, 2020.
For more information on Victory Cruise Lines, please visit http://www.victorycruiselines.com/ovalaska.
American Queen Steamboat Company
American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) is the operator of the U.S. flagged American Queen, the largest, most opulent riverboat in the world. Longer than a football field, towering six decks in height and laced with fanciful gingerbread trim, she is a marvel of modern engineering. Her journeys through the heartland offer a unique perspective on America’s history, culture and landscape with convenient departures from some of America’s most iconic river port cities including Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis and Minneapolis. In April 2014, AQSC began serving the Pacific Northwest with the opulence and grandeur of the American Empress and added the American Duchess to the Mississippi River in August 2017. AQSC’s fourth vessel, the American Countess, debut its inaugural departure on April 5, 2020.
Victory Cruise Lines
New Albany-based Victory Cruise Lines operates Victory I and Victory II, identical 202-passenger ships, and the upcoming newly-built 200-passenger vessel, the Ocean Victory. Victory Cruise Lines operates all-inclusive cruises to Canada, the Great Lakes, New England, Mexico, South America and Alaska. For more information about Victory Cruise Lines, contact a travel agent or visit www.victorycruiselines.com.
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