Sat, Sep 5: Fly to Chicago, Illinois, where your journey begins. Enjoy local sightseeing before an included meal with your fellow travelers. Settle in for a restful stay along the glimmering lakefront to prepare for the adventure ahead! (Meals: Lunch) 

Sun, Sep 6: Arise at your leisure and have breakfast in the hotel. In the afternoon transfer to historic Navy Pier to board Victory Cruise Line’s Victory II, your home away from home for the next nine nights. Take a moment to get acquainted with the ship and its warm and welcoming crew. Head to your contemporary stateroom or order a glass of wine to enjoy on the observation deck as you bid farewell to the iconic skyline of the Windy City. (B,D)

Mon, Sep 7: Let the time slow down today as you drift across the open waters of Lake Michigan. Relax and socialize on the Observation Deck or indulge in a massage at the spa. Discover something new with Victory’s LakeLorian onboard lecture program—historians and naturalists will share knowledge and expertise of the history, ecology, and culture of each port of call. After dinner, music and dancing keep the fun going in the main lounge! (B,L,D)

Tue, Sep 8: Arrive in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, known for its blend of old-world charm and vibrant, modern flair. Sip your way through local craft breweries, take in the striking architecture, or stroll the RiverWalk, lined with cafés and green spaces. You may wish to visit popular Milwaukee attractions such as the Art Museum, historic Pabst Mansion—an important landmark of the “Brew City”, or the interactive Harley-Davidson Museum. (B,L,D)

Wed, Sep 9: Today discover charming Mackinac Island, Michigan. Absorb the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings on Mackinac Island, a place where time moves at the pace of a horse-drawn carriage. Explore the island on a relaxing carriage ride excursion, experience sweeping views of Lake Huron, and see historical landmarks. Browse the shops downtown, taste test famous fudge, or simply kick back in a rocking chair and take in the scenery from the world’s longest porch at the Grand Hotel! (B,L,D)

Thu, Sep 10: Sail into Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, located in the Upper Peninsula directly across the St. Mary’s River from its twin city—Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario! Explore the town’s maritime history and relaxed waterfront. Sault Ste. Marie offers a front-row seat to one of engineering’s great spectacles: watch as massive freighters safely traverse the Soo Locks’ 21-foot drop in elevation of the river between Lake Superior and Lakes Michigan and Huron. Then glide into the waters of Lake Superior and feel the awe-inspiring magnitude of the largest freshwater lake in the world (by surface area, the third largest by volume). (B,L,D)

Fri, Sep 11: Stay onboard today as the ship navigates through serene Lake Huron. Enjoy the onboard amenities while you take in the tranquil beauty and diverse coastline of this quieter, more remote stretch of the Great Lakes region. (B,L,D)

Sat, Sep 12: This morning, sail across Lake St. Clair before docking in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit’s spirit is electric—dive into the city’s vibrant art scene, explore the historic roots of Motown, or wander the revitalized open-air Eastern Market. Join an included excursion to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, known locally as Henry’s Attic, whose comprehensive collection is devoted to the technology of the 1900s. Get close-up with original artifacts such as the Presidential Vehicles that transported the likes of FDR, JFK, and Ronald Reagan. Witness the impeccable transformation of the 1955 Rosa Parks bus from discarded relic to one of the most popular displays of this epic museum. Later, set sail into the tranquil, shimmering waters of Lake Erie. (B,L,D)

Sun, Sep 13: Arrive in Cleveland, Ohio, where industrial grit gives way to high culture along the shores of Lake Erie. Discover first-hand why Cleveland beat out New York City as the location of choice for the home of the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on today’s included excursion. Join more than nine million visitors, musicians, and celebrities who have strolled through over 50 exhibits of evolutionary music and pop culture, with a front row seat to the more than 350 inductees in 30 years showcasing rocks highest honor. (B,L,D)

Mon, Sep 14: Today the roar of Niagara Falls will welcome you before you even see it. Feel the spray on your skin as you edge closer to this natural wonder on an included boat ride—see Niagara Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the iconic Horseshoe Falls. Then retreat to the calm streets of Port Colborne, a quaint town bustling with local artisans and waterfront cafés. After departure, let the gentle waves of Lake Ontario guide you as you relax on deck and take in the endless horizon while cruising toward your final destination. (B,L,D)

Tue, Sep 15: Disembark in Toronto, Ontario, Canada’s largest city. Transfer to the airport and fly home, arriving the same day. (B)