Ocean Navigator

The 2004-built Ocean Navigator cruise ship (fka "MS Victory II") was launched as "Cape Cod Light" and previously operated also under the name "Sea Discoverer". In 2017, the boat was acquired and upgraded by VCL-Victory Cruise Lines (AQSC) and scheduled to enter service/start operations for VCL in early summer 2018.

After resuming service in 2022 (following the 2-year hiatus due to the Coronavirus crisis) the boat was renamed from "Victory 2" to "Ocean Navigator".

From the same series (sistership) is the fleetmate Ocean Voyager (formerly Victory 1, Cape May Light, Sea Voyager, Saint Laurent). Both ships resemble the traditional US coastal steamboats of the late 19th century. They both started operations with itineraries on the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritime, East Coast USA and Southern USA.

The vessel (IMO number 9213131) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311050300) and registered in Nassau.

Later in 2024, the ship will be renamed "Victory II" and reflagged to the USA.

History - construction and ownership

The 220-passenger ship Ocean Navigator was launched in 2004 (as "Cape Cod Light") by Atlantic Marine (shipyard Jacksonville Florida/now BAE Systems Southeast Florida). The vessel was originally built for Great Lakes Cruises (USA company) and designated for expedition voyages with itineraries in Central and South America.

The cruise ship was acquired in July 2017 from Clipper Group (Bahamas-based international company specializing in dry-bulk shipping). The vessel's current owner is the Copenhagen-based Albatros Travel company specializing in polar expedition cruises and tours. The company Cruise Management International Inc provides the ship's deck and engine management, while the sister-company CMI Leisure Management Inc handles the onboard hotel operations.

In November 2018, American Queen Voyages (fka AQSC) signed an agreement to purchase the brand "Victory Cruise Line", as well as its chartered (from Sunstone Ships) vessels. Victory Cruise Line had a separate fleet and management and operated as a subsidiary company of AQSC.

Following the bankruptcy of Hornblower Group in 2024 (February), American Queen Voyages was placed for sale. Hornblower was sold to Strategic Value Partners and announced reorganization plans, focusing on its other subsidiaries. In April 2024, both AQV's coastal ships (Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager) were auctioned and sold for a total of US$1,901,000 (or US$950,500 per vessel) to John Waggoner (AQSC's  Founder). The back up bidder (US$1,801 million) was Ship Management Group LLC. In May, the new shipowner announced that following a drydock refurbishment period, both boats would be chartered to/start services for the restored Victory Cruise Lines. Under their previous names - Victory I (Ocean Voyager) and Victory II (Ocean Navigator)- both would be deployed on the Great Lakes.

Decks and Cabins

Ocean Navigator features a beautifully appointed interior with only 110 staterooms. Its stylish staterooms offer high thread-count bedding, premium mattresses, pillow menus and L'Occitane bath amenities. Passengers enjoy free WiFi Internet access and 24-hour room service, as well as nightly turndown service. The stateroom entertainment systems feature LCD-TVs with satellite programming and radio/alarm clocks with iPod Docking Station. Outside staterooms include armoires and picture windows for panoramic views.

The boat has 5 passenger decks, of which 4 are with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Ocean Navigator ship's dining options include the Shearwater Dining Room, Tavern and Outdoor Grill. Guests can enjoy fine a la carte dining in the main restaurant or the outdoor Cliff Rock Grill & Bar. they can treat themselves to fresh "hot rock" cooking at Cliff Rock, savor regionally inspired cuisine and western classics at Shearwater Dining Room, indulge in delightful afternoon tea service, complete with cakes and cookies, mingle with old and new friends in ship's English-style Seascape Tavern.

The boat has an Observation Lounge, Sun Deck, Terrace and Boutique. Expertly led shore excursions are included. Listen & Learn Aboard program is hosted by experts in culture, history and natural wonders of the places visited.

In October 2024 were announced details on the ship's dining options, including the new Tuscan Stone Grill at The Grill (open for buffet breakfast and lunch). This upscale restaurant is open for dinner and provides an interactive dining experience with hot stones allowing guests to cook at their tables.

Dining offerings include exclusive dishes and menus with local food specialties and fresh fish (subject to availability) as well as a wine selection reflecting the ship's itinerary routes.

The Coastal Dining Room is complimentary and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Chef’s Menu lists regionally inspired dishes.

The Tavern is an English-style pub with live music in the evenings.

Itineraries

Ocean Navigator's/MV Victory 2's itinerary program started with the "Inaugural Cruise" from Detroit Michigan on July 27, 2018. The ship's cruise calendar has regularly scheduled 7-night Canada and New England cruises between Massachusetts USA (departures from Boston and Gloucester) and Nova Scotia Canada (Halifax). Other itineraries include St Lawrence Seaway, Lake Michigan and the Canadian Maritimes, plus the company's first cruises on Lake Superior (bordering Ontario Canada and Minnesota USA).

The ship's itineraries are themed "New England Splendour" (between Halifax NS and Boston MS), "St Lawrence Seaway and French Canadian Maritimes" (between Halifax NS and Detroit MI) and "Western Lake Superior" ((Wisconsin and Michigan, between Milwaukee WI, Thunder Bay MI and Detroit MI).

After summer 2018 season, the boat started Victory Cruise Line's new Mexico cruise itinerary program with roundtrips from homeport Miami.

• For 2019, Victory Cruise Lines planned an inaugural 9-night Yucatan Mexico cruise itinerary leaving roundtrip from Miami Florida. The voyage visits 3 of the most popular Mayan ruin sites in the Mexican states Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo.
• During company's Inaugural Mexican season (January through May 2019), the offered travel packages include all-inclusive 3-day pre- and post-cruise hotel stay in Campeche or 12-day all-inclusive "land and cruise" package.
• Passengers booking by May 31 (2018) received USD 1,000 pp discount. "Grand Mayan Experience" itinerary was scheduled for departure from PortMiami on January 4, 2019.
• The inaugural "Grand Mayan Experience" season 2019 (Florida to Mexico) was divided into 2 parts - January-May, and November 2019 through May 2020.

For season 2019 (May through October), Victory Cruise Line scheduled 10-day Great Lakes cruises operated with all-inclusive deals. Victory 2 ship was homeported in Montreal and Detroit, with route ports Quebec City, Kingston, Toronto (crossing Welland Canal between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie), Port Colborne / Port Weller (gateways to Niagara Falls) and Cleveland. This "French Canada and Great Lakes" itinerary on MS Victory 2 in 2019 was offered on (departures) May 28, June 6, July 12-21-30, August 8-17-26, October 10. Unique was the scenic cruising on Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, St Lawrence River, Thousand Islands archipelago (Canada-USA border). Prices started at USD 6390 per person (double occupancy fares).

For season 2021 (November through December), for the Victory 2 ship was scheduled a new 11-day itinerary themed "Yucatan's Mayan Cruise Tour" roundtrip from Cancun (Cozumel, Mexico). Land trips are led by bilingual tour guides and on premium motorcoaches transporting tourists to the Mayan city Chichen Itza.

The Yucatan's Mayan Cruise Tour includes an optional flight to Cancun (overnight hotel stay), excursion to Tulum and embarkation in Cozumel (Day 2), Costa Maya (Day 3), Gulf of Mexico cruising (Day 4), Progreso (Day 5), Campeche (Days 6-7 / overnight), Gulf of Mexico cruising (Day 8), Progreso/Valladolid (Day 9), Valladolid/Cancun (Days 10-11 / overnight hotel stay). First departure was planned for Nov 17th (2021). Prices started from USD 3300 pp (with double occupancy).

Ocean Navigator's "maiden season" (inaugural cruise under the new ship name) was scheduled to start on April 10, 2022. The program was based on Great Lakes itineraries.

In 2023, AQV's Ocean Navigator introduced the 9-day "Immersive Yucatan Exploration Cruise Tour" (from Cozumel to Cancun/first departure Feb 3rd). The voyage included an overnight hotel in Cozumel (included ferry travel to Playa del Carmen and bus travel to Tulum Mayan Site and back to Cozumel), departure from Cozumel (Day 2), an overnight port stay in Campeche (Days 4-5), an overnight port stay in Progreso (Days 6-7, including bus travel to Merida and back to Progreso), followed bus travel/tours to Valladolid and Chichen Itza (Days 8-9), and the cruisetour ended in Cancun. Prices started from USD 3800 pp (with double occupancy).

Victory Cruise Lines deals

Follows the list of onboard amenities and services offered complimentary to all passengers (cruise price inclusive) regardless of cabin grades:

• accommodation: sleeping area (2 twin beds or 1 queen bed / excepting Owners Suites and Category E (with 1 fixed queen bed, 100% Egyptian cotton bedding sets, premium mattresses), en-suite bathroom (robes, slippers, make-up mirror, hairdryer), electronic safe (in the closet), individual climate control, flat LCD TV (satellite programming), direct dial phone (outside line), radio (alarm, docking station)
• daily housekeeping, nightly turndown service
• daily tour (1 excursion in each cruise port)
• complimentary drinks (coffee, tea, bottled water, soft drinks, house brand beers and wine by the glass with all lunches and dinners)
• all onboard meals
• brunch time Consume and Afternoon Tea service

Victory Cruise Line/AQV fares were inclusive of all daily-scheduled tours (excursions ashore), including full-day Niagara Falls and Mackinac Island (Lake Huron). Deals were also inclusive of alcohol (beer and wine) at lunch and dinner.

Not included in the cruise deals are:

• flights (domestic or international airfare to and from the port destination)
• Other beverages (not mentioned above)
• gratuities (onboard and onshore excursions), port charges, cruise insurance.

Victory Cruise Line's closest competitor (in both USA and Cuba) is Pearl Seas Cruises.