Cruising on the Great Lakes, US and Canadian coasts, Victory Cruise Lines’ Victory I and Victory II were acquired by American Queen Steamboat Co. in January this year and began their inaugural season in May with the customized hotel management services of CMI Leisure.

Elevated guest experience

‘By working closely with travel partners like CMI Leisure, we are able to offer guests an elevated experience,’ said Sarah Neelis, manager of hotel operations for American Queen Steamboat Co.

Specializing in hotel operations, provisioning, crewing and logistics, CMI Leisure is an established hotel concessionaire in the small-ship expedition and cruise market. AQSC said the company’s high-quality and cost-efficient leisure management enabled Victory to seamlessly maintain its superior standards for customer service and experiential travel that can be found across the entire AQSC fleet.

Customer ratings 9.48 out of 10

‘The CMI Leisure team was instrumental in the success of our first season,’ said David Kelly, EVP, AQSC. ‘The overall customer satisfaction scores to date for both Victory ships averaged 9.48 out of 10, due in large part to our day-to-day operations with CMI Leisure. We look forward to renewing our partnership as we look to the 2020 season.’

Victory Cruise Lines will introduce six new itineraries highlighting the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway and coastal New England and a number of premium shore excursion upgrades, as well as pre- and post-cruise stays. The 2020 season will begin April 24 and extend through October. In addition, Victory will launch its first Alaska season with the newbuild Ocean Victory.

Turn-key services

‘Our goal is to deliver turn-key hotel management and hospitality services for our CMI-serviced ships,’ said Dietmar Wertanzl, president and CEO of CMI Leisure. ‘As Victory Cruise Lines expands its offerings in 2020 with new and enhanced itineraries, we will continue to implement innovative solutions that encompass the unique needs of the lines’ distinctive voyages.’