Victory Cruise Lines Welcomes Photographer Gary Bogdon Aboard

Victory Cruise Lines announced that photographer Gary Bogdon will sail on the Victory I as a guest lecturer, offering interactive photography sessions during the April 25 to May 5, 2026 voyage from Toronto to Chicago.

The sailing marks the line’s second season of Great Lakes exploration following its debut in 2025.

“The voyage to Chicago, calling on all five Great Lakes, is Victory Cruise Lines’ most popular, as it showcases so many postcard-worthy moments,” said John Waggoner, chairman and founder of Victory Cruise Lines.

“As an avid photographer myself, I am confident that having Bogdon aboard to share photography tips and stories of the many events he has captured will be a treat for everyone,” Waggoner added.

According to the press release, Bogdon is an award winning photographer whose work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and USA Today. He has more than 30 years of experience and has covered major news events, including visits by Pope John Paul and Mother Teresa to the United States, along with assignments involving U.S. Presidents Reagan, Carter, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Clinton and Obama.

Onboard, Bogdon will lead workshops focused on taking high quality travel photos using either a smartphone or digital camera. He will also provide tailored guidance on photographing landscapes, architecture and people.

Guests will have the opportunity to accompany Bogdon during select shore excursions, where he will offer practical instruction on composition, lighting and visual storytelling, helping travelers capture professional standard images.

The Victory I’s itinerary is a 10 night journey from Toronto to Chicago, sailing all five Great Lakes and visiting key destinations such as Port Colborne for Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Detroit, Mackinac Island and Sault Ste. Marie.

Additional stops include Escanaba and Milwaukee before the cruise concludes at Chicago’s Navy Pier.

Victory Cruise Lines’ sailings include a one night pre-cruise hotel stay, complimentary ground transfers and an all inclusive onboard experience.