a day ago
CBP agents remove some crew from Victory's two ships in the Great Lakes
Crew members from Victory Cruise Lines' two ships, the Victory I and Victory II, were removed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during the ships' routine operations in the Port of Detroit, according to the cruise line.
Sources familiar with the situation said that on July 9 and 11, the CBP removed 13 crew members who had previously been cleared for entry into the U.S. and to work onboard the ships by the CBP. The cruise line obtains crew members primarily through third parties, a source said, which vets the crew members, who have valid work visas. The ships are currently operating Great Lakes itineraries.
The CBP did not respond to a request for comment.
"We are actively cooperating with federal authorities to clarify the circumstances, and my priority is always our crew and the experience for our guests," said John Waggoner, the founder and chairman of Victory.
According to social media reports, other ships operating overnight cruises on the Great Lakes have also had crew removed by federal agents.
Waggoner and other company executives are visiting both ships this week.
The Victory I. Photo Credit: Anne Kalosh Related: The revival of Victory
Two coastal ships with a long history get a new lease on life. Continue Reading
Victory re-entered service in late April following Waggoner's purchase of the brand and ships last year after American Queen Voyages' closure.
Victory's ships offer Great Lakes and New England-Canada itineraries through the fall.
