Ocean Victory
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Nor...Costa Rica
Nor...Costa Rica
EDITOR’S NOTE: American Queen Voyages shut down in February 2024. The company is no longer operating or offering cruises. Read More
Launched in 2021, the Ocean Victory is the newest ship from American Queen Voyages, a line best known for its paddlewheel river cruises. Specifically built for expedition cruising, this new X-BOW® ship cuts through large waves and conquers extreme weather. Equally important, the ship’s unique hull shape reduces the vibrations felt from rough seas, providing a smoother ride and making cruising more comfortable for all on board. Environmentally responsible, this ship uses the cleanest fuel available to help protect the Earth’s ecosystem.
Designed for discovery, the ship has a large observation lounge on the top deck with 360-degree swivel chairs providing expansive views from all viewpoints. Additionally, the modern expedition lecture room offers a place for guests to gather and hear from expedition team members who lecture on the environment, marine biology, history, and other topics. Just behind the auditorium is a unique feature of the Ocean Victory, two hydraulic wildlife platforms on the ship’s bow. They open up and extend ten feet out over the ocean, enabling passengers to get closer to nature and look for whales, dolphins, sharks, and birds.
The Ocean Victory strives to provide its guests with an intimate, immersive educational experience. It is enrichment-style cruising meant for those who wish to dive deeper into science and nature while on vacation. For example, one day crew may drop a plankton net over the side and then offer guests a chance to look at the samples under a microscope. To further enhance the adventure experience, the ship’s compact library is filled with research books reflective of the regions that will be explored on your voyage. Additionally, on the lowest deck is a large mudroom outfitted with individual passenger lockers used to store expedition gear, life preservers, and boots. This area also provides access to the zodiac embarkation platforms.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
The Ocean Victory has 93 cabins ranging from 157 to 465 square feet. More than half have balconies (68), and nine of these are French balconies. Although 16 of the cabins have porthole windows that do not open, there are no interior staterooms. Each stateroom has ample storage space, particularly in the two-room suites, which have a walk-in closet. Almost all rooms have a sitting area and desk, which doubles as a vanity. All cabins come with a flat-screen TV, hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers, mini fridge, refillable water bottles, and an in-room safe. There are several USB and power outlets.
Like the rest of the ship’s decor, the staterooms have a modern contemporary feel with art deco influences. The color palette is a mix of grays and browns accented with various shades of blue designed to reflect the colors of the ocean. Wildlife and nature photos and paintings provide a scenic touch.
There are two wheelchair-accessible cabins (428 and 429) in the “B” category, which is a suite with a private veranda, and there is an elevator on the ship. However, because the Ocean Victory is an expedition ship, the stairs throughout the ship are steep, exterior doors are heavy, and there are raised thresholds on certain doors to keep the ship watertight. Additionally, the bathroom on deck 5 outside of the lounge is ADA complainant.
Food & Drink
The ship has two restaurants; the large enclosed Main Restaurant on deck 5 and the Panoramic Bistro on the top with indoor and outdoor seating. Breakfast and dinner are served in the Main Restaurant, while lunch is offered at the Bistro.
In addition to the full buffet breakfast served daily in the Main Dining Room, guests can find a limited selection of pastries and shot glass-sized smoothies mid-morning in the observation lounge. It is not enough for a meal; it is more like a snack.
Lunch is served buffet style in the Panoramic Bistro. It consists of standard salad fixings, sliced meats and cheeses, pasta dishes, hot mains, and a specialty offering such as sushi.
Five-course dinners are served in the Main Restaurant. As you enter the dining room, there is a plated preview showcase of each evening’s available dishes, which are then ordered once you are seated à la carte off the menu. Several alternative dishes are always available to order each night, like Lobster and Prime Beef. Unfortunately, the quality of the food is unremarkable and lacks regional specialties.
If you are looking for a little nibble during the day, there are cookies by the self-serve coffee and tea station at the back of the presentation lounge. Additionally, in-room dining is available.
Of the three bars on the ship, the Main Lounge Bar, located just outside the presentation theater, is the one most used by guests who gather there before lectures, daily briefings, and dinner. On warm days you’ll find the Fiesta Bar centrally located on the pool deck open for service. There is also a small bar in the observation lounge. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a beverage with panoramic views. There is always a special cocktail of the day, like a tequila sunrise or rum punch.
Unlimited drinks are included in the price of the cruise fare. This includes wine, beer, spirits, beer, sodas, and specialty coffees.
Entertainment
A single guitar player provides afternoon and evening entertainment. The Ocean Victory’s strength lies in its hands-on science session and daily wildlife and education presentations from the naturalist and expedition team. Additionally, they may offer a night sky exploration class, depending on the weather.
Spa & Fitness
A good-sized gym for a small ship is located on deck 7 and is free for guests to use. The Life Fitness Cardio Equipment treadmills, ellipticals, and rowers face floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can watch wildlife while working out. Additionally, the Polar Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, and hair salon services at an additional cost.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
A well-supplied medical clinic is on board with a nurse and a doctor. In addition to performing standard medical procedures like stitching a cut or providing electrolytes for dehydration, they have ventilators and a defibrillator, as well as PCR and rapid COVID testing abilities.
Dress Code
Passengers wear casual expedition-style clothing daily. No jacket or formal attire is required. Shorts and jeans even appear to be acceptable at dinner. However, it is best to refer to the ship’s packing guide for specialty clothing items, such as outerwear and shoes, which may be itinerary-dependent.
Junior Cruisers
Children under 18 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult 25 years or older. Unfortunately, no specific programs, entertainment, or kids club are available for children.
Service
While the restaurant, housekeeping, and front desk crew provide attentive service, the expedition staff service could be more consistent. In addition, there are issues with passenger communication around tours and excursions. This may be attributed to growing pains during the ship’s inaugural season and will hopefully work itself out as the line matures.
Tipping
Daily gratuities are $20.50 per person per day and will be automatically added to your bill. Guests are also encouraged to tip local tour guides $5 per day and bus drivers $2 per day.