4 Captivating Great Lakes Itineraries Offered on Viking’s Expedition Ships

Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes will bring the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America and will mark a major commitment to local tourism and economic development for the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario.

Beginning in January 2022, Viking Expeditions first vessel, Viking Octantis will begin voyages to North America’s Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will follow in August 2022.

North America’s Great Lakes

Did you know, The Great Lakes make up the largest body of fresh water on Earth? It accounts for one-fifth of the freshwater surface on the Earth at 6 quadrillion gallons. The area of all the Great Lakes is 95,160 square miles (246,463 square kilometers) and span 750 miles (1,200 km) from west to east. The square mileage is larger than the state of Texas.

If your accustomed to visiting the many islands of the Caribbean, you might be surprised to know The Great Lakes is dotted with more than 35, 000 islands. Some of these islands are very small but, the largest is Lake Huron’s Manitoulin Island which is (1,068 square miles or 2,766 square km) and the largest island in any inland body of water.

Here is a list of the four different itineraries that will be offered on the Great Lakes from 2022-2023:

Undiscovered Great Lakes

8 days; Thunder Bay, Ontario to Milwaukee

Undiscovered Great Lakes
Undiscovered Great Lakes – 8 Days, 2 Countries (Credit: Viking)

From Northern forests to pristine lagoons, encounter the natural splendor of the Great Lakes. Visit bald eagle and bear habitats that abut charming frontier towns in this remote region of North America; and pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron via the impressive Soo Locks. Multiple sailing dates between May and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $6,695 per person, with free airfare within North America. For more information Click Here.

Great Lakes Explorer

8 days; Milwaukee to Thunder Bay, Ontario

Great Lakes Explorer
Great Lakes Explorer – Island hop the Great Lakes – 8 Days, 2 Countries (Credit: Viking)

Embark on a true expedition along “the nation’s fourth seacoast,” from Georgian Bay’s granite islands to Thunder Bay’s towering cliffs. Experience the car-free idyllic Mackinac Island, and learn about indigenous cultures and frontier life along the way. Multiple sailing dates between May and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $6,495 per person, with free airfare within North America.

Niagara & The Great Lakes

8 days; Toronto to Milwaukee

Niagara & The Great Lakes
Niagara & The Great Lakes – Journey from nature to culture – 8 Days, 2 Countries (Credit: Viking)

From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover the wilderness nestled in the interior of North America alongside world-class cultural attractions in Detroit, Toronto and Milwaukee. Witness the majesty of Niagara Falls, and enjoy scenic cruising past North America’s busiest border as you cross Lake Huron. Multiple sailing dates in April, May, June, July and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $5,995 per person, with free airfare within North America.

Canadian Discovery

13 days; New York to Toronto

Canadian Discovery
Canadian Discovery – 13 Days, 2 Countries (Credit: Viking)

Cruise from Canada’s southeast coast to the St. Lawrence River, where you will learn about the region’s rich past amid stunning natural settings and celebrated cities. Sail along the coasts of New England and Nova Scotia; discover the remote reaches and locally sourced seafood of Prince Edward Island; explore the Saguenay Fjord, home to seals, whales and other sea mammals; and go salmon fishing in Quebec’s Moisie River. Sailing dates in April and October 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $8,995 per person, with free airfare within North America.

Viking Expedition Ship
Viking Expedition Ship (Credit: Viking)

Expedition Ships, The Viking Way

The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. Designed by the same experienced nautical architects and engineers that designed Viking ocean ships, the ships are optimally sized and built for expeditions – small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability in the roughest seas.

The ships will feature public spaces that are familiar to Viking’s ocean cruise guests but that have been reimagined for expeditions, as well as new public spaces created specifically for expeditions.

Straight bows, longer hulls and state-of-the-art fin stabilizers will allow the ships to glide over the waves for the calmest possible journey; ice-strengthened Polar Class 6 hulls will provide the safest way to explore; and U-tank stabilizers will significantly decrease rolling by up to 50 percent when the ships are stationary. Viking’s expedition ships will feature modern Scandinavian design with elegant touches, intimate spaces and attention to detail.

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Viking Inclusive Value

Every Viking Expeditions cruise fare includes a Nordic Balcony stateroom or suite, virtually all shore excursions, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Just as with Viking’s ocean cruises, guests will also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; lectures; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to The Nordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.

As part of their fare, Viking Expeditions guests will also receive charter flights for hard-to-reach locales and the use of Viking Expedition Gear specialty equipment for land and sea excursions. On polar itineraries, guests also receive their own Viking Expedition Kit, which includes everything needed to be comfortable – as well as a Viking Expeditions Jacket to keep.

How To Book?

Now through February 29, 2020, U.S. residents can take advantage of an Inaugural Offer on 2022 & 2023 Viking Expedition itineraries. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com.

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John Shallo
John Shallohttp://www.cruiseaddicts.com
John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise Addicts. Since 1999 it has been a leading destination for cruise travelers and self professed Cruise Addicts looking for the latest news, ship reviews and travel tips.

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