Discovering the Great Lakes on a Viking Expedition Cruise

Travelers who sail around the world in search of fascinating destinations often forget that the U.S. and Canada offer their own thrilling must-sees closer to home. One region bursting with such treasures is the Great Lakes.

On our recent eight-day Niagara & the Great Lakes Viking expedition cruise, my husband and I were captivated by the breathtaking natural beauty of the charming cities and villages nestled between Milwaukee and Toronto as we plied the waters of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

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New Viking Expedition Ships

Viking Polaris and sister ship Viking Octantis were built in 2022, each designed to cruise through icy waters.

Viking is well-known for its river and ocean cruises – and many guests on our cruise were repeat passengers of both – but these two 665-foot-long ships were built specifically for expedition cruises. They sail the Great Lakes from spring to early fall, offering multiple itinerary choices. Other destinations include Antarctica and the Arctic.

The 378-guest Viking Polaris boasts a crew of 256 who provide superior service. You’ll find no crowds or lines anywhere you go on board or while getting on and off the ship.

The numerous public areas offer an abundance of indoor and outdoor viewing opportunities to take in all the sights while sailing. One such space is the Living Room, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, intimate seating areas and a library. Here, guests can enjoy playing cards and puzzles, as well as video game tables. This is also where you can find group trivia, performances from the ship’s classic string and piano duo and a weekly dance party. Another popular spot is the Explorers’ Lounge at the front of the ship, where you can listen to listen to live music from the ship’s talented duo most nights.

When it is time to truly relax, head to the Nordic Spa. A host of treatments from massages to facials and salon services can be purchased, and entrance into the space is complimentary with or without treatments. It features an indoor heated pool (with windows, once again, out to the world beyond the ship), Nordic badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) set against a large window, snow grotto, cold bucket shower, sauna and steam room. In addition, the ship has three small outdoor pools set at different temperatures – including one that has an inside/outside pass-through – surrounded by indoor and outdoor deck lounge areas.

Spacious staterooms are designed for relaxation and taking in the Great Lakes scenery. All feature a Nordic Balcony, a floor-to-ceiling window that can be lowered with the touch of a button for an alfresco view. Stateroom amenities include binoculars for in-room use or to take with you on excursions, king-size beds (that can be converted to twin-size if requested), free Wi-Fi, 55-inch televisions, mini bars and comfortably sized bathrooms.

Dining Choices

Viking excels in culinary offerings, with wine included for lunch and dinner. The casual World Cafe buffet is open for all three meals and all-day snacks, featuring an expansive choice of international cuisines and an especially popular seafood and sushi station. At the Grill, you can request cook-to-order meat cuts, and there’s a nightly surf-and-turf option. Next door, Mamsen’s treats guests to Norwegian specialties.

Two other specialty restaurants are open nightly for dinner and require reservations. Manfredi’s offers Italian cuisine, including an impressive chicken parmigiana (don’t miss the tiramisu for dessert either.) The Restaurant’s fine dining atmosphere features regional cuisine. Room service is also available 24/7.

Excursions

A range of excursions in each port include at least one complimentary choice and usually free shuttle service for those who prefer to explore on their own. A favorite on the itinerary for us was Michigan’s car-free Mackinac Island with its Victorian-era feel, from the horse and carriage rides to its colorful assortment of homes. Another can’t-miss is the Grand Hotel, a National Historic Landmark that dates to 1887 and boasts one of the longest porches in the world – not to mention a famous buffet lunch.

We also visited the wonder that is Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. While at Point Pelee National Park in Ontario, we were able to try out the ship’s expedition toys, including its inflatable and special operations boats, skimming along the shoreline in search of birds and wildlife. Not an excursion, but a highlight of the cruise was the ship navigating through the Welland Canal in Ontario, which circumvents the powerful falls of the Niagara River.

Onboard Enrichment

There are many opportunities to discover more about the region through the unique perspective and expert knowledge of the ship’s own expedition team at Expedition Central.

At The Science Lab, developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-niva aquatic research and development institute, guests can learn and participate in research. A weather balloon launch took place during our voyage and guests were invited to watch the event and the incoming live data.

Lectures and films in the ship’s theater also brought the region of the lovely Great Lakes to life as Viking Polaris sailed along its mighty waters.

Plan your next adventure with a trusted AAA travel advisor. Call 866-423-5585 to speak with an advisor today!

Have you ever been on an expedition cruise? Tell us about it in the comments.

Featured image: The Viking Octanis cruises through the Welland Canal in Ontario. (Courtesy of Viking)