Viking continues to mark new milestones for its expedition voyages, as the new purpose-built Viking Octantis kicks off its inaugural season in the Great Lakes. Designed specifically to reach the Great Lakes region, Viking Octantis recently completed a roundtrip through the Welland Canal – a key section of the St. Lawrence Seaway connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie – making it the largest passenger vessel ever to transit the canal.
The ship will remain in the Great Lakes until early October 2022, sailing a variety of itineraries between Toronto and Duluth. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut later this year and will join Viking Octantis in the Great Lakes for the 2023 season.
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“Our expedition ships were designed with the Great Lakes in mind. This region has been historically underserved by cruise lines, and we are delighted by the warm and enthusiastic reception we have received from the local communities,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “With our first season now underway, we are pleased with the strong demand among our guests and look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to these fantastic destinations in 2023.”
Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes brings the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America, as well as a significant commitment to local tourism and economic development for the states of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio (beginning in 2023) and the Canadian province of Ontario.
2022—2023 Great Lakes Voyages:
During Viking’s inaugural 2022 season, the company is operating four itineraries in the Great Lakes. Highlights include:
- Undiscovered Great Lakes (8 days; Thunder Bay to Milwaukee)
- Great Lakes Explorer (8 days; Milwaukee to Thunder Bay)
- Niagara & The Great Lakes (8 days; Toronto to Milwaukee)
- Canadian Discovery (13 days; New York to Toronto)
In 2023, Viking will add a new, 15-day voyage Great Lakes Collection (15 days; Toronto to Duluth).
For additional information see viking.com.