Viking doubles down in the Great Lakes

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Viking has commenced its second season in the Great Lakes, as the new purpose-built Viking Polaris arrived in Toronto for its first port of call in the region.Viking Polaris joins her identical sister ship, Viking Octantis, which began sailing in the Great Lakes of North America for the 2022 season and returned to the region last month. With two 378-guest expedition vessels now in the region, Viking has doubled its capacity in the Great Lakes for 2023. The ships will remain in the Great Lakes until September 2023, sailing all five lakes and a variety of itineraries that operate between Toronto and Duluth.

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“We are proud to welcome both of our expedition ships to the Great Lakes. With historic canals that are engineering marvels, cities with thriving arts and culture and unmatched wilderness, this is a phenomenal region of North America that may be familiar to many—but few have had the opportunity to explore,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.“After our first full season of Great Lakes voyages in 2022, we are grateful for the warm welcome we received from each destination and look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the region this season and in the years to come.”Designed specifically to reach the Great Lakes, Viking’s expedition fleet 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 the Canadian province of Ontario. Beginning this season, Viking will also call on the new port of Cleveland, Ohio, during the new 15-day itinerary, Great Lakes Collection.

To further develop the scientific enrichment program for its Great Lakes voyages, Viking has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), which conducts innovative research on the dynamic environments and ecosystems of the Great Lakes and coastal regions to provide information for resource use and management decisions that lead to safe and sustainable ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human communities. Viking’s expedition ships have also been designated official NOAA / U.S. National Weather Service weather balloon stations, from which regular launches are undertaken.

2023—2024 Great Lakes Voyages:

During Viking’s second season, the company is operating six key itineraries in the Great Lakes, including two new voyages. Highlights include:

• NEW Great Lakes Collection (15 days; between Toronto and Duluth)

Join Viking for a unique expedition across the historic waterways of all five of the majestic Great Lakes. Experience culture-rich urban centers and admire the awesome power of thundering Niagara Falls. Explore the granite islands and sheltered inlets of Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks. Study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes and venture into the dense boreal forests that line the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.

• NEW Canada & the Atlantic Coastline (16 days; between Toronto and Ft. Lauderdale)

Sail along the legendary St. Lawrence Seaway and the Atlantic coast of the US on a memorable voyage that combines scenic landscapes and storied cities. Led by a team of experts, explore the unspoiled wilderness near Trois-Rivières, Louisbourg and Lunenburg by land and water. Experience New York City’s expansive Central Park, an oasis in the middle of a bustling metropolis, and immerse yourself in the rich histories of Quebec City, Norfolk and Charleston.

Returning itineraries 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; between Toronto and Milwaukee)
• Canadian Discovery (13 days; between New York and Toronto)

Lead image: Viking Polaris will join Viking Octantis (pictured) transiting the Welland Canal—a key section of the St. Lawrence Seaway connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

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