Viking Expeditions | Great Lakes Cruises

First, Viking Cruises invented modern river cruising. Then, they redefined ocean cruising. Now, experience all the comfort and elegance of their award-winning fleet with an expedition ship built specifically to explore the world's most remote destinations, immersing yourself in each and every  region.
Sail in Scandinavian style with innovative, light-filled spaces where comfort meets discovery. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. Public rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Aula, our panoramic auditorium, offers 270° views. Staterooms are also designed to maximize observation, from our Nordic Balcony Staterooms to Explorer Suites with verandas and gardens.
​On board Viking Great Lakes cruises, experience dining at sea with a total of six dining options, all included in the initial cruise fare.  Every detail is designed to appeal to the thinking traveler. Learn about the destinations with enriching lectures on geology, glaciology, marine biology, ornithology and more. Viking's Swiss-trained staff are dedicated to providing warm hospitality to each guest and ensuring everyone feels at home on board the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. ​
Learn more about life on board, inclusions, and sailings for Viking Great Lakes cruises 2022 and 2023 below. 

Viking's On Board Cuisine

Each Viking Expedition Cruise offer the most al fresco dining at sea.  Destination focused, regional cuisine along with all the classics.  Guests may choose from six different dining options on the Viking Octantis, 

24-Hour Options
Octantis' bakery offers a variety of delicious breads and pastries at any hour. Or enjoy many of our signature dishes in the comfort of your stateroom with 24-hour room service.​
​​


The Restaurant
Octantis' elegant dining venue, The Restaurant offers our ultimate onboard dining experience. Regional cuisine and always-available classics are served surrounded by sweeping views.



Manfredi’s
Inspired by Italy’s beloved trattorias, Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine as well as a private dining room—a perfect opportunity to have an intimate meal with family or friends.



World Café
With live cooking, an open kitchen and premium seafood/sushi choices and a grill, the casual World Café provides a vibrant interactive experience and a wide range of international flavors.



Mamsen’s Norwegian Deli
Named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, this venue offers Norwegian specialties including waffles according to Mamsen’s original recipe, open-faced sandwiches and split pea soup.


​
Aquavit Bar & Terrace
Enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate or ship-matured aquavit and relax with new friends in this Viking inspired, light-filled space while taking in the stunning beauty that surrounds you.

Viking Expeditions Experiences

Expedition Experiences
The VIKING EXPEDITION shore landings invite guests to engage on a deeper level by assisting in fieldwork or interacting in experiential activities. They might track birds to help identify migratory patterns, walk within view of captivating wildlife, or take a camera or field microscope ashore alongside the expedition leader to capture landscapes untouched by human hands.

Octatantis offers a variety of excursions, virtually all included in your cruise fare, from RIB sailings and zodiac landings to tranquil kayak outings.  Hike through magnificent landscapes and access remote areas, all led by an experienced team of experts. Or try a unique experience with one of our exclusive, limited-capacity optional excursions.

Expedition Equipment

Zodiac Hanger
A variety of ways to explore, at no extra charge.

The Hangar
An industry first, this enclosed in-ship marina permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s slipway. Guests can embark on RIBs shielded from wind and waves from a flat, stable surface inside the ship and glide into the water to depart on their excursion. They re-enter The Hangar after excursions via the slipway to the protected marina before disembarking their RIBs.

Zodiacs
Designed for professional use in the harshest of environments, our fleet of Military Pro zodiacs are reinforced throughout yet comfortable enough for a day of exploring.

Kayaks
Octantis' 2-seater kayaks offer superb stability and are easy to operate. These Arctic-tested kayaks have a pedal system that lets kayakers glide through the water hands-free, maximizing photo opportunities, or guests can use a paddle if preferred.

Observation & Sun Decks

The Pools
The Pools
Octantis has a trio of pools, each at different temperatures, including an indoor-outdoor pass-through swimming experience. The heated main pool is a calming oasis in any weather, protected by a retractable roof for year-round use.
​
Finse Terrace
Named after the village high on the mountain plateau of Hardangervidda, Norway, here you will find an outdoor paradise with comfortable seating, 270° views of nature around you, and two heated lava stone “fire pits” to keep you warm.

Explorers’ Lounge
A favorite location on our ocean ships, the Explorers’ Lounge is inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Two levels high and surrounded by panoramic windows, this inviting space…friends, or relax while taking in the scenery.

Viking Nordic Spa

The Nordic Spa
Nordic Spa
Relax and take in the scenery from our spa pool, gazing out of floor-to-ceiling windows. Work out in the Fitness Center on a choice of treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes or weight machines. Or, enjoy the sauna, Snow Grotto with its “snow-on-demand” or warming cave.

​​Badestamp
Following Nordic tradition, our onboard badestamp, located in the Nordic Spa, is a traditional wooden-sided hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. Try the longstanding Scandinavian practice of alternating between hot and cold when bathing to relax and rejuvenate.
​For reservations and more Information please call our
​Travel Specialist Toll Free at 1-888-756-9008
Email: [email protected]

Inclusions

  • At least one complimentary excursion in every port of call/landing site, Kayaks, and zodiacs (where available)*
  • A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge
  • All Viking Excursion Gear needed for any relevant excursions
  • Cultural & Scientific Curriculum
  • Exclusive Scientific Partnerships
  • Curated Library
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Meals including regional specialties  
  • Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge
  • 24-hour room service
  • Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
  • 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
  • Welcome Cocktails & Farewell Reception
  • Access to top-rated spa & state-of-the-art fitness center
  • Self-Service Launderettes
  • Viking TV
  • Port taxes & fees
  • Viking Services & Guarantee 
* The shore activities are currently in the planning stages and are subject to change. 

2024, 2025 & 2026 | Great Lakes Cruises with Viking Expeditions

Niagara & the Great Lakes Treasures | 17 Day Cruise "New 2026"

Departing From:  Toronto to Milwaukee, WI 
Ports of Call: Toronto, ON • Welland Canal & Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), ON • Poet Pelee, ON • Detroit, MI • Alpena, MI • Mackinac Island, MI • Milwaukee, WI  Georgian Bay (Killarney) ON • Georgian Bay (Frazer Bay), ON • Fathom Five National Marine Park, ON • Benjamin Islands, North Channel • St. Marie, MI • Door Peninsula (Algoma), WI. Chicago, IL. Milwaukee, WI •  
​itinerary (toronto to Milwaukee) or reverse)
Day 1 | Toronto, ON
Day 2 | Sail the Welland Canal
Day 2| Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), ON
Day 3 | Point Pelee, ON
Day 4 | Detroit, MI
Day 5 | Alpena, MI
Day 6 | Mackinac Island, MI
Day 7-8 | Explore Milwaukee, WI
Day 9 | Mackinac Island, MI
Day 10-11 | Explore the Georgian Bay
Day 12 | Fathom Five National Marine Park, ON
Day 13 | Benjamin Islands, North Channel
​Day 14 | Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Day 15 | Door Peninsula (Algoma), WI 
Day 16 | Chicago, IL 
Day 17 | Milwaukee, WI 
2026 sailing dates (Toronto to MILWAUKEE)
May 1, 2026
May 10
Jun 11
Sept 7
2026 SAILING DATES (MILWAUKEE TO TORONTO)
May 8, 2026
May 26
Jun 27
Sept 23
Rates start at
USD $14,290
​to $53,790
​Per Person, based on Double Occupancy - select sailings.

Great Lakes Treasures | 10 Day Cruise "New 2026"

Departing From:  Milwaukee, WI to Milwaukee, WI 
Ports of Call: Milwaukee, WI • Mackinac Island, MI • Georgian Bay (Killarney), ON Georgian Bay (Frazer Bay) ON • Fathom Five National Marine Park, ON • Alpena, MI • Benjamin Islands, Canada • Sault St. Marie, MI • Door Peninsula (Algoma), WI • Chicago, IL •   Milwaukee, WI • Duluth, MI
​itinerary (milwaukee to milwaukee)
Milwaukee, WI • Mackinac Island, MI • Georgian Bay (Killarney), ON Georgian Bay (Frazer Bay) ON • Fathom Five National Marine Park, ON • Alpena, MI • Benjamin Islands, Canada • Sault St. Marie, MI • Door Peninsula (Algoma), WI • Chicago, IL •   Milwaukee, WI • Duluth, MI
2026 sailing dates (milwaukee to milwaukee)
May 8, 2026
May 17
May 26
June 18
June 27
Sep 14
Sep 23
Rates start at
USD $7,995
​to $35,995
​Per Person, based on Double Occupancy - select sailings.

Great Lakes Collection | 15 Day Cruise

Departing From:  Toronto, ON to Duluth, MN  (Or Reverse)
Ports of Call: Toronto, ON • Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), ON • Cleveland, OH • Detroit, MI • Alpena, MI • Algoma, WI • Mackinac Island, MI • Sault St. Marie, MI • Thunder Bay, ON • Duluth, MI
​itinerary (toronto to duluth)
Day 1 | Toronto, ON
Day 2 | Sail the Welland Canal
Day 3 | Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), ON
Day 4 | Cleveland, OH
Day 5 | Detroit, MI
Day 6 | Alpena, MI
Day 7 | Door Peninsula (Algoma), WI
Day 8 | Mackinac Island, MI
Day 9-11 | Explore the Georgian Bay
​Day 12 | Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Day 13 | Sail Lake Superior
Day 14 | Thunder Bay, ON
Day 15 | ​Duluth, MN
​ITINERARY (DULUTH to toronto)
Day 1 | Duluth, MN
Day 2 | Thunder Bay, ON
Day 3 | Sailing Lake Superior
Day 4 | Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Day 5 | Mackinac Island, MI
Day 6 | Door Peninsula (Algoma), WI
Day 7 | Alpena, MI
Day 8-10 | Explore Georgian Bay
Day 11 | Detroit, MI (via Windsor, ON)
Day 12 | Cleveland, OH
Day 13 | Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), ON
Day 14 | Sailing the Welland Canal
Day 15 | Toronto, ON
2024 sailing dates (Toronto to Duluth)
May 23
Jul 6
Aug 1
Sep 12
​
2024 SAILING DATES (Duluth to TORONTO)
Jun 6
Jul 20
Aug 15
​Sep 26
2025 sailing dates (Toronto to Duluth)
May 20
June 16
​July 28
​
2025 SAILING DATES (Duluth to TORONTO)
June 3
June 30
​Aug 11
2026 sailing dates (Toronto to Duluth)
June 7 
July 13
​Aug 10
​
2026 SAILING DATES (Duluth to TORONTO)
June 21
July 27
​Aug 24
Rates start at
USD $13,995
​to $35,995
​​Per Person, based on Double Occupancy - select sailings.

Niagara & The Great Lakes | 8 Day Cruise

Departing From:  Toronto, ON to Milwaukee, WI  (Or Reverse)
Ports of Call: Toronto, ON • Niagara Falls, ON • Point Pelee, ON • Detroit, MI • Alpena, MI • Mackinac Island, MI • Milwaukee, WI
​itinerary (toronto to milwaukee)
Day 1 | Toronto, ON
Day 2 | Welland Canal and Niagara Falls, ON
Day 3 | Point Pelee, ON
Day 4 | Detroit, MI
Day 5 | Alpena, MI
Day 6 | Mackinac Island, MI
Day 7 | Milwaukee, WI
Day 8 | Milwaukee, WI
​ITINERARY (milwaukee to toronto)
Day 1 | Milwaukee, WI
Day 2 | Milwaukee, WI
Day 3 | Mackinac Island, MI
Day 4 | Alpena, MI
Day 5 | Detroit, MI
Day 6 | Point Pelee, ON
Day 7 | Niagara Falls, ON and Welland Canal
Day 8 | Toronto, ON
2024 sailing dates (toronto to milwaukee)
Apr 25
May 9
May 11
May 25
​Jun 20
2024 SAILING DATES (Milwaukee to TORONTO)
May 2
May 16
May 18
Jun 15
2025 sailing dates (toronto to milwaukee)
Apr 22
May 5
May 6
May 19
Jun 17
Jul 14
​Aug 25
2025 SAILING DATES (Milwaukee to TORONTO)
Apr 29
May 12
May 13
Jun 9
Jul 8
Jul 21 
Sep 15
2026 sailing dates (toronto to milwaukee)
Apr 17
Apr 26
May 1
May 10
May 24
Jun 11
​Sep 7
2026 SAILING DATES (Milwaukee to TORONTO)
Apr 24
May 3
May 17
May 31
Jun 4
Jul 6
​Oct 2
Rates start at
USD $5,995
​to $18,295
​Per Person, based on double occupancy- select sailings.

Undiscovered Great Lakes | 8 Day Cruise

Departing From:  Thunder Bay, ON to Milwaukee, WI
Ports of Call: Thunder Bay, ON • Duluth, MN • Apostle Islands, WI • Houghton, MI • Mackinac Island, MI • Milwaukee, WI
​itinerary
Day 1 | Thunder Bay, ON
Day 2 | Thunder Bay, ON
Day 3 | Duluth, MN
Day 4 | Apostle Islands, WI
Day 5 | Houghton, MI
Day 6 | Sail the Soo Locks
Day 7 | Mackinac Island, MI
Day 8 | Milwaukee, WI
2024 sailing dates
Jun 8
Jul 4
Jul 18
​Sep 10
2025 sailing dates
Jun 2
Jul 1
​Sep 8
2026 sailing dates - TO BE DETERMINED
Jun 2
Jul 1
​Sep 8
Rates start at
USD $5,995
​to $17,995
​Per Person, based on double occupancy - select sailings.

Great Lakes Explorer | 8 Day Cruise

Departing From:  Milwaukee, WI to Thunder Bay, ON
Ports of Call: Milwaukee, WI • Mackinac Island, MI · Silver Islet, ON • Thunder Bay, ON
​itinerary
Day 1 | Milwaukee, WI
Day 2 | Mackinac Island, MI
Day 3-5 | Explore Georgian Bay
Day 6 | Sail the Soo Locks
Day 7 | Silver Islet, ON
Day 8 | Thunder Bay, ON
2024 sailing dates
 Jun 1
June 27
Jul 11
Sep 3
2025 sailing dates
May 26
June 24
Sep 1
2026 sailing dates - TO BE DETERMINED
May 26
June 24
Sep 1
Rates start at
USD $6,995
​to $22,995
​Per Person, based on double occupancy - select sailings.

2022 & 2023 | Canada & St. Lawrence Seaway Cruises with Viking Expeditions

Canada & The Atlantic Coastline | 16 Day Cruise

Departing From:  Toronto, ON to Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Or Reverse)
Ports of Call:  Toronto, ON • Trois-Rivieres, QC •  Quebec City, QC •  Cap-aux-Meules, QC •  Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island •  Lunenburg, NS •  New York, NY • Norfolk, VA • Charleston, SC  •  Ft. Lauderdale, FL
​itinerary (TORONTO to ft. lauderdale)
Day 1 | Toronto, ON
Day 2 | Sail the St. Lawrence Seaway Locks
Day 3 | Trois-Rivieres, QC
Day 4 | Quebec City, QC
Day 5 | Sail the St. Lawrence River
Day 6 | Cap-aux-Meules, QC
Day 7 | Explore Cape Breton Island
Day 8 | Explore Coastal Nova Scotia
Day 9 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 10 | New York City, NY
Day 11 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 12 | Norfolk, VA
Day 13 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 14 | Charleston, SC
Day 15 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 16 | ​Ft. Lauderdale, FL
​ITINERARY (FT. LAUDERDALE to toronto)
Day 1 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Day 2 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 3 | Charleston, SC
Day 4 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 5 | Norfolk, VA
Day 6 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 7 | New York City, NY
Day 8 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 9 | Explore Coastal Nova Scotia
Day 10 | Explore Cape Breton Island
Day 11 | Cap-aux-Meules, QC
Day 12 | Sail the St. Lawrence River
Day 13 | Quebec City, QC
Day 14 | Trois-Rivieres, QC
Day 15 | Sail the St. Lawrence Seaway Locks
Day 16 | ​Toronto, ON
2024 sailing dates (Ft. Lauderdale to Toronto)
Apr 2
​April 10
2024 SAILING DATES (Toronto to FT. LAUDERDALE)
Oct 10
2025 & 2026 sailing dates - to be determined
Answer to question 0
Rates start at
USD $7,995
​to $25,995
​Per Person, based on double occupancy - select sailings.

Toronto & East Coast Explorer | 15 Day Cruise "New"

Departing From:  Toronto, ON to Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Or Reverse)
Ports of Call:  Toronto, ON • Trois-Rivieres, QC •  Quebec City, QC •  Cap-aux-Meules, QC •  Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island •  Lunenburg, NS •  Norfolk, VA  • Norfolk, VA • Charleston, SC  •  Ft. Lauderdale, FL
​itinerary (TORONTO to ft. lauderdale)
Day 1 | Toronto, ON
Day 2 | Sail the St. Lawrence Seaway Locks
Day 3 | Trois-Rivieres, QC
Day 4 | Quebec City, QC
Day 5 | Sail the St. Lawrence River
Day 6 | Cap-aux-Meules, QC
Day 7 | Explore Cape Breton Island (Louisburg), NS
Day 8 | Explore Coastal Nova Scotia (Lunenburg)
Day 9-10 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 11 | Norfolk, VA
Day 12 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 12 | Norfolk, VA
Day 13 | Charleston, SC
Day 14 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 15 | ​Ft. Lauderdale, FL
​ITINERARY (FT. LAUDERDALE to toronto)
Day 1 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Day 2 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 3 | Charleston, SC
Day 4 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 5 | Norfolk, VA
Day 6 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 7 | New York City, NY
Day 8 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 9 | Explore Coastal Nova Scotia
Day 10 | Explore Cape Breton Island
Day 11 | Cap-aux-Meules, QC
Day 12 | Sail the St. Lawrence River
Day 13 | Quebec City, QC
Day 14 | Trois-Rivieres, QC
Day 15 | Sail the St. Lawrence Seaway Locks
Day 16 | ​Toronto, ON
2024 sailing dates (TORONTO TO Ft. Lauderdale)
Oct 8
2025 sailing dates - (toRONTO TO FT. LAUDERDALE)
Sept 22
​Sept 29
2025 SAILING DATES - (FT. LAUDERDALE TO TORONTO)
Mar 28
Apr 8
2026 sailing dates - (to BE DETERMINED)
Answer to question 0
Rates start at
USD $9,495
​to $30,995
​Per Person, based on double occupancy - select sailings.

Canadian Discovery | 13 Day Cruise

Departing From:  New York City, NY to Toronto, ON (Or Reverse)
Ports of Call:  New York City, NY • Halifax, NS • Charlottetown, PEI • Cap-aux-Meules, QC • Sept-Iles, QC • Saguenay, QC • Québec City, QC • Trois-Rivières, QC • Toronto, ON
​itinerary (new york to TORONTO)
Day 1 | New York City, NY
Day 2 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 3 | Halifax, NS
Day 4 | Sail the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Day 5 | Charlottetown, PEI
Day 6 | Cap-aux-Meules, QC
Day 7 | Sept-Iles, QC
Day 8 | Saguenay, QC
Day 9 | Quebec City, QC
Day 10 | Trois-Rivieres, QC
Day 11 | Sail the St. Lawrence Seaway Locks
Day 12 | Toronto, ON
Day 13 | Toronto, ON
​ITINERARY (toronto to new york)
Day 1 | Toronto, ON
Day 2 | Toronto, ON
Day 3 | Sail the St. Lawrence Seaway Locks
Day 4 | Trois-Rivieres, QC
Day 5 | Quebec City, QC
Day 6 | Saguenay, QC
Day 7 | Sept-Iles, QC
Day 8 | Cap-aux-Meules, QC
Day 9 | Charlottetown, PEI
Day 10 | Sail the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Day 11 | Halifax, NS
Day 12 | Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Day 13 | New York City, NY
2024 sailing dates (New York City to Toronto)
Apr 29
​Aug 15
2024 SAILING DATES (Toronto to New York City)
Apr 17
​Aug 3