Viking Expeditions | Great Lakes CruisesFirst, 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 2025 and 2026 below.
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
2025 & 2026 | Great Lakes Cruises with Viking Expeditions
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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. |
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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. |
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Great Lakes Collection | 15 Day CruiseDeparting 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 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. |
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Niagara & The Great Lakes | 8 Day CruiseDeparting 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 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. |
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Undiscovered Great Lakes | 8 Day CruiseDeparting 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 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. |
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Great Lakes Explorer | 8 Day CruiseDeparting 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 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. |
2025 & 2026 | Canada & St. Lawrence Seaway Cruises with Viking Expeditions
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Canada & The Atlantic Coastline | 16 Day CruiseDeparting 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
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Rates start at
USD $7,995 to $25,995 Per Person, based on double occupancy - select sailings. |
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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 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
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Rates start at
USD $9,495 to $30,995 Per Person, based on double occupancy - select sailings. |
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Canadian Discovery | 13 Day CruiseDeparting 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 2025 sailing dates (New York City to Toronto)
Apr 23
2025 SAILING DATES (Toronto to New York City)
Apr 11
2026 sailing dates (New York City to Toronto)
Apr 5
2026 SAILING DATES (Toronto to New York City)
Apr 14
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Rates start at
USD $7,995 to $29,995 Per Person, based on double occupancy - select sailings. |
Tour the Viking Octantis
Viking Expedition Cruise Ship Deck Plan
Nordic Balcony Staterooms and Suites
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Designed for maximum comfort and views the Viking Octantis offers three Stateroom and 3 Viking Suite styles to suit your individual tastes. Staterooms include: A Nordic Balcony. Floor-to-ceiling drying closet, King-sized Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linens & pillows, Separate seating area, 42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand, 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports, Spacious closet & drawers, Mini-bar;* security safe; hair dryer, Spacious glass-enclosed shower, Heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror, premium toiletries, plus robes & slippers, Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping. |
OWNER'S SUITE (DECK 6 - 1223 SQ FT)
EXPLORER SUITE (DECK 6 - 580 SQ FT)
NORDIC JR. SUITE (DECK 4 -322 SQ FT)
NORDIC PENTHOUSE (DECK 4, 269 SQ FT)
DELUXE NORDIC BALCONY (DECKS 3 & 4 - 222 SQ FT)
NORDIC BALCONY (DECK 2 - 222 SQ FT) *
STATEROOM/ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DISABLED GUESTS
Viking welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize that there are inherent risks associated with traveling on board ships that are unique to cruise travel. For people who are ill or have a mental or physical disability or impairment, the risks can be more significant. Guests must be able to independently move around the ship in case of an emergency or rough seas, cope with the lack of immediate access to medical services in certain parts of the world and acknowledge that access to some areas of the ship and ports of call may be limited or impossible. Shore excursions may require the ability to traverse cobblestones or go up and down stairs. We reserve the right to determine whether a guest is fit to travel and to deny boarding in the event that a guest represents a risk to themselves or to the safety and well-being of those on board the ship.
When you make your reservation, please advise us of any disability that will require special attention while sailing on the Octantis and provide a completed Fit to Travel Form along with a physician’s letter. Should you have any medical, physical or other special needs, check the fleet information to gain an understanding of the layout of the ship, and contact a Great Lakes Cruises Specialist at 1-888-756-9008 directly with additional questions and to obtain a copy of our terms and conditions. |
Nordic Balcony Staterooms
VIKING Nordic Balcony is the optimal wildlife observatory at sea. Floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass at the very edge of your ship lets you take in the views while keeping the elements out. Should you wish to feel even closer to nature, the top of your panoramic glass lowers to transform your stateroom into a sheltered al fresco lookout, with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binocular viewing or photography.
Viking Suites
VIKING Nordic Junior Suites include our Nordic Balcony and more storage and seating than our Nordic Balcony staterooms, plus an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks. Explorer Suites are 80% larger than junior suites, with two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and private veranda, spacious bathroom and private access to our Explorer Suites Garden. All suites include welcome champagne, a fully stocked mini-bar, complimentary laundry, priority restaurant reservations and all the amenities of our regular Nordic Balcony staterooms.
Handicap cabins available upon request. All staterooms are accessible by elevator. In order to participate in a Viking Expeditions cruise Viking Travel Protection is recommended but not required.
Updated 12/28/23 - LLS
