Friday, May 31, 2024 Viking announced the launch of its third season in the Great Lakes, deploying both the Viking Octantis® and Viking Polaris® expedition ships in the region. These ships, each accommodating 378 guests, are uniquely designed for navigating the historic Welland Canal and have been celebrated as the top choice for expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. The itineraries span Toronto to Duluth, covering all five Great Lakes, and will continue until early October before the ships head to Antarctica for the southern summer.
Additionally, Viking has opened bookings for two new Great Lakes itineraries for 2026. The 10-day Great Lakes Treasures voyage, departing from Milwaukee, will introduce guests to new destinations including Chicago, Canada’s Fathom Five National Marine Park, and the Benjamin Islands. The longer, 17-day Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures voyage will take travelers from Toronto to Milwaukee, featuring stops at Niagara Falls, Canada’s Point Pelee National Park, and includes a journey through the Welland Canal.
“The Great Lakes region is a phenomenal place that is close to home for many of our guests, but one that few have yet to fully discover. With more than 10,000 miles of coastline, world-class cities and remote wilderness areas, it is truly a destination that is best explored by ship,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “We would like to thank our local partners for the warm welcome once again, .