Thanks to Mlive for this:
A luxury cruise line is coming to the Great Lakes.
Viking, one of the world’s premier cruise lines, announced its plans to launch Viking Expeditions in January 2022.
As part of the all-new excursions, the in-construction, 665-foot Viking Octantis will take passengers to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes.
A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic.
Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes marks a major commitment to local tourism and economic development for Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario, according to the company.
All expedition voyages – including the new Great Lakes itineraries – are available to the public for booking.
“In creating ‘the thinking person’s expedition,’ we are perfecting polar expedition cruising, and we will usher in a new era of comfortable exploration in the heart of North America,” Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, said in a statement.
“Our guests are curious explorers. They want to continue traveling with us to familiar and iconic destinations, but they would also like to travel further.”
The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms.
Both ships will boast state-of-the-art features such as:
The Hangar, an industry-first enclosed, in-ship marina that permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s multiple shell doors.
Other features include:
The Aula, a panoramic auditorium at the stern, the Nordic Balcony, a viewing area with floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass at the very edge of the ship lets guests take the views in while keeping the elements out, three different temperature-controlled, “inside-out” pools and more.
NOTE: Descriptions by Viking.
Undiscovered Great Lakes (8 days; Thunder Bay, Ontario to Milwaukee) – From Northern forests to pristine lagoons, encounter the natural splendor of the Great Lakes. Visit bald eagle and bear habitats that abut charming frontier towns in this remote region of North America; and pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron via the impressive Soo Locks. Multiple sailing dates between May and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $6,695 per person, with free airfare within North America.
Great Lakes Explorer (8 days; Milwaukee to Thunder Bay, Ontario) – Embark on a true expedition along “the nation’s fourth seacoast,” from Georgian Bay’s granite islands to Thunder Bay’s towering cliffs. Experience the car-free idyllic Mackinac Island, and learn about indigenous cultures and frontier life along the way. Multiple sailing dates between May and September 2022.Inaugural pricing starts at $6,495 per person, with free airfare within North America.
Niagara & The Great Lakes (8 days; Toronto to Milwaukee) – From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover the wilderness nestled in the interior of North America alongside world-class cultural attractions in Detroit, Toronto and Milwaukee. Witness the majesty of Niagara Falls, and enjoy scenic cruising past North America’s busiest border as you cross Lake Huron. Multiple sailing dates in April, May, June, July and September 2022.
Inaugural pricing starts at $5,995 per person, with free airfare within North America.
Canadian Discovery (13 days; New York to Toronto) – Cruise from Canada’s southeast coast to the St. Lawrence River, where you will learn about the region’s rich past amid stunning natural settings and celebrated cities. Sail along the coasts of New England and Nova Scotia; discover the remote reaches and locally sourced seafood of Prince Edward Island; explore the Saguenay Fjord, home to seals, whales and other sea mammals; and go salmon fishing in Quebec’s Moisie River. Sailing dates in April and October 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $8,995 per person, with free airfare within North America.
Viking Cruise Great Lakes
