Viking, a popular river cruising line, has announced the expansion of its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of new expedition voyages that will include cruises on the Great Lakes that come right through the Blue Water Area. “Viking Expeditions” will begin sailing in 2022 with the first vessel, Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes.
Octantis will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. The ships will feature public spaces that are familiar to Viking’s ocean cruise guests but have been reimagined for expeditions as well as new public spaces created specifically for expeditions. Trips on the Great Lakes include eight days from Thunder Bay Ontario to Milwaukee, eight days from Toronto to Milwaukee, and 13 days from New York to Toronto.
According to Viking, the cruise company has also partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) whose scientists will join expeditions in the Great Lakes to conduct research focused on changes in the region’s weather, climate, and ecosystems. NOAA scientists may also offer lectures about the Great Lakes’ unique environment to Viking guests during these voyages.
Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.
