By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
Viking Cruises has wanted to enter the US market for a number of years. They have finally found an interesting way to do so: expedition cruises to the Great Lakes.
Viking is starting an expedition division that launches in 2022 with four of their adventures scheduled for the Great Lakes – the world’s largest body of fresh water.
Two new ships – the Octantis and the Polaris – are scheduled for expedition itineraries around the globe that year. They will accommodate only 378 passengers. The new polar class ships will have longer hulls and two types of new stabilizers built for expeditions. They intend to explore parts of the Great Lakes that are not normally explored and offer four different Great Lakes itineraries.
Viking has partnered with the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which will provide resident scientists for each expedition.
These scientists won’t just conduct research on board. They will also provide guest enrichment and interaction, giving new meaning to Viking’s slogan, “The thinking person’s cruise.”
Following a major trend in the industry, which includes Scenic Cruise Lines, Silverseas and Hurtigruten, Viking will also offer Arctic, Antarctic, Viking Northern Isles and other expedition-worthy routes. Itineraries will go “to the ends of the earth” as well as quite close to home with the Great Lakes. Expedition cruising is popular in the luxury travel market, especially for baby boomers who have the time and discretionary income.
Prices start at $5,495 per person and are all-inclusive, including excursions, beer and wine with meals and often including free air. There are some special promotions available for guests ready to book before Feb. 29. Believe it or not, some of these 2022 sailings have already sold out.
Of course, Viking is not the first to explore the Great Lakes. Blount Small Ship adventures (84 passengers or less), and Victory Cruise Line are others that offer Great Lake cruises. Blount offers a longer itinerary from Chicago to New York that encompasses four Great Lakes and the Erie Canal. Victory Cruise Line offers 12 itineraries on two ships (202 passengers each) that focus more on the seafaring history of these coastal ports and activities are led by local guides. Local shopping and strolls throughout the Great Lakes cities are offered as well.
Viking is the first really well-known cruise line to offer this itinerary, though, and to offer it as a true expedition with scientists onboard and an expeditionary focus on wildlife.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel.