Things happen fast in Cruise World.
A few months ago we reported that Viking Cruises was getting into the Expedition business, and was taking reservations – but only from previous guests.
We recently spent some time with our Viking contacts in New York and were told there would be a big press release this week. We assumed this would be to announce that their Expedition Cruises are now available for public booking – and as of January 15th that is indeed the case!
But Wait…. There’s More.
We knew back in October that Viking would launch one expedition ship in 2021 and another in 2022. They also told us that those ships would do Antarctica in the southern hemisphere summer, and the Arctic in our summer season. We also knew that Viking was looking to put its own stamp on expedition cruising.
The other bit of big news that was released this week is that their first expedition vessel, the Viking Octantis, will be plying the waters of the Great Lakes & Canada starting in April of 2022.
This provides an outstanding opportunity for those who would like to try an expedition-style ship, but maybe are not as excited about visiting the polar regions.
There are a few different itineraries on the Great Lakes:
- Thunder Bay, Ontario to Milwaukee, WI (or reverse). 1 week starting at $6695 per person.
- Toronto to Milwaukee. 1 week starting at $5995 per person
- New York to Toronto. 13-days starting at $8995 per person.
As per other Viking Ocean Cruises, fares include a balcony stateroom, excursions in every port, all meals, all taxes, drinks with meals, wifi.
Book before Feb. 29th, 2020 and ALSO receive:
- Round-trip Flights included in the price
- Free Silver Spirits Beverage Package
- “Book Now and Pay Later” – Final payment due 6 months prior to departure rather than the usual year ahead
Take a look at the artist renderings of the ships’ public areas and staterooms:
https://www.vikingcruises.com/expeditions/ships/viking-expedition-ships.html
What I really like about the itineraries is the small, unique ports they choose to call in on. Lots of other cruise lines sail the St. Lawrence River, and stop at Boston and Halifax. Far fewer stop in at places like Point Peele, Ontario or Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec. The big cruise ships also have to stop moving up river at Montreal because they can’t fit in the locks to make it all the way to Toronto. So with Viking you’ll explore further and deeper into the Great Lakes & Canada.
This is an exceptional opportunity to try out small ship cruising (there are only 378 guests).
The Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway attract visitors from all over the world with the mix of natural beauty and the urban offerings of our north-eastern cities as well as Toronto and Montreal.
Now’s your chance to explore your own back yard.
Remember, if you book before Feb. 29th your final payment date will be extended and you’ll receive Free round-trip Flights AND the Free Silver Spirits Beverage Package.
Planning a Cruise? I’d love to help! Click here to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
