What it's Like Sailing the Great Lakes
Cruise Critic contributor Harriet Baskas shares her experiences and impressions from sailing the interesting waterways of the Great Lakes onboard the Viking Octantis.
Explore North &
Central America
Whether you're dreaming of exploring the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada and America's east coast, the Great Lakes or the Mississippi, take to the water with a Viking ocean, river or expedition voyage to discover the best of North and Central America.
From north to south, east and west, this is a region of immense diversity, vast landscapes, rich flora and fauna and incredibly unique cultures. Forget the umbrella drinks, kiddie pools and casinos. Instead, celebrate the diverse cultural heritage—British, Mayan, Tlingit, Spanish, African—of the Americas and the Caribbean with Viking on an ocean, river or expedition voyage.
DISCOVER THE AMERICAS BY OCEAN, RIVER OR EXPEDITION VOYAGE
Choose a Caribbean ocean voyage and sway to the rhythm of a steel drum band under palm trees on a white sand beach. Think vibrant island cultures like St Lucia, Barbados and Puerto Rico. Or discover Central American locales like Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and Belize, best reached via one of our ocean voyages. Don't miss the Panama Canal - an incredible feat of engineering that can only truly be appreciated from the perspective of a Panama Canal cruise, where you can almost touch the sides of this man-made marvel.
If it's Alaska and Canada you seek, the ultimate way to explore the wilderness and wildlife of this snow-capped landscape is on a Viking ocean voyage, sailing between Vancouver and Seward via the Inside Passage. Enjoy stunning scenery from the comfort of your private veranda as you explore mountain-ringed seaside towns, pristine wilderness and misty fjords; and keep an eye out for bears, whales, eagles and otters.
From Montreal to Cape Cod, New York to Florida, for an in-depth exploration of the diversity of the east coast of America and Canada, choose a Viking New England or Eastern Seaboard ocean voyage, that hugs the shoreline and showcases the vibrant colours of autumn, when this region truly comes alive.
Explore the Great Lakes of North America - the largest freshwater ecosystem on earth - and immerse yourself in outstanding natural beauty and historic cities while sailing on Viking's expedition ships, the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. This little-known, unspoiled wonderland is steeped in First Nations traditions, verdant old forests and wildlife such as moose, bears and beavers.
Or follow in the footsteps of Mark Twain and discover the mighty Mississippi, from New Orleans to St Paul. Tap your toes to the rhythm of blues, jazz and folk music while sampling the delights of true southern hospitality. Enjoy it all from the comfort of Viking's river ship, the Viking Mississippi, the newest, largest and most modern ship on the Mississippi.
TRAVEL GUIDES & TIPS
The best way to experience a destination is with the guidance of a local, and that’s exactly how Viking helps you explore. Here you’ll find our handy destination guides, as well as our top tips to help you plan your visit.
FOOD, BEVERAGES & RECIPES
The flavours and fragrances of a dish can evoke fond memories of travels past, and ignite your imagination for travel in the future. We have curated some of our best-loved recipes, customs and culinary traditions – and we highly recommend cooking along at home!
HISTORY
Like you, Viking believes that understanding a destination’s past is fundamental to appreciating it’s present. Here you will find a window into the historical record of the forces that have shaped this destination, and continue to play an important role in the cultural fabric you see today.
ART, MUSIC, FILM & LITERATURE
Appreciating a destination’s art tells the stories of its people, and its soul. It has been said that the basic condition required to appreciate art in all its many forms is a chair, a statement that’s never rung truer than right now. We hope you enjoy this virtual journey into the wonderful world of art, music, films and literature.
VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSIONS
Discover the world of Viking by joining one of our Virtual Information Sessions - free to watch in your own time. Enjoy enriching presentations that will take you deeper into the destinations of your choice.
CRUISE NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA WITH VIKING
NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA EXTENSIONS AND TOURS
More days mean more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking voyage or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting locations.
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Alaskan Adventure
Venture into the majestic landscapes of Alaska and Canada as two of our seasoned guests share their experience of our 11-day Alaska & the Inside Passage itinerary.
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Discovering the Great Lakes with Viking
MiNDFOOD’s Editor-in-Chief Michael McHugh explores The Great Lakes of North America onboard Viking Octantis and discovers that not only can expedition ships be luxurious they can also double as science research vessels.
Please note: Effective for all sailings embarking on and after 1 June 2023 the Submarine Dive excursion on Viking expedition ships will become an optional excursion and are no longer included in the fare.
