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Viking Expeditions

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Viking Octantis

Viking Polaris

Wonderful inaugual voyage

Liverpool

We missed the bus pick up due to 3 late flights but a private transfer was arranged for us without any problem. As usual, greeted with a glass of bubbly upon embarkation then straight up to the World Cafe for lunch. Our cabin was on deck 3 in a good location on the port side. I loved the cabin, especially the new wardrobe configuration. There was much more space and more coat hangers than on the ocean ships. The drying cabinet was a bonus too and most helpful when you came back from the zodiac rides rather wet. All staff were really helpful and it was nice to see a few familiar faces from previous cruises. We enjoyed the included trips and expedition activities, especially the kayaking. The only downside was that we felt that the selections in the World Cafe were few and far between and we sometimes struggled as there were a lot of fish selections. We are not fish eaters. We enjoyed the grill section and had some lovely steaks and burgers. Manfredis and the Restaurant were also very good. We loved the Hide and enjoyed a few late evening drinks there as well as an expedition presentation. Explorers Lounge was probably our favourite area for relaxation and a nice cocktail (or two)! The ship itself is lovely and we had fun finding our way around. The itinerary was good for us although we did have 2 very rough sea days at the start of the voyage. It soon calmed as we entered the beautiful fjords. The scenery was spectacular and we saw it at its best from the zodiacs and special ops boat. A most enjoyable 14 day cruise.

Well worth the long flights!

I live in Minnesota and often visit Lake Superior but also wanted to visit the other Great Lakes.  I wanted to be out in nature and see the beauty of the areas. This cruise really provided that! Yes, we did visit several big cities such as Detroit, Michigan, Cleveland, Ohio, and Toronto Ontario which have some of their own beauty. But the vistas, the clean, fresh air of the islands was phenomenal! 

The “ ship board toys” were a great feature of this cruise.  The special ops boat, and the zodiacs were especially wonderful. One thing that potential cruisers should be aware of is that many of the trips into the small towns on the islands were by tender. Viking’s crew was very attentive and helpful so everyone who wanted to go on the tender over to an area was helped in any way they could to get there.  The educational opportunities on the ship were very good and you could do as much or as little of that as she wanted. The staff was extremely attentive throughout the cruise. The food was outstanding!  As a matter of fact, we loved  Viking Polaris so much we’ve already booked another cruise on that very ship.

There was only one thing that I found very frustrating and that is when I went on the post trip to Killarney, Ontario. It was a very long bus ride, about 8 to 9 hours, on the way to Killarney for the post trip which means it was an entire day of travel. We only had one day to visit the area which was wonderful but the next day we got back on the bus and had another 6 to 7 hour drive back to Toronto.  I would have loved to stay in Killarney at least one more day. And it would have been very nice if we had been told in advance how long the bus trip would take. Even our guide was not honest with us on how long the trip would take us to get to Killarney. And I asked her two times.

The Most Wonderful Ship 

First, an explanation of the title of this review. We had a bad experience on a previous Viking cruise. We had decided to take this already scheduled cruise and then be done with Viking. To jump to the punchline, this cruise was so wonderful and so inclusive that we booked to additional cruises on board. One is an Ocean cruise and the other is another cruise on the Viking Polaris. 

Embarkation was difficult. It was a rainy and cold day in Duluth and the registration process was moved in the Duluth Convention Center. It is a large an very heavy concrete structure and the electronic devices used for registration were very slow. Check in took too long. (I have to say something negative - rest of the review is so positive).

First the Viking Polaris is a beautiful ship. It is constructed as an expedition ship and fulfills the requirements very well and is graceful, attractive and comfortable. The restaurants are well located and ample in space so whether you choose to buffet or formal service (the Restaurant and Manfredi's)  you are well taken care of. The bars are accessible and the selection is excellent. The seating areas areas are plentiful and comfortable. The "hanger" area, where all of the expedition toys are kept is easy to find and the toys themselves (kayaks, zodiacs, the specials ops boats used for high speed travels o see unique areas and of course Ringo and George the subs) are great fun and the guides are knowledgeable and fun to be with.

The crew - nothing can be said but extremely talented and well trained. Everyone from the captain and the hotel manager to the blue suits (the engineering staff who kept the boat running) were available and willing to talk to us and help us in any way possible. The restaurant staff ( led by the restaurant manager Odette and the head chef Satheesh ) were well trained and if you sat in the same area twice they recognized you and remembered your preferences. The restaurants were always in good shape - perhaps because Odette and Satheesh were always available and watching to make sure everything was great. There was a joke on the ship that if you left your stateroom for more than a few minutes everything was straightened by the time you get back. Claudia and Anton our room stewards made sure that it was correct. All of the expedition crew were equally great but Molly and Victoria were extremely knowledgeable and will to help us understand what was going on during the excursions.

I mentioned that the captain was accessible and friendly. The last day of our cruise he arranged something we had not seen. He had a number of representatives of every department (100+) come to the stage in the Aula. That gave them recognition and us an opportunity to thank them for their work.

One problem was with the post cruise extension we selected. This was a bus trip to Kilarney (a beautiful Lodge on Georgian Bay which is part of lake Huron. The Lodge is beautiful and the area is wonderful what we were not told was that there is a 16+ hour bus ride to get there from Toronto and back for only 36 hours there. Extend the time there or tell us of the long ride and it is a wonderful place to go.

Bottom line on this cruise - take it. This is wonderful and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

The Resurrection of Viking

We were interested in exploring this part of America.  As always, the service and accommodations on the ship were great.  It was a nice mix of visiting cities and the more remote areas of North US/Canada.

We liked the small towns mid trip and found the locals to be very friendly.  Our trip to the spa for a massage and facial were very nice.  I got up early each morning to get my walk in on the treadmill in the fitness area (total of 3).  There  were also 4 weight machines, three stationary bikes and a rowing machine as well as free weights and a nice side room with mats, straps and other essentials for yoga. 

We enjoyed all four meal options.  Especially the sushi bar:).  

We also signed up for a tour of the kitchen (very interesting) and a wine tasting hosted by the beverage director who was extremely knowledgeable and a great instructor.

The expedition leaders were all friendly and engaging.  We had a little frustration with other passengers who signed on for hikes but weren't really physically able to handle the terrain ("don't mind me if I fall behind...you can just pick me up on your way back" doesn't fly at all, understandably.  This in spite of the detailed and very explicit expedition briefings the afternoon before.  Don't know what more Viking could do about this.  

Overall, a great trip and I would highly recommend it to anyone!!

Great Lakes late summer cruise

Like on their ocean cruises they pipe nondescript classical muzak on the loudspeaker system incessantly, making for the ambiance of an elevator in a department store. You can escape to your cabin or to the scarce outdoors areas if they haven’t stoved the furniture - which they actually do all the time because the cushions aren’t waterproof. Not that it matters much because there is no shade to be found anywhere anyway. You actually feel like the fox in a fox hunt : Nowhere to hide.

Viking never met a square foot of floor they couldn’t furnish. There is furniture everywhere and there is no logic as to where they put what. The ship is narrow and very long for the number of passengers it holds. The enomously long buffet restaurant probably holds twice as many seats as there are guests on the ship. The dining tables and chairs even spill out into the bar at the rear end of the restaurant in great numbers. Nobody ever sit there and you’d have to push the tables and chairs aside if you wanted to go to the bar - which you actually don’t because the room is uninviting to put it politely. Photos attaced…

What they call the Living Room is also topped to the brim with furniture - all of it displayed at straight angles or back to back, minimizing guest interaction and giving the whole set-up the look and feel of a furniture warehouse or a huge waiting room. Few people ever sit there. Most of the time the ship looks empty even though it was more or less sold out. At the main bar most of the chairs are placed side by side in a row facing the windows - their backs turned to the room. Even on a foggy evening these chairs will be occupied. Imagine the ambiance…..

My wife and I are from 1951. We’re way too young for Viking’s concept and frankly I hope we never reach an age where it would even remotely appeal to us. We were scheduled to disembark in Toronto August 5, but we jumped ship five days ahead prefering a three hour taxi ride and a (fun) five day stay in Toronto instead.

Community Team

Deeply depressing experience.

The size of the ship was perfect, not too large, but large enough to provide great activities on board; and just the right feel of space to read, or play games or socialize.  The ship was absolutely spotless, it was beyond clean, it was amazing.

The excursions and boating trips provided real adventure particularly to view the outdoor shoreline nature and environment.  There were always things to do.

The staff was outstanding - both the food staff, and the management were attentive and terrifically knowledgeable and helpful.  The lectures in the evenings were interesting, informative and the persons providing the lectures were approachable.

The food and drink was excellent. Healthy options, luxurious choices, well prepared and always special order items were available.  The dining areas were spacious.  There was never a crowded feel, always more places to eat and be with others or find a quiet place to eat and talk.

One final word on the staff they were all terrific, but I must say the Hotel Manager [I believe that is his title] was a real leader, did a wonderful job, led the staff, paid attention to detail, and interacted with the guests with real personality.  Just an incredible staff for our trip.

This was an opportunity to see each one of the Great Lakes in one 2 week span.

We chose this cruise for its itinerary (all 5 Great Lakes) and a chance to try Viking for the first time.  We had heard excellent things about the line from friends and our travel agent, so we selected this sailing.  It proved to be a terrific choice.  We have taken a number of cruises (both traditional and expedition), so we are experienced with evaluating a cruise line and an individual ship.   Both Viking and the Polaris passed with flying colors.  The information from, and process with, Viking were accurate, timely and offered an abundance of information.  The ship itself is beautiful and well designed.  Our cabin was a Nordic Balcony - a unique design that offers a very large picture window.  The top half of the window can be lowered at the press of a button to turn a small sitting area into an ingenious “balcony”!  We really enjoyed this feature.  Our only niggle is the odd design of the closets.  Pulling them open is difficult because of the pull - a strip along the door edge.  There is good space, but the closets adjoin in a strange “T” layout.  The heated bathroom floor would be great in a cold-weather destination, but we never used it because it was July in the Northern Hemisphere.  Public rooms are well designed, very comfortable, and laid out sensibly.  The Aula is a wonder space for daily briefings, present, and performances.  Restaurants: World Cafe is a pretty amazing buffet (variety and quality) with grill and Sushi sections.  The Restaurant (no charge, but reservations required) was excellent.  Manfredi’s (Italian - also no charge but reservations required) was only average.  Mamsen’s is a Norwegian-style deli, but we never visited it.  All in all, highly recommended!

Soft expedition cruise on the Polaris

I wanted to cruise the great lakes from Toronto to Duluth.  What caught my interest was an exhibition cruise; and it was.  It was a learning experience from knowledgeable historians, geologists, marine scientists, and crew members on a cruise ship with a very high crew to passenger ratio.  It had a  self contained submersible (six person sub), kayaking, Zodiak, and special operation boat that added special experiences and education to the trip.  All  passengers were adults.

The entire crew was very friendly and helpful.  Always willing to assist and answer questions.  The friendliness of all the crew was overwhelming.   The excursions and shore trips were well thought out and fun.  

I have been on several cruises and the cuisine here was without equal.   The variety was outstanding as well as a "grill" where you could request two cooks to grill steaks or hambergers and often fish and lamb.  The ships pastry cook even took suggestions on desserts.  In the alternative, there was a complimentary 24 hour room service offering pasta grilled salmon, cured Norwegian salmon, grilled chicken, burgers (including veggie), chef salad, cheese plates and full breakfast options with fresh fruits galore.

Safety was paramount.  Clear instructions on boarding, how to conduct activities, assisting every passenger that needed it, staying available (on deck, library, in general areas), keeping everything on time, easy debarkation all ensured a great time for all.  There were daily communications and reminders.  The customer service group was available 24 hours and worked hard to accommadate each and every passenger.

Exceptional Great Lakes Cruise

We wanted to experience more of Vikings excellent service, cleanliness, hospitality and excursions as well as water vessel expeditions of the Great Lakes.

The entire staff was informative, fun and professional and went over and beyond to keep passengers safe and happy.  Combining excursions such as Niagara Falls, CA, tours & stops of cities, Cleveland & Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Detroit & Henry Ford Museum & Innovation, Mackinac Island, with various water vessels to explore the inlets, ship wrecks, natural rock sculptures, the beautiful Lakes, wildlife and nature completed a great experience.

The added "surprises" the staff provided were so pleasant, enjoyable and appreciated:  weather balloon launch with champagne, cookout fabulous lunch on the top deck (6) on a beautiful day of sailing, cookout at Okeechobee Lodge, Ontario, CA, oldies dance party with specialty cocktails, wonderful pianist, duo in lounge and living room, as well as Entertainment Manager, Elmer, with his fabulous voice, entertained continually.

The food must be mentioned...INCREDIBLE!!!

Expedition cruise on all 5 Great Lakes

My wife chose this cruise because she didn’t want to go abroad for a cruise this time. We have cruised Viking Ocean previously, most recently in September 2021. Thank God they are past their COVID paranoia. 

The Viking Polaris is a Expedition ship. It has a capacity of about 370. On our cruise there were 340. The design of the ship is such that it never felt crowded. The overall feel of the ship is like Viking Ocean, with extremely comfortable common gathering areas, and cabins (we were booked an N2-Nordic Balcony and we’re assigned stateroom a DN1- Deluxe Nordic Balcony. The cabin felt the same as a deluxe balcony on a Viking Ocean ship. The room felt just as spacious and well appointed, with the same bathroom size and configuration, with an “indoor balcony” that had a large window that opened 1/2 down from the top and a mechanical shade device that completely covered the window to shut out all of the light (likely necessary in Antarctica but not on the Great Lakes).  

Dining on this ship was fantastic! The quality of the food was the best we have ever had on any of our previous 25 plus cruises! The Restaurant was similar to The Restaurant on Viking Ocean, only smaller in size and requiring a reservation to dine there. The daily menu was exactly as one gets at The Restaurant on Viking Ocean. There is of course a Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, again just like Viking Ocean. On this ship it actually served quality Italian dishes (our previous experience with Manfredi’s has been not just bad, but deplorable). Of course there is The World Cafe, but on this ship it was your only place for breakfast and lunch, and it also had a sushi bar and The Grill which was the place to have a great steak and Cesar Salad. There is no Chefs Table on this ship (a dining room that wasn’t at all missed by us as we are not fans of the dining experience there). The service on this ship at all the dining venues was superior, and the beverage staff, who amongst other duties handled the wine list and service were superior to any such staff (or Sommeliers) on any cruise we have previously taken. 

The spa is Viking Ocean, only a bit smaller. The only thing different was the size of the changing rooms. They sure could have been a bit bigger. 

The entertainment consisted of 4 people, a pianist, a duo (guitar player and piano player who sang), and the entertainment director who was a wonderful singer. The ship has a beautiful and comfortable room called the Aula which is at the rear of the ship rather than the bow where one usually finds the theater. The Aula is used for entertainment and enrichment programs. It a wonderful place that’s hard to describe. Suffice it to say it was well conceived and executed by Viking. No, the entertainment does not rise to the level of Viking Ocean, but for what it was, it was excellent. On the Expedition ship the entertainment also includes the toys that are found in the “Hanger”, all the boats that float and one submersible. Kayaks, Zodiacs, a so called Special Operations Boat, are all kept there and are used in all the smaller ports where the ship drops anchor and doesn’t dock. The staff who operate all of these toys are terrific! We totally enjoyed the Zodiacs and the SOB. We didn’t do the kayaks or the submersible. 

The ship excursions are top notch and what we have experienced on Viking Ocean. We only partook in the included excursions which we found to be excellent. 

Eight of the ports on this cruise, including where the cruise started, required the use of a tender boat. Our starting port was Duluth Minn. The weather turned bad and the original tender location became to dangerous to use. It appeared to us that Viking didn’t have a backup plan. So we sat in vans for well over 2 hours while a new place for the tenders to pick us up was created. That was not a very nice way to begin a cruise. I hope that Viking corrects this problem. It sure would have been nice if those of us who had to endure this process received an apology. It never happened! 

We thought that the overall age and physical condition of the passengers on this cruise ship would be younger, or at least younger than my wife and I who are in our mid to late 70’s. We are quite physically fit so we felt we could do the hikes well, and the water activities. We were taken back by the number of older folks on this cruise, most in their 80’s, and the number with physical limitations (canes, walkers, assistive devices, walkers, etc). 

We were also taken aback by the failure of Viking to enforce their dress code in The Restaurant and in Manfredi’s. We saw men wearing denims and women wearing shorts. Why have a dress policy if it’s not going to be enforced! 

We had the Silver Spirts Beverage package. It was very good. There were no gratuities added to the package. The wine list was limited with this package to choosing only wines that are sold by the glass. This want a problem in the selection of white wines, but selecting red wines was quite difficult as there were so few to select from, and almost all of those wines were not from the USA. Viking serves mostly French and German wines with their meals on board. So it was no surprise that the wine list leaned toward European, though there were wines from all over the world on the list, but for the most part not being poured by the glass. There was 1 US red wine by the glass, a low end though drinkable Zinfandel from California. That was it from the USA. I/we enjoyed some of the whites, a Cote D Rhône Blanc was a stand out as were a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, and a Riesling from Germany. But that was it. Surely Viking can do better!

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