I have sailed with Viking on 10 cruises. I have wanted to sail on their new expedition ships and I have wanted to go to Canada. This was the perfect trip for that. I have to admit that getting there wasn't easy, since Air Canada cancelled my first flight and delayed my second one. I didn't get to Toronto until 9pm instead of 1pm. I wasn't able to get to the ship until 11pm. That's another story. This expedition ship is absolutely beautiful. It carries only 378 customers so you never feel crowded anywhere. I booked a Nordic Penthouse. The room was big and had a huge floor to ceiling window at the end of it. This window is special. It opens by pushing a button down to chest height and voila! You are breathing in the sea air. Great for taking pictures while sheltered from rain and wind in your cabin. The restaurants are the same as on the Viking Ocean ships. The reservations you get depend on your cabin. Manfredi's was delicious, the restaurant had a large selection of dishes, but the World Cafe is the best. The wide variety of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner is unbelievable! I ate most of my meals there. They had a chocolate fountain every day for dessert at lunchtime. There is also grill area near the stern of the ship that serves steaks, hamburgers etc. It was never crowded. On good days you can eat outside. There are many bars all over the ship. Some hidden away, each is special. I love the Explorers Lounge at the bow of the ship and a few steps from my cabin. The crew was the friendliest I have encountered before. From the chefs, the captain, room attendants, waiters and waitresses, Marco the head of Guest Services, the bartenders, and of course the Expedition Crew.

The ship is fitted with the best zodiacs, Special Operation Boats and believe it or not, 2 submarines! I was fortunate enough to get a private tour of this area with Olivia. Nothing better, than to ride in a zodiac on the waters of Canada and yes, be prepared to get wet. If course the subs were not deployed on this trip.

The excursions are plentiful, both included (no cost) to the paid excursions.Viking excursions are always super. They had excursions for people who needed easier outings to the very adventurous outings for those of us that love a more demanding outing. But my favorite part of this trip took place on sailing days. The expedition crew gathered at the bow of the ship as did the customers that wanted to look for birds, dolphins, porpoises and whales. You would bring your binoculars from your room and search for hours. I was able to see so many birds, a few whale spouts and several porpoises. We saw many species of birds, aided by the ship's resident ornithologist. He was brilliant!!