Viking Cruises has announced new, unique routes for the 2023 summer season, including offers along the Great Lakes, the Atlantic coast, the Chilean fjords and the Panama Canal. These expedition trips are sure to mesmerize and inspire guests in some of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world.

Great sailing trips on the Great Lakes

Viking Cruises The most anticipated new itinerary is the standout 15-day Great Lakes Collection between Toronto and Duluth, which offers guests in-depth regional exploration and ports of call in all five Great Lakes.

From the diverse urban centers of Cleveland and Detroit to the beautiful northern communities of Alpena, Sault Sainte Marie and Thunder Bay, guests can enjoy all of the history and culture of the Great Lakes, including a port of call on Mackinac Island and traversing the Soo Castles.

Mackinac Island, Michigan (Photo: Eric Walli / Flickr)

In addition to the new itinerary, Viking has also added four Great Lakes Expedition favorites to its 2023 season: the 8-day Niagara & the Great Lakes, Great Lakes Explorer and Undiscovered Great Lakes, and the 13-day Canadian Discovery itinerary.

Beyond the Great Lakes, Viking is also operating a new 16-day Canada and Atlantic Coast Route from Toronto, sailing through the St. Lawrence Seaway, which turns south along the Atlantic coast to Fort Lauderdale.

Ports of call include Quebec City, Cape Breton Island, New York City, Norfolk, and Charleston, all of which show guests a range of diverse cultures, amazing historical sites, and outstanding natural beauty.

Of the new North American routes, Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises, said “With the ‘Expedition of the Thinking Man’ we offer curious travelers the opportunity to visit some of the world’s most pristine travel destinations responsibly. While we are preparing to welcome our first guests on board for trips to Antarctica in the coming winter, we are also looking forward to introducing even more new trips close to home for the summer of 2023. “

Courtesy photo: Viking Cruises

South America sailing

Further south, two brand new routes will debut in South America. Adventurous guests will enjoy the 14-day Patagonian coasts and Chilean fjords and discover the rugged, untamed natural beauty between Santiago and Ushuaia.

Another option is the 18-day Panama & Scenic South America from Santiago, Chile, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, including a passage through the Panama Canal. On both trips, guests have the opportunity to explore local cultures and natural wonders together with knowledgeable guides for a personalized, in-depth experience.

Viking Cruises expedition ships

Whichever itinerary guests choose, they will be on board some of the most modern and innovative expedition ships in the world. The new Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris each have 189 double cabins and were designed by the same skilled architects and engineers who designed Viking ocean-going vessels.

The ships are small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the Saint Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability for safe, calm, and relaxed voyages, even in rough seas.

Viking Polaris rendering (Courtesy Photo: Viking Cruises)

One of the spectacular innovations on board these ships is the hangar, a closed marina that enables small excursion boats to be launched through the ship’s numerous shell doors. Guests board the excursion boats from a flat, stable surface inside the ship that is protected from wind and waves.

Each ship is equipped with different boats for different excursion experiences, including zodiacs, two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks and six-guest submarines with rotating seats and 270-degree spherical windows for an incomparable underwater experience.

Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris also work in research laboratories with scientists on board who, in consultation with Cambridge University and Viking’s other academic partners, conduct studies and use both wet and dry laboratory facilities.

Courtesy photo: Viking Cruises

Guests have supervised access to The Science Lab, located on a glazed mezzanine above the hangar, to learn from scientists and participate in primary research, an experience unique to Viking Cruises.

Also read: Viking Cruises begins sailing from Fort LauderdAle for the first time

Guests can also attend lectures and entertainment at The Aula, a panoramic auditorium that offers goal-oriented learning opportunities.

With so many opportunities to enjoy not only outstanding travel destinations but also unique and enriching cruise experiences, Viking Cruises’ new itineraries are sure to be popular with both new and returning guests and all passengers interested in the ultimate adventure.

Viking expedition cruise