12 things to know about a Great Lakes cruise on Viking’s Octantis

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Viking’s Great Lakes cruise is full of surprises

When you think of taking a cruise, sailing around the Great Lakes probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But it should be, and Viking’s Great Lakes Cruises charts several breathtaking and memorable courses.
 
Though the 15-day Great Lakes Collection earned accolades for Best New Cruise Itinerary, we opted for a shorter cruise trip: the eight-day Great Lakes Explorer. This itinerary departs from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and culminates in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
 
Come aboard! Here’s a look at everything this Great Lakes cruise has to offer.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Soaking up the perks on the Viking Octantis

The Polar Class Viking Octantis features 189 staterooms and holds 387 passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded onboard. Many ways to unwind include sitting in the Explorers’ Lounge, with its amazing views over the lake, and hitting the pool, sauna, or steam room at the Nordic Spa.
 
The luxurious staterooms offer all the comforts of home, from luxury linens to a large flat-screen TV, plus a floor-to-ceiling heated drying closet and 24-hour complimentary room service.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Visiting Mackinac Island in Michigan

Made famous by the 1980 movie “Somewhere in Time,” filmed on location here, Mackinac Island is a gem of the Great Lakes cruise. Steeped in the charm of simpler times, this bucolic haven in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan preserves picturesque Victorian buildings along car-free streets traversed only by horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and pedestrians. 

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Exploring Fort Mackinac State Historic Park

While there are many Viking shore excursions on Mackinac Island, we decided to hike up to Fort Mackinac State Historic Park, where we saw this lovely panorama with a view of our ship. Summer is the perfect time to visit the island when flowers bloom in every corner.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Dining on the Viking Octantis

Several dining options offer something for every taste, from the World Cafe buffet to the Viking sushi bar.
 
Make sure to find your way to Mamsen’s popular Norwegian-style deli to enjoy two of our favorite dishes: the savory split pea soup and the legendary waffles. Several dishes made at Mamsen’s use traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation in the family of Torstein Hagen, Viking’s chairman.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Enjoy live entertainment aboard the Viking Octantis

This musical duo provided a perfect mixture of smooth jazz and classical selections as we watched the natural beauty of the Great Lakes roll by.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Squeezing through the famous Soo Locks

Cruise passengers gather on the bow of the Viking Octantis as it transits from Lake Huron into Lake Superior via the Soo Locks on St. Marys River in Michigan.
 
The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System is considered one of the longest deep draft navigation systems, and one of the most outstanding engineering feats of the 20th century. Since 1855, more than 10,000 ships now pass through these locks annually.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Seeing the Sea Lion Arch via Viking’s Great Lakes cruise

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is the home of the famous Sea Lion Arch, seen here from a Viking special operations boat. Outfitted with hydraulic seats and handrails for comfort and safety, this vessel explores the Great Lakes at an exhilarating speed.
 
The boats are perfect for photographers as they get to different scenic points in record time. Additionally, the vessel can stop immediately to allow anyone to capture the “perfect shot.”

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Capturing sights from a Great Lakes cruise

Speaking of a “perfect shot,” we were thrilled to capture this photo of an eagle posing dramatically on a tree top in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park from our special operations boat. 

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Checking out the world’s largest paddle

The paths along the Killarney Mountain Lodge on Georgian Bay offer pristine views of the lake and its unique flora and fauna. It’s also the site of The Big Dipper, completed in 2020 by Canada’s most famous canoeist, Mike Ranta. Weighing in at 22,000 pounds with a length of 110 feet, it carries the distinction of being the world’s largest paddle.

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Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Visiting Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada

We highly recommend adding a pre- or post-expedition overnight stay in Thunder Bay.
 
This delightful town has much to offer, from exceptional hiking trails, first-class dining and shopping, sailboat expeditions, biking opportunities, and unforgettable attractions such as Fort Williams Historical Park (Canada’s equivalent of Colonial Williamsburg). The majestic Kakabeka Falls, known as the “Niagara of the North,” is another highlight.