Cruising Differently: What Makes a Great Lakes Expedition Cruise so Unique

While Antarctica might get all the buzz as an expedition cruise destination, the Great Lakes is an underrated gem—and Viking's Great Lakes expedition cruises offer a cruising experience unlike any other along the most extensive freshwater lake system in the world. 

I recently went on Viking's Niagara & The Great Lakes expedition itinerary (you can read the lessons I learned cruising this fascinating region in my column on the subject). 

The itinerary began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and visited three destinations in Michigan: Mackinac Island, Alpena and Detroit, before heading to Canada, where we visited Point Pelee National Park and Port Colbourne (for Niagara Falls) before sailing the Welland Canal and ending the trip in Toronto. 

So, what's an expedition cruise really like? And why cruise the Great Lakes? What can you see, do and experience?

Let's dive into it. 

What's an Expedition Cruise Really Like?

A kayaking expedition at Point Pelee National Park in Canada with Viking. (Photo Credit: Lacey Pfalz)

Expedition cruises with Viking will offer similar creature comforts, great food and the same excellent service that Viking is known for, but with a few very different features. 

The first significant difference is the ships: Viking offers two identical Polar Class 6 expedition ships, the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris. With space for just over 300 guests, these smaller ships were designed to pass through the tight Welland Canal and traverse some of the most treacherous waters on Planet Earth, making sailing on them relatively smooth. 

During my cruise, I was fortunate that there was only one evening when I felt the ship rock as I walked down the halls. 

There are a few special places onboard the expedition ships that you won't find on ocean or river ships: Expedition Central and The Hangar. 

Expedition Central is the place to go to report any wildlife you might see during your cruise, to ask the expedition team any questions you might have about the region and to watch the data from the ship's weather balloon come in following its launch (did I mention the ships are the only ships in the world that are also weather balloon stations?). 

The Hangar, meanwhile, is where all the fun toys live. There is at least one Expedition Day during each sailing when the expedition team offers Zodiac tours, rides on the Special Operations Boats, double kayaking excursions or other expedition experiences. The Hangar is where these machines and fun toys live when not in the water. 

Because of the fun toys—and the expedition style of cruising—travelers can enjoy more lectures in the evenings instead of musical or theatrical entertainment, at least one weather balloon launch each sailing and some unique excursion activities that aren't available on any other Viking cruise. 

Overall, a Great Lakes expedition cruise is a lot like a regular cruise, with a smaller ship experience, an increased focus on learning about the region through history and science and some cool excursion opportunities. 

Why Cruise the Great Lakes (From a Midwesterner's Perspective)? 

A view of the Niagara Falls. (Photo Credit: Lacey Pfalz)

I'm a Midwesterner, so the Great Lakes will always have a special place in my heart, but sailing them on a cruise ship was an experience unlike any other. 

So why cruise the Great Lakes? 

Well, it's a great way to see this fascinating region of the world. Water defines the area, impacting industry, trade, immigration and even warfare for centuries. We sailed under several bridges—Mackinac Bridge, the Ambassador Bridge, Bridge 21—and traversed the historic Welland Canal, which dates back to the 1820s and raises or lowers ships some 300 feet between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.  

Specific destinations offer experiences travelers can't have anywhere else in the world. 

In Milwaukee, travelers can visit the only Harley-Davidson museum in the world and the world-class Milwaukee Art Museum, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. 

Mackinac Island is an engine-free haven: one of the only places left on Earth without cars, the island's historic streets are filled with bicycling travelers and clip-clopping horses, making it truly special. 

Alpena and Detroit are enjoying new revitalizations. Alpena, a small town known for its shipwrecks, is undergoing a new rebirth, with new tourism offerings including shipwreck tours. 

Detroit is booming following the city's economic collapse decades ago. Detroit was also the first city in the United States to be listed as a UNESCO "City of Design" in 2015. 

Travelers can enjoy visiting the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center on a walking tour of Alpena and getting a glimpse of Detroit's illustrious past during a musical heritage tour, a tour of Ford's Rouge plant or the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. 

Those heading to Point Pelee on an expedition cruise can enjoy participating in fun expedition activities and immerse themselves in the vital ecology of the Great Lakes. Protected by the international Ramsar Convention, the national park boasts 350 species of birds alone. 

Last but certainly not least is one of the world's natural wonders: Niagara Falls. Travelers can marvel at the 42 million gallons of water that fall over the waterfall's edge every minute, take boat rides into the mist of the falls, or even enjoy a helicopter tour above the falls. I enjoyed a tour behind the falls, which takes people to the closest viewing location possible on land. 

Should You Choose a Great Lakes Expedition Cruise?

The Viking Polaris traversing through the Welland Canal from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. (Photo Credit: Lacey Pfalz)

If you or your clients are considering a Great Lakes expedition cruise, there are a few things to know. 

First, expedition cruises with Viking provide the same comfort, good food and onboard experiences as ocean and river cruises, with more scientific offerings, like the weather balloon launch, so those who already enjoy the Viking experience will also enjoy the expedition cruises. 

Second, some expedition excursions might not be well-suited for those with mobility challenges. For my kayak excursion, for example, we were required to pass a test by getting in and out of a kayak from a Zodiac; if I had failed, I would not have been able to kayak. 

It's a great safety measure, and since there are so many other excursion opportunities available, those with more mobility issues could still enjoy Expedition Day, but it is something to consider. 

Another note: many destinations required us to take tenders to reach the port. The tenders are very stable, and the crew was there to help those with mobility issues get in and out of the tenders. 

Viking expedition cruises are a great option for travelers who'd like to experience the Midwest in a completely different way. 

---

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore