Niagara & the Great Lakes

Viking offers a variety of excursions, virtually all included in your cruise fare, from RIB sailings and zodiac landings to tranquil kayak outings and underwater submarine dives. Hike through magnificent landscapes and access remote areas, all led by an experienced team of experts skilled in operating in rugged and polar environments. Or try a unique experience with one of our exclusive, limited-capacity optional excursions.

Encounter some of nature’s most fascinating wildlife north of the Arctic Circle, from polar bears to walruses, whales, ringed seals and Svalbard reindeer. In Antarctica, guests are likely to see seals and whales, as well as a variety of penguin and migratory bird species. The Great Lakes also house abundant wildlife diversity: moose, black bears, beavers, grey wolves, bald eagles, and a wide range of bird species can be commonly found.

Manned by our Expedition Team, Expedition Central is a key onboard area for guests at which they can plan and book their excursions, verify landing and “go to gate” times or get answers to questions about upcoming excursions and landings. Guests can also learn more about their destination by viewing a real-time ship tracker, examining the chart table highlighting the areas through which we sail, and reviewing AECO and IAATO information about landing regulations and biosecurity standards for the sensitive environments to which we sail.

This well-appointed laboratory, developed in consultation with Cambridge University and other academic partners, supports a range of research activities and is equipped with wet-dry laboratory facilities, a sample-processing area, comprehensive microscope optics, and space for analysis-specific instruments. Guests will receive supervised access to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research, an experience unique to Viking.

More information coming soon.

On board expedition ships sailing our polar, Great Lakes and Grand Journeys itineraries are two 6-seater submarines custom-designed to explore underwater in various regions. Trips are approximately 1 hour in total length (30 minutes underwater, plus time to embark and disembark). Submarines may not be available or allowed to be deployed on all itineraries. Learn more about our expedition equipment.

We do on board expedition ships sailing our polar, Great Lakes and Grand Journeys itineraries. We have a fleet of custom designed, easy to operate 2-seater kayaks that feature a pedal system which lets you glide through the water hands-free, maximizing your photo opportunities. (Optional paddles are available, and the seat can be removed and reconfigured for a single guest if requested.)

We have a fleet of military Pro zodiacs on board our expedition ships sailing polar, Great Lakes and Grand Journeys itineraries.

The world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea, The Aula is a stunning panoramic al fresco auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. Used for lectures, daily briefings, and films, this unique space features an 8k laser-projected panoramic screen which can retract to expose floor-to ceiling windows and 270° views. In addition, the large bottom windows of the stage wall slide open, providing al fresco access and an indoor-outdoor experience with nature taking center stage.

This onboard area offers a multipurpose space facilitating enrichment experiences with the Viking Resident Scientists. On the wall are felt replicas of the primary avian species that inhabit or migrate to the locations we visit. Here, guests can learn to identify different birds, practice photography techniques, or learn more about their various habits with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s ornithologists—part of our Viking Resident Scientists program.

Part of our Viking Expedition team, our onboard photographer will accompany shore landings and RIB/zodiac excursions, as well as offering lectures and workshops to provide insight and techniques for capturing wildlife and landscapes in the remote locations we visit, so guests can optimize their images.

Selected by our academic partners, the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a group of scientists will be on board every journey, providing lectures, advice and insight to guests in areas such as biology, botany, geology, glaciology, oceanography, ornithology.

This trio of pools, each at different temperatures, including an indoor-outdoor pass-through swimming experience. The heated main pool is a calming oasis in any weather, protected by a retractable roof for year-round use.

Settle in to the Aquavit Bar and share stories with fellow travelers while enjoying an Irish coffee or ship-matured aquavit surrounded by “trees” inspired by Yggdrasil, Norse mythology’s tree of life. The al fresco Aquavit Terrace is directly beyond, surrounding The Pools in the aft of the ship and boasts outstanding views.

Located high on the ship to maximize views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, here guests can listen to classical music or a soothing piano sonata. With Nordic furnishings, relevant and engaging books, and a wall mural of a variety of whales represented to scale, guests will find both comfort and enrichment.

Tucked in a private alcove of The Living Room, the Library is a literary traveler’s dream. Select from a broad range of titles from world histories to biographies—all curated specifically for these journeys by legendary bookseller, London’s Heywood Hill.

Named after the village high on the mountain plateau of Hardangervidda, Norway, here you will find an outdoor paradise with comfortable seating, 270° views of nature around you, and two heated lava stone “firepits” to keep you warm.

Following Nordic tradition, our onboard badestamp, located in the Nordic Spa, is a traditional wooden-sided hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. Try the longstanding Scandinavian practice of alternating between hot and cold when bathing to relax and rejuvenate.