We are going to Antartica on the Polaris in February 2025 and I am sooo looking forward to it. Your video was very helpful in showing us around the ship - thank you.
Wow!! Crown Royal!! It's nice to know that I am not alone!! Crown is my go-to as well and they didn't have it on my last Regent or Azamara cruises. I was disappointed as i could not find an alternative quite as pleasing to me. I left a comment with both lines but perhaps someone in a decision making capacity may see this and help us out. An excellent video. Please keep them coming.
Anyone that likes this ship would also very much enjoy the Viking Mississippi. The only thing that puts me off with these expedition ships is not having a real balcony. I do want to try one of the Great Lakes cruises, cause I like where they go, but in my mind a nordic balcony is no substitute whatsoever for a 'real' balcony. I don't cruise without a balcony because I spend alot of time on it during most cruises. Really great review! Thanks for posting.
even on a warm day the great lakes are cold on the water. Not having a walk out balcony probably wont be missed. I live In Michigan so I know from experieince.
My wife and I just got back from the Toronto to Duluth Viking Great Lakes Octantis cruise. Your video captures in detail our experiences. We did have an upgrade to our state room on deck four. The bathroom and room were larger than the one you showed. Storage was not a problem And they did not have the L-shaped closet you mentioned. We were in cabin 4023. I don’t know what the difference in the upgrade is to that type of cabin, but it was well worth it. We have booked our Antarctica trip in the same state room. We have sailed on Viking river ocean and now expedition ships and I’ve never been disappointed.
I found this video after searching for Great Lakes cruising but you seem to have spent most of your time (and mine) comparing it to an Antarctic cruise. No discussion of the ports you visited or the itinerary/daily activities. You liked your cabin and the food but the beauty of the great lakes seems to be lost on you.
Last summer my buddy and I stayed in downtown Vegas for his birthday. We were on the 22nd floor of our hotel, however we could hear the music from Fremont street all night. Well until 4am. And I don’t mean just a slight background noise, we could sing along with Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys all night like there was a stereo in our room. It didn’t bug me a bit. Slept like a baby. I can appreciate that some people don’t like noise. But going over every tiny thing in the room on its decibel level is overkill, especially on a 45 minute video. TBH, how loud the drawers close is irrelevant when you’re on a cruise through Alaska. If you’re even thinking about it, you’re doing something wrong.
From your title, I assumed you'd talk more about the itinerary, experiences, and sights visited during the Great Lakes cruise, but I heard more mention of Antartica than Great Lakes which was disappointing.
Using the Submersibles to explore the Great Lakes thousands of ship wrecks would be an unforgettable memory… so in someways I disagree that the Great Lakes don’t have a great use for their marinas while on the GLs.
Good content here! Just found this after searching for videos and reviews of the Polaris Antarctic cruise my wife and I recently finished (Nov./Dec. 2023). The stabilizers may not be needed on the great lakes, but Drake Passage is another story. I always over-research, study, compare, and fret over a ship's stateroom details, only to re-learn I never end up caring because every other thing about the vacation (the sights, excursions and food) is always way more important than the time spent in your stateroom.
I was on this cruise, too!, and had an awesome time. I had to chuckle when you mentioned that you weren't able to get the booze you wanted. Similar experience. My wife and I are both IPA drinkers, and they ran out of IPA's . Thanks for the video, it was fun to look for people we'd met.
NIcely done! Great review and well made . Since I live in Michigan, I would be hard pressed to spend that kind of money on a cruise of the Great Lakes...like you said, not really a lot to do..but I have toured all of them via motorcycle so I can say its worth the trip if you dont live on them. Seems like a great ship, sorryyou didnt get a chance to take a submarine ride. Maybe they would do a stop at the Edmund Fitzgerald wreck site.
We were the same cruise but the opposite side. Watch for Suzette in her Red Viking raincoat and Minnie Mouse hat on the Bow! We are booked for Antarctica in. Feb 2025 to do the Submarine dive! Agreed with your comments. Loved the Violin and piano music, and the dance . Special Operation Boat ride twice. Our Float plane ride was canceled due to wind even though my foot was on the step of the plane. We always checked the desserts first and then selected the main course. Loved the handicapped rest rooms as we are in our mid 80s now. We were booked to do the Submarine dive and even weighed so I was very disappointed . We are booked for the Mediterranean cruise Athens to Spain in December 2023, then the Alaska cruise in June 2024 plus the Land train ride. The Antarctic trip will be our ultimate cruise, see you on board!!!!
I've seen the viking cruise commercials for years but I have to say everything looks absolutely amazing first hand 👌. Also didn't realize they offered so many interesting trips
Looking forward to a future cruise on this ship already booked. One ‘issue’ with a ship of this size in Antarctica. Many venues there have a limit as to the # of guests that may view the site at once. With the smaller ships (100 or less, e.g.), one has the opportunity to visit 2 venues in one day. With a ship of this size and guests alternating times to view the area - perhaps only one site/day. This makes the experience tiring, yet fulfilling with respect to what one experiences.
We were on the Viking Octantis last year from Toronto to New York City. Your review is spot on regarding the ship and experience. We have sailed with Viking Ocean ships previously and if you liked those ships, the Expedition will also meet your expectations. In some areas the Expedition ships excel. The theatre is beautiful and at the World Cafe for dinner they had a remarkable seafood and sushi section that was better than on their ocean ships. If I was going to Antarctic Viking would be my one and only choice.
We will take the Polaris cruise to the Great Lakes in Sept. would you suggest a cabin on the starboard or port side when dock in the ports? You review was wonderful. Thank you.
Going on the Viking Polaris in September 2024 Thunder Bay to Milwaukee 7 night cruise and really looking forward to the trip,its a long way for Aussies to go for a cruise but have never seen the Great Lakes so worth while.Great informative review of the Polaris Thank You
It is always wise to be suspicious, even when someone pays for the cruise. Take everything with a grain of salt. That said, we have been doing this for 20+ years and if we experience a problem, we don't hesitate to report it. As a result, there are a couple of cruise lines that do not invite us on their cruises. But, most cruise lines, like Viking, are confident that their product can undergo the scrutiny of a professional review.
We sailed on Ponant to Antarctica back in 2012 (Le Boreal) through A&K. It was nice and a great expedition, but not as expedition-oriented as Viking Polaris (or Octantis). Food is better on Viking and the ship was purpose built for Antarctica.
Correct. The other passngers (sp - correct spelling is "passengers") are no baby or teen sitters. You may want to modify your attitude and behavior into something a bit more compatiable. I wish you well and every good thing in life. Sail into the sunset with Viking and have a wonderful time.@@CP-kr9gu
The cruisers who choose Viking don't want a cruise with noisy children (and let's face it they mostly are) - remember one day this may turn out to be exactly what you want too... Plenty of other family oriented lines - and at very reasonable prices too.
We are going to Antartica on the Polaris in February 2025 and I am sooo looking forward to it. Your video was very helpful in showing us around the ship - thank you.
That will be an amazing trip. Enjoy.
Wow!! Crown Royal!! It's nice to know that I am not alone!! Crown is my go-to as well and they didn't have it on my last Regent or Azamara cruises. I was disappointed as i could not find an alternative quite as pleasing to me. I left a comment with both lines but perhaps someone in a decision making capacity may see this and help us out. An excellent video. Please keep them coming.
Anyone that likes this ship would also very much enjoy the Viking Mississippi. The only thing that puts me off with these expedition ships is not having a real balcony. I do want to try one of the Great Lakes cruises, cause I like where they go, but in my mind a nordic balcony is no substitute whatsoever for a 'real' balcony. I don't cruise without a balcony because I spend alot of time on it during most cruises. Really great review! Thanks for posting.
even on a warm day the great lakes are cold on the water. Not having a walk out balcony probably wont be missed. I live In Michigan so I know from experieince.
In my opinion, having cruised on both the Viking Mississippi and the Octantis, the Octantis experience is much superior.
My wife and I just got back from the Toronto to Duluth Viking Great Lakes Octantis cruise. Your video captures in detail our experiences. We did have an upgrade to our state room on deck four. The bathroom and room were larger than the one you showed. Storage was not a problem And they did not have the L-shaped closet you mentioned. We were in cabin 4023. I don’t know what the difference in the upgrade is to that type of cabin, but it was well worth it. We have booked our Antarctica trip in the same state room. We have sailed on Viking river ocean and now expedition ships and I’ve never been disappointed.
I found this video after searching for Great Lakes cruising but you seem to have spent most of your time (and mine) comparing it to an Antarctic cruise. No discussion of the ports you visited or the itinerary/daily activities. You liked your cabin and the food but the beauty of the great lakes seems to be lost on you.
Looks amazing, although would prefer a real balcony in the stateroom and a small casino onboard
Last summer my buddy and I stayed in downtown Vegas for his birthday. We were on the 22nd floor of our hotel, however we could hear the music from Fremont street all night. Well until 4am. And I don’t mean just a slight background noise, we could sing along with Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys all night like there was a stereo in our room.
It didn’t bug me a bit. Slept like a baby.
I can appreciate that some people don’t like noise. But going over every tiny thing in the room on its decibel level is overkill, especially on a 45 minute video. TBH, how loud the drawers close is irrelevant when you’re on a cruise through Alaska. If you’re even thinking about it, you’re doing something wrong.
Too much of you, and not enough boat. Less of yourself, please.
This is a Excellent video! well done! ❤❤ 😀👍🏻👍🏻 Prefect!!
From your title, I assumed you'd talk more about the itinerary, experiences, and sights visited during the Great Lakes cruise, but I heard more mention of Antartica than Great Lakes which was disappointing.
Using the Submersibles to explore the Great Lakes thousands of ship wrecks would be an unforgettable memory… so in someways I disagree that the Great Lakes don’t have a great use for their marinas while on the GLs.
Where we were, the water was so murky, I don't think after 10 feet down you would be able to see very much.
Good content here! Just found this after searching for videos and reviews of the Polaris Antarctic cruise my wife and I recently finished (Nov./Dec. 2023). The stabilizers may not be needed on the great lakes, but Drake Passage is another story. I always over-research, study, compare, and fret over a ship's stateroom details, only to re-learn I never end up caring because every other thing about the vacation (the sights, excursions and food) is always way more important than the time spent in your stateroom.
My Sister and Brother-in-Law just did the Toronto to Duluth in early September and loved it! They are so glad to have picked Viking for their cruise!
We will depart Milwaukee and end in Toronto.
I was on this cruise, too!, and had an awesome time. I had to chuckle when you mentioned that you weren't able to get the booze you wanted. Similar experience. My wife and I are both IPA drinkers, and they ran out of IPA's . Thanks for the video, it was fun to look for people we'd met.
NIcely done! Great review and well made . Since I live in Michigan, I would be hard pressed to spend that kind of money on a cruise of the Great Lakes...like you said, not really a lot to do..but I have toured all of them via motorcycle so I can say its worth the trip if you dont live on them. Seems like a great ship, sorryyou didnt get a chance to take a submarine ride. Maybe they would do a stop at the Edmund Fitzgerald wreck site.
Used to like Kids I use to go to school with them.
We were the same cruise but the opposite side. Watch for Suzette in her Red Viking raincoat and Minnie Mouse hat on the Bow!
We are booked for Antarctica in. Feb 2025 to do the Submarine dive! Agreed with your comments. Loved the Violin and piano music, and the dance . Special Operation Boat ride twice. Our Float plane ride was canceled due to wind even though my foot was on the step of the plane. We always checked the desserts first and then selected the main course. Loved the handicapped rest rooms as we are in our mid 80s now. We were booked to do the Submarine dive and even weighed so I was very disappointed . We are booked for the Mediterranean cruise Athens to Spain in December 2023, then the Alaska cruise in June 2024 plus the Land train ride. The Antarctic trip will be our ultimate cruise, see you on board!!!!
I've seen the viking cruise commercials for years but I have to say everything looks absolutely amazing first hand 👌. Also didn't realize they offered so many interesting trips
Looking forward to a future cruise on this ship already booked. One ‘issue’ with a ship of this size in Antarctica. Many venues there have a limit as to the # of guests that may view the site at once. With the smaller ships (100 or less, e.g.), one has the opportunity to visit 2 venues in one day. With a ship of this size and guests alternating times to view the area - perhaps only one site/day. This makes the experience tiring, yet fulfilling with respect to what one experiences.
We were on the Viking Octantis last year from Toronto to New York City. Your review is spot on regarding the ship and experience. We have sailed with Viking Ocean ships previously and if you liked those ships, the Expedition will also meet your expectations. In some areas the Expedition ships excel. The theatre is beautiful and at the World Cafe for dinner they had a remarkable seafood and sushi section that was better than on their ocean ships. If I was going to Antarctic Viking would be my one and only choice.
Thank you for the very thorough recap. Is there any kind of regular entertainment in the evening?
So kids would probably hate it? I’m asking because I’m planning a big family trip with 12-15 people, half are kids under 14
No children under age 18 on Viking cruises.
We will take the Polaris cruise to the Great Lakes in Sept. would you suggest a cabin on the starboard or port side when dock in the ports?
You review was wonderful. Thank you.
Seems like we disembarked in every port on the starboard side, but that could change depending on the itinerary.
Going on the Viking Polaris in September 2024 Thunder Bay to Milwaukee 7 night cruise and really looking forward to the trip,its a long way for Aussies to go for a cruise but have never seen the Great Lakes so worth while.Great informative review of the Polaris Thank You
It is an amazing ship. You will love it.
@@CruiseReport Look at Scenic Eclipse thats amazing,did around Japan on it but it would be even better at the Antartic
Great info, but you go free on these trips, I always am suspicious of Great reviews of complimentary trips.
It is always wise to be suspicious, even when someone pays for the cruise. Take everything with a grain of salt. That said, we have been doing this for 20+ years and if we experience a problem, we don't hesitate to report it. As a result, there are a couple of cruise lines that do not invite us on their cruises. But, most cruise lines, like Viking, are confident that their product can undergo the scrutiny of a professional review.
great video, thanks
Thanks for this great information!
How far in advance did you need to pay the full fare?
Very soon after booking. That’s why I don’t sail Viking, and there are better options out there.
How do you compare with Ponant?
We sailed on Ponant to Antarctica back in 2012 (Le Boreal) through A&K. It was nice and a great expedition, but not as expedition-oriented as Viking Polaris (or Octantis). Food is better on Viking and the ship was purpose built for Antarctica.
@@CruiseReport have you been on the commandant Charcot?
This looked very cool !! Good choice of background music!
Viking is not a cruise line for families. Won't allow children - won't sail with Viking.
It's not for everyone.
Good...keep your kids off. The other passngers are NOT your baby or teen sitters
Correct. The other passngers (sp - correct spelling is "passengers") are no baby or teen sitters. You may want to modify your attitude and behavior into something a bit more compatiable. I wish you well and every good thing in life. Sail into the sunset with Viking and have a wonderful time.@@CP-kr9gu
The cruisers who choose Viking don't want a cruise with noisy children (and let's face it they mostly are) - remember one day this may turn out to be exactly what you want too...
Plenty of other family oriented lines - and at very reasonable prices too.
We will not sail on viking alanmoore2197. You have the line to yourself. @@alanmoore2197