Amazing, but not your usual cruise!

Item: Viking Octantis
Rating: 4.4
Author: PG111

Viking Octantis Cruise Review to River Cruises - United States

PG111

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 26

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Great Lakes Explorer (Milwaukee To Thunder Bay)

Sail date: July 30, 2022

Ship: Viking Octantis

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 3046

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

This is a true expedition ship, definitely not your usual cruise! Multiple PhD's on board giving lectures on geology, oceanography, etc., and gathering data for NOAA and universities. The ship itself is magnificent, and has very unique facilities -- Zodiac boats, high-speed boats, and two mini-subs!! Visiting small settlements on Great Lakes islands and taking hikes, boat trips, etc., while the scientific teams do their research and give scientific lectures.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

No cruise terminal in Milwaukee! Check-in was under a tent!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Much better food quality than the usual huge cruise ship

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Fitness center, scientific lectures. There are mini-sub excursions, do NOT miss them!!

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Minimal entertainment -- more like a river boat than a cruise ship

Children's Programs

no children on board

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Beautiful ship!! Only problem was that the main restaurant does not accommodate all passengers at one or two sittings. Reservation only, could only book two dinners. Most meals taken at buffet restaurant

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ports of call

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI

5 out of 5

GEORGIAN BAY, CANADA

3 out of 5

TRANSIT SOO LOCKS, MICHIGAN

4 out of 5

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, CANADA

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

3 Comments

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