Viking Polaris

Viking Polaris-Milwaukee to Toronto

July

Pros: Beautiful ship, great service; excellent food choices

Cons: Detroit port call of 5.5 hours was too short; itinerary could have allowed 10 hours

Recommended: Yes

Viking Polaris, an Expedition ship, was at near capacity with 360 or so passengers, but never felt crowded, and had a crew of 225 that took care of every need immediately, usually before we knew we had a need. This was our 9th Viking cruise, but our first on an Expedition ship; it won't be our last! The food was a significant upgrade from all our previous Viking experiences (with a daily sushi bar, a seafood bar with unlimited king crab legs, shrimp, scallops and marinated mussels as standouts; and a tremendous grill with cut and cooked to order tomahawk rib eyes, filet mignon, NY strips steaks topping their offers). The ports were very interesting and enjoyable, although Alpena, MI wasn't for us. Mackinac Island and The Grand Hotel lived up to its reputation, but we did both included tours (walking and by horse-drawn carriage) that covered almost identical routes and dialogs, so we'd recommend picking the one you want, then tour around on your own. We thought Point Pelee, Canada was going to be our least favorite, but turned out to be one of the best. This was where the crew launched some of their toys. We went kayaking through a marshland game preserve and went on a high speed Special Operations boat tour that was one of the highlights of the cruise. Niagara Falls "behind the falls tour" was also a highlight.

Viking Polaris on the Great Lakes

September

Pros: Fantastic ship, stateroom we had was small, but extremely well designed to create storage space for rooms much larger. Buffet food the best we have encountered. Staff was universally excellent.

Cons: All but two meals were from buffet, so if you like being served, this is not for you. Point Pelee stop was very disappointing.

Recommended: Yes

Again, while the food was outstanding, all but two meals were buffet.

Wonderful trip!

September

Pros: Activities, SERVICE!, food, attention to personal needs/concerns

Cons: Pricey! Some of the shore excursions were just ok.

Recommended: Yes

We really liked the expedition aspect of this trip, and the active options for excursions were fun and interesting, too. We were so impressed with the quality of service from crew members, and their addressing very personal needs. I do think that we would opt for an expedition cruise again instead of a “regular” ocean- going ship.

Polaris- Canadian Discovery

August

Pros: Beautiful, newer ship. Outstanding crew including large # of professional scientists and naturalists. Lovely staterooms, great food and nice entertainment. Friendly, accommodating staff.

Cons: None!

Recommended: Yes

Fantastic trip with fantastic ship and crew. Interesting, beautiful itinerary with excellent on board and local guides. Enjoyed the opportunity for riding the zodiacs! Saw and learned a lot about various birds and wildlife, including bald eagles, blue and fin wales and dolphins. Food was outstanding. Would go again in a heartbeat. In fact, while aboard we booked another cruise on the Polaris!

Great experience

June

Pros: Lovely ship. Very clean. Unbelievable staff.

Cons: Too many meals at buffet. Hectic at buffet. Excursions seemed kind of short and could have started earlier i the day.

Recommended: Yes

Very expensive. Drinks and all excursions should be included for the price. Drinks were expensive when we did buy them. No price break for solo traveler in fact twice that of double occupancy pp rate. Beautiful ship. Incredibly clean. Amazing staff. Would definitely cruise Viking again and I think more things should be included for price. Staff quickly came up with excursion options when ship was delayed leaving port. Very nice. Would like more dining options (included) for table service dinners.

Polaris. Canada

May

Pros: Beautiful ship, wonderful staff, great food, interesting science “experiments”, knowledgeable expedition staff

Cons: Extremely slippery steps into spa pool, ( I plus 2 others I know of fell on steps)

Recommended: Yes

Had a wonderful time. One of best trips ever. Would have liked an Anne of Green Gables related tour in Nova Scotia. Enjoyed the Zodiac & Special Ops boats but weather did limit use.

Antarctica on Viking Polaris

February

Pros: Expedition ship

Cons: Didn't cross Antarctic Circle

Recommended: Yes

Wonderful new ship, wonderful staterooms, staff very attentive and always positive, informative lectures