Viking Expeditions vs Victory: Which Great Lakes Cruise Is Right for You?

The two biggest players in the Great Lakes cruise market right now are Viking and Victory - oddly enough they both have names starting with V, but they are completely different vessels and the cruise experience, including guest experience, will be vastly different as well.

We just got back from Viking Octantis on a 15-day Great Lakes Collection cruise from Duluth, Minnesota to Toronto, Ontario, exploring all five Great Lakes. While I've been dreaming of doing this cruise for the past five years (Viking Expeditions was introduced in 2020), it was even better than I expected. Despite my familiarity with the Viking product and the Great Lakes region, I didn't fully understand just how different the cruise experience could be on different ships since on the surface it might seem like Viking and Victory are pretty similar levels of quality, sailing to many of the same ports.

It wasn't until midway through our voyage that I started asking questions from friends in the Great Lakes maritime community and a harbormaster I knew that I realized just how fundamentally different these ships are.

Ship Size and Amenities: Expedition vs Intimate Luxury

The most obvious difference lies in scale and amenities. Viking Octantis (launched 2021) and Polaris (launched 2022) accommodate 378 passengers with world-class facilities including a full spa, wider variety of dining options, multiple bars, and an incredible scientific research laboratory onboard. These expedition ships were designed for Antarctic operations, bringing polar-class amenities to Great Lakes cruising.

Victory I (built 2001, refurbished 2024) and Victory II (built 2004) carry approximately 200 passengers, creating a more intimate atmosphere where you'll likely know most fellow travelers by cruise end. While lacking Viking's extensive amenities, Victory's smaller scale enables personalized service and the ability to dock directly at smaller ports that larger ships cannot access.

The experience philosophy differs significantly. Viking offers what a friend in the competing cruise line industry calls "expedition light" - you can participate as much or as little as you'd like. There were passengers who never visited The Hangar, never joined Zodiac excursions or Special Operations Boat trips, and didn't engage with the science or lecture programming. Victory focuses on comprehensive all-inclusive experiences where most activities are designed for all passengers to enjoy together.

Are Expedition Features and Scientific Exploration More Important Than Just Cultural Enrichment Lectures?

Viking's expedition capabilities set it apart in the Great Lakes market. The Hangar houses Zodiacs, kayaks, Special Operations Boats, and provides access to submarine experiences ($499-500 extra). Most expedition equipment is included in the cruise fare, though it's important to note that due to US cabotage and PVSA regulations (related to foreign crew and non-US built vessels), these amenities are limited strictly to Canadian waters. The onboard science laboratory partners with institutions like NOAA and Cornell for citizen science projects, creating educational opportunities you won't find elsewhere on the Great Lakes.

Heather and I were impressed with how accessible these expedition features were, even when she was forced to use a walker due to a broken ankle just two weeks before our cruise. Viking's equipment and staff accommodated individuals with various mobility levels without compromising the overall experience.

Victory takes a different approach, emphasizing cultural enrichment through their LakeLorian program (officially launched in late 2024 in partnership with the National Museum of the Great Lakes), featuring regional historians and naturalists. While they lack expedition equipment, their shore excursions focus on authentic cultural experiences and include comprehensive packages with no hidden fees for premium dining or specialty activities, such as their Hot Rock cooking concept at the Tuscan Grill. While I can't comment on food quality since I haven't yet sailed Victory or Pearl Mist, my understanding from guests is that it's been excellent and they offer some trendy concepts that rival Viking's dining options.

Guest Demographics and Onboard Culture

While both cruise lines cater to a similar 55-80 year old audience, the guest experience differs significantly. Viking tends to skew slightly younger and more adventurous, attracting travelers who enjoy contemporary vacation elements like innovative cocktails (including stocking non-alcoholic rum), chic Scandinavian décor, and a higher overall level of technology integration.

This difference stems largely from the lineage of each line. Victory has descended from American Queen Voyages, which traditionally catered to an older audience and focused less on cutting-edge innovation. However, this shouldn't be viewed as a weakness - it reflects different priorities and expertise.

One of my absolute frustrations with Viking is that despite their crew providing an impressive level of service, they are guests in North America and aren't as familiar with destinations. Whether sailing Coastal California, exploring Alaska, or navigating the Great Lakes most impressive natural and historic areas, there's a knowledge gap that becomes apparent.

On the other hand, John Waggoner is an industry legend who has always focused on "American" cruises. He lives in Indiana, and these vessels stay there for the entire season. From what guests sailing with Victory this year have told us, this translates into impressive regional knowledge and high-quality history and destination lectures. The crew's deep familiarity with Great Lakes culture, history, and hidden gems creates a more authentic regional experience.

Port Access: Tender Flexibility vs Direct Docking Convenience

Here's where the fundamental difference becomes crucial for your cruising experience. Viking Octantis and Polaris feature large, comfortable, climate-controlled tenders designed for environments without cruise piers. This unique capability on the Great Lakes means Viking can access ports that Victory simply cannot reach, since Victory I and Victory II must dock directly at established cruise terminals.

However, this creates trade-offs that significantly impact your port experience. While Victory lacks expedition amenities like kayaks and Zodiacs, their smaller size allows direct docking at places like Mackinac Island's downtown pier. You can step off the ship and immediately explore without waiting for tender service or transit time between ship and shore.

During our cruise, I found myself wishing for more time on Mackinac Island, but I needed to return to the ship for something. Rather than make multiple tender trips, I shortened my shore time. Victory passengers wouldn't face this limitation - they could easily walk on and off the ship throughout the port visit.

Onboard Guest Experience: Modern European Luxury vs More Traditional Comfort

Both cruise lines offer excellent accessibility accommodations, so the choice comes down to cruising style preferences rather than physical limitations. Viking's expedition-focused appeal caters to travelers seeking optional adventure activities combined with luxury amenities. You can spend the morning in the science lab learning about Great Lakes ecology, afternoon in the spa, and evening enjoying specialty dining - or simply relax with a bottle of wine in your room and take advantage of Nordic balconies as you watch the world float by.

Victory on the other hand attracts less active guests preferring worry-free, truly all-inclusive experiences. Every beverage (excluding some premium cocktails, at an additional cost), all specialty dining options, comprehensive shore excursions, and even pre-cruise hotel nights are included on most itineraries. Their LakeLorian enrichment program launched last year cements their regional expertise and ensures cultural learning without requiring participation in physical expedition activities.

The consideration of tender versus direct docking becomes particularly important for travelers with mobility concerns or those preferring maximum port time flexibility. Viking's tender operations, while comfortable and well-managed, add logistical steps that some travelers may find limiting compared to Victory's walk-off convenience.

Seasonal Operations and Booking Considerations

Both lines operate similar Great Lakes schedules, though with different seasonal transitions. Viking operates Great Lakes cruises through early October before departing for Arctic and Antarctic expeditions - as of July 2025, Viking Octantis had already departed for Arctic operations while Viking Polaris continued Great Lakes cruises into early fall. Victory extends their season later into autumn and includes St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritime itineraries, focusing exclusively on North American coastal waters.

Both lines offer different approaches to pre-cruise accommodations. Viking sometimes includes hotel nights in embarkation cities like Chicago on certain itineraries, though this varies by fare and specific voyage. Victory consistently includes pre-cruise hotel accommodations, simplifying travel planning and providing guaranteed city exploration time.

Making Your Choice: Luxurious Adventure vs Relaxed Voyage

Choose Viking Expeditions if you're drawn to optional adventure activities, scientific programming, world-class spa facilities, and don't mind tender operations for unique port access. The expedition equipment and research partnerships create experiences unavailable elsewhere on the Great Lakes, making them perfect for travelers seeking both luxury and discovery, complemented by contemporary cruise amenities.

On the other hand, guests should consider Victory if you prefer truly all-inclusive experiences, direct port access, a more intimate ship atmosphere, and maximum flexibility for independent exploration during port calls. Their comprehensive inclusions, ability to dock at downtown piers, and deep regional expertise appeal to travelers prioritizing convenience, cultural immersion, and authentic American cruise traditions over expedition activities.

Both represent excellent Great Lakes cruise experiences, but your choice should reflect whether you prefer Viking's luxurious adventure options with cutting-edge amenities or Victory's relaxed voyage approach with comprehensive regional knowledge and seamless convenience.

For expert guidance navigating these distinct cruising philosophies and finding the perfect match for your Great Lakes adventure, Heather Hills from Flow Voyages can provide personalized recommendations to help you book a cruise that aligns with your travel style and accessibility needs.

Please note: Cruise offerings and pricing change frequently. Always consult your travel advisor for current specific details before booking your Great Lakes cruise.

Written by: James Hills

Pro-BloggerWest Coast Cruise ExpertThought Leader

James is an avid fan of all types of cruising but especially enjoys exploring the Pacific coastal regions since it perfectly captures the elements that he is passionate about, including natural beauty, conservation, opportunities to explore new cultures, and meeting some fantastic new people too.