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.

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

I just returned from a Great Lakes cruise on Viking Octantis and it was an incredible experience - certainly a bucket-list adventure that I encourage all of you to consider. However, some comments and questions from our community involved the concept of how "all-inclusive" the cruise was and how it compares to other ships.

This question arises from the travel industry's overuse of the word "all-inclusive," something the cruise industry used to be known for but has somewhat eroded over the years. While all cruise lines operating Great Lakes cruises would be considered "all-inclusive," this means different things for different operators.

Read more: Comparing All-Inclusive Great Lakes Cruise Lines, Let's Find The Best Option For Your Style

When planning your cruise vacation along Mexico's stunning West Coast or Alaska, deciding between the ship's spa or a local treatment in port isn't a one-size-fits-all choice. Different passengers have varying needs, budgets, and service expectations. While port options often provide savings, quality can vary significantly—especially with beachside vendors. Let's explore how to make the right wellness choice for your specific situation.

Read more: Cruise Ship Spa or On Shore? Making the Right Choice for Your Massage Or Wellness Treatment

The Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) of 1886 is the critical regulatory framework shaping West Coast cruise itineraries, requiring ships to make stops in ports like Victoria, British Columbia and Ensenada. This 137-year-old federal law prohibits foreign-flagged vessels from transporting passengers directly between U.S. ports without calling at a foreign destination. With approximately 95% of cruise ships operating under foreign registry to sidestep U.S. labor laws, taxation, and maritime regulations, cruise lines must strategically incorporate these international port calls into their West Coast sailings. For travelers planning Alaska voyages or California coastal cruises, these mandated foreign stops represent not just cultural diversions but legal necessities that directly influence itinerary design, sailing durations, and ultimately, the cruise experience throughout the Pacific region.

Read more: Why Your West Coast Cruise Must Stop in Canada or Mexico: Understanding the PVSA

Whale watching on a Baja Mexico cruise isn’t limited to excursions - you can often spot these magnificent creatures right from the deck of your ship. Whether you prefer to enjoy the experience from the privacy of your balcony or a panoramic observation lounge, here are the best places onboard to catch sight of migrating whales.

Read more: Six Best Places To Watch For Whales On Your Cruise Without Leaving The Ship