Taking off on Viking’s new Star Ships

John and Paul are surrounded by a crowd of admirers, while George and Ringo are getting set to make their appearance later this year.

I’m talking about the super-duper “toys” on the sleek new Viking Octantis and her sister ship, Viking Polaris.

John, Paul, George and Ringo are the nicknames of the sophisticated six-person yellow submarines on board the expedition ships, the first for the Viking fleet.

In tune with the “Yellow Submarine” lyrics, many on board are keen to check out what’s lurking below on our eight-day, nature-laden Great Lakes cruise. We sail from Milwaukee in the US to Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada.

I rely on a friend to relay her underwater experiences, as I have that creepy feeling I’d want to get out as soon as they close the hatch, regardless of the Beatles moniker.

Seems there are no octopus gardens down there, but it’s definitely a thrilling adventure.

“It’s a little murky but an amazing experience and we did see some fish,” she says after her time peering from the 270-degree spherical window, 45 metres deep.

Other toys on the ship include 17 high-tech zodiacs, 16 kayaks and two fast special-operations boats that skim the water – it’s a wind-in-your-hair experience and it’s fun. 

All the marine toys are housed in the Hangar, an in-ship marina, that provides the easiest boat entry ever for passengers from an interior slipway shielded from wind and waves. 

There’s an excitement about the new ship and the itinerary as we cruise on three interconnecting lakes – Michigan, Huron and Superior.

The Great Lakes also include Erie and Ontario and make up the world’s largest expanse of freshwater by total area and the second largest by total volume, holding 21 per cent of the Earth surface’s freshwater.

On the Viking cruise, days are spent exploring its picturesque bays and inlets, visiting quaint towns, hiking along ragged coastlines and learning about its pristine ecosystems.

Viking Octantis is a serious expedition vessel with research facilities and a science laboratory. But it’s also big on Scandinavian style, luxury, eclectic decor and fabulous art that tells the story of Norwegian culture and history.

The ship accommodates 378 guests and 256 crew, and is equipped to cruise to the Antarctic and other remote destinations.

There’s an emphasis on discovery and learning with a 36-person strong expedition team. 

If you fancy peering down a microscope, it’s possible – Viking has partnerships with the University of Cambridge and the Akvaplan-niva Institute.

Early one morning we watch scientists release a biodegradable weather balloon into the sky – the ship is one of 103 civilian weather stations with readings relayed to the US National Weather Service. 

My comfortable stateroom has all the fancy trimmings plus a Nordic balcony, which is like a French balcony with floor-glass windows where the top half can be lowered so it becomes a lookout that’s perfect for spying on birds and marine life.

The ensuite has a heated floor and there’s a handy drying closet.

The impressive Aula Theatre is the place for engaging lectures, documentaries and movies.

It was inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. 

My favourite haunts are the Living Room and the Library where you can cosy up on a comfy sofa beside a faux fire and flip through beautiful books ranging from explorers’ tales, garden design and travel, curated by Heywood Hill, a literary landmark in the heart of London.

Another favourite is the outdoor Finse Terrace, with its sunken sheltered seats and lava rock “firepits”, but the Nordic Spa tops the list.

Relax in the warm bubbly waters of the hydrotherapy pool then head to the sauna, refresh with a cold bucket shower and warm up in the traditional Norwegian badestamp, a hot tub open to the outside.

Take a deep breath and stand under a snow shower and feel the tingle on your skin as the snowflakes descend.

There are many culinary adventures to be had on board Viking Octantis and the cuisine is superb.

Many fall under the spell of the Suksessterte, or success cake – almond cake slathered with rich layers of vanilla custard which is downright addictive and served in Mamsen’s.

Even more appealing is the story behind the intimate cafe that pays homage to Hagen’s mother, Ragnhild “Mamsen” Hagen – her traditional Norwegian food stars here including waffles prepared to her original recipe and that cake. The wall image of Mamsen on her cross-country skis pulling her grandchild on a sled is endearing.

Our first stop is pretty Mackinac Island, home to charming Victorian-era houses with loads of pretty hanging flower baskets and 17 fudge shops. It’s car-free and transport is by horse-drawn carriage only. Head to the stately Grand Hotel for high tea.

There are three stops in Georgian Bay including Parry Sound, the town of Killarney and Frazer Bay, which are all part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.  

We spend a morning on deck at Soo Locks which joins Lake Superior and Lake Huron, admiring the precision of the captain’s manoeuvres, while sipping Irish coffee. 

Historic Silver Islet, where more than $78 million of silver was extracted from a small underwater mine until 1884, is our last port before disembarking in Thunder Bay on Lake Superior, in northwestern Ontario.

Viking Octantis merges luxury and adventure expeditions perfectly.

Viking Octantis will cruise various itineraries next year including Niagara and the Great Lakes.

Explore more: vikingcruises.com.au