Understanding the All-Inclusive Experience on Great Lakes Cruises
Returning from a recent cruise aboard the Viking Octantis, I can confidently say it was an unforgettable journey that should be on everyone’s bucket list. However, there have been discussions and questions about how “all-inclusive” these cruises truly are, especially when compared to other options in the market.
The term “all-inclusive” has become somewhat overused in the travel industry, particularly within the cruise sector. While all cruise lines operating on the Great Lakes are considered “all-inclusive,” the actual meaning of this term varies significantly among operators. This variation makes it crucial for travelers to understand what each cruise line offers before making a decision.
Comparing All-Inclusive Options on the Great Lakes
There are several major operators offering unique experiences on the Great Lakes, each with their own interpretation of what “all-inclusive” means.
Viking Octantis and Polaris
These ships provide a sophisticated expedition experience, accommodating 378 passengers. They feature Nordic balconies, heated floors, plush robes, and Freyja toiletries in all staterooms. Included amenities such as WiFi, multiple dining venues, one shore excursion per port, and expedition equipment like Zodiacs make the experience rich and diverse. Additionally, the ships partner with institutions like NOAA and Cornell, offering unique citizen science labs. However, some premium experiences, such as submarine rides, come at an extra cost, and unlimited beverages require the Silver Spirits package.
Interestingly, guests can bring their own wine and spirits without incurring corkage fees. We brought a case of wine using a VinGardeValise and enjoyed it throughout the cruise, even having wine stewards decant and serve our personal bottles at dinner.
Victory I and Victory II
These 190-passenger ships offer the most comprehensive package available. Their all-inclusive model includes unlimited beverages, WiFi, all dining venues, shore excursions, ground transfers, and even a pre-cruise hotel night. Unlike Viking, there are no additional charges for specialty dining or premium beverages, making this the truest form of an all-inclusive experience.
Pearl Mist
This ship offers a middle-ground value, with 210 passengers on the only all-balcony, stabilized ship on the Great Lakes. The fare includes meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, daily cocktail hour, shore excursions, and Starlink WiFi. Additional beverages and premium excursion upgrades cost $25-125 extra per person.
European Vessels: Ultra-Luxury Experiences
European operators such as Ponant and Hapag-Lloyd provide ultra-luxury experiences with sophisticated service and comprehensive inclusions. Ponant’s Explorer-class ships Le Bellot and Le Champlain offer bilingual French service, unlimited beverages, and partnerships with cultural institutions. Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic Inspiration brings German precision to Great Lakes cruising, with bilingual German-English service and comprehensive expedition experiences starting around $17,000 per person for entry-level accommodations.
Alcohol: What’s Actually Included
On Viking Octantis, many guests choose not to purchase the alcohol package due to the packed schedule of scientific activities and research programming. The included house wines at lunch and dinner were excellent, and bringing our own wine made the experience perfect for our travel style. Viking’s focus on environmental science programming and Nordic spa experiences creates a different onboard atmosphere than traditional cruise socializing.
Victory’s ships may offer more onboard socializing time for relaxing rather than expedition activities. This makes their unlimited premium beverage package ($99 per stateroom per day) a sensible choice if you prefer bar socializing between ports.
Tours and Activities: Expedition vs. Traditional Cruising
The activity approach varies significantly between expedition-focused Viking Expeditions and more traditional cruise experiences. Viking’s expedition emphasis means a mix of included and premium excursions. The included tours were very good and sufficient for most people, covering cultural sites, natural exploration, and historical attractions. However, premium experiences like boat tours, vineyard visits, or helicopter tours required extra fees.
Victory includes shore excursions at every port as part of their comprehensive package, from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame visits in Cleveland to horse-drawn carriage rides on Mackinac Island. They’ve also introduced premium experiences for travelers seeking specialized activities.
Pearl Mist includes guided excursions at each destination, with optional premium upgrades such as seaplane rides over Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands or extended cultural experiences.
WiFi and Connectivity
All major cruise operators on the Great Lakes now include WiFi, though policies on streaming vary. Victory provides unlimited access with fewer restrictions on usage. Viking Octantis and Polaris use Starlink technology for reliable connectivity, and WiFi calling worked well on our cruise. However, internet access includes unlimited basic WiFi, but no high-bandwidth streaming without upgrades. Pearl Mist also features Starlink technology and restricts streaming to preserve bandwidth for all passengers.
Additionally, since all cruise ports in this region are in the United States or Canada, expect excellent 5G connectivity near major cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto, as well as while transiting the Detroit River and Welland Canal.
Food and Specialty Restaurants
Dining represents excellent value across all operators, with no additional charges for specialty restaurants. During the day, we loved our “second lunch” at Viking’s Mamsen’s, which serves authentic Nordic-style dishes using family-style tableware spanning almost a century. Multiple other stations in the World Cafe accommodate different dining options throughout the day.
Victory operates the elegant Coastal Dining Room and transforms The Grill into the interactive Tuscan Stone Grill for dinner, offering a “Hot Rock Dining Experience” where guests can cook their own premium steaks on heated stones. Pearl Mist emphasizes locally sourced ingredients in their panoramic dining room, while Ponant brings sophisticated French culinary traditions with onboard-baked Lenôtre pastries and fresh French bread daily.
Making the Right Choice for Your Great Lakes Cruise
When selecting your Great Lakes experience, consider your priorities. Victory offers true worry-free all-inclusive value. Viking provides sophisticated expedition cruising with optional premium experiences. Pearl Mist delivers luxury accommodations with moderate inclusions. European operators cater to ultra-luxury travelers seeking sophisticated service.
One key consideration is whether some lines include pre-cruise hotel accommodations. On my Viking cruise, air was included but changing flights cost extra, and we couldn’t explore Duluth or Toronto due to tight connections. Victory consistently includes the pre-cruise hotel night, potentially offering better value for city exploration and a more relaxed embarkation experience.
These nuances matter when planning your Great Lakes adventure. For personalized guidance navigating these all-inclusive options, Heather Hills from Flow Voyages can help you book a cruise that matches your specific travel style and expectations.
Please note: We strive to be as accurate as possible on pricing and details, but cruise offerings change constantly. Always consult your travel advisor for current specific details before booking an all-inclusive Great Lakes cruise.