On 29APR, PortsToronto welcomed the Viking Octantis on its inaugural visit to the Great Lakes.
It also marked the first time cruise ships have returned to the Port of Toronto after two years of suspended service. 40 ships are scheduled to call at the Port of Toronto Cruise Ship Terminal in 2022, for the port's "biggest year yet."
With a capacity of 378 guests in 189 staterooms, the Viking Octantis kicked off the 2022 cruise season that runs from MAY to OCT. The ship will sail five itineraries that stop in Toronto this season. The ship recently sailed the Atlantic Coastline to the Great Lakes following it first voyages to Antarctica, and will visit U.S. and Canadian destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Charleston, New York, Lunenburg, Quebec City, Niagara Falls, Point Pelee and Thunder Bay.
A second, identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris, will join the fleet later in 2022 and sail the Great Lakes in 2023.
With Toronto as one of the key ports of call, passengers aboard this and other cruise ships remain in Toronto for one to three days and can support the local economy by enjoying restaurants, attractions and shopping while in the city.
"The return of cruise ship passengers to the Great Lakes will bring renewal and revitalization to our local tourism and travel sectors, hard-hit over the past two years. We are thrilled to welcome them back," said Geoffrey Wilson, CEO, PortsToronto.
For more information on Viking, visit its web site.
