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The 378 passenger Polar Class expedition ship was a big hit in Milwaukee.
The Viking Octantis became the largest cruise ship to sail the Great Lakes when it completed its first voyage this week.
When the 378-passenger polar expedition ship arrived in Milwaukee, the guests were met by the mayor of Milwaukee and serenaded with polka music from an accordion player.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said, "These international cruises are offering more freshwater tourists a glimpse into what makes the city of Milwaukee so special. It's our scenic beauty; it's our amenities, it's our businesses, it's our popular destinations, it's our art, our music, our culture, it's our history. It's our commitment to stewardship, and it's our commitment to the environmental sustainability of the Great Lakes."
Viking is offering three Great Lakes itineraries this year, and in 2023, the line will introduce a new 15-day Great Lakes itinerary sailing between Toronto and Duluth.
The Octantis was built in 2022 and can carry 378 guests with a crew of 256. It is 665 feet in length with a beam of 77 feet.
