Cruise ship Viking Octantis anchored in Lake Michigan off Algoma, May 29, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
ALGOMA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — It’s a chance to see what experts call the largest fresh water system on the planet, the Great Lakes.
“We were looking for a fun tour, that was kind of domestic. And we found out about the Viking Great Lakes tour, and decided to do it this year,” said Roe Garrett, San Antonio, Texas.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline, one of those big boats made a stop at the only location in Wisconsin — Algoma.
That’s where the Norwegian flag flies atop the boat tender, as the very first passengers arrive.
“Do you live here? Oh man, you’re lucky. We’re from California,” said one of the passengers.
“We’re very excited. It’s a lot of fun. They come from all over the United States, and at times, they come from all over the world,” said Rosemary Paladini, Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
Rosemary Paladini says just off shoreline, sits the 665-foot long Viking Octantis. She says about 350 passengers are on the trip starting north of the border in Toronto, Ontario, and ending in Duluth, Minnesota.
“You’re getting all five Great Lakes. You’re in the U.S. and Canada. So you’re not having to travel so far to start your tour,” she said.
“We were curious. Just what the Great Lakes would be like. We’ve heard the song Edmund Fitzgerald, and we’ve been to Door County a couple of times to play golf with some friends of ours. And we just thought it would be a great trip. So far, it’s been really good,” said Garrett.
Roe Garrett is traveling from San Antonio, Texas with family and friends. He’s scheduled to take the Lambeau Field Tour. The Viking Octantis is only anchored for the day, but Rosemary Paladini says there is an economic impact.
“When a ship rolls up like this, last season, it was about $275,000. And that includes, you’re going to see buses. They’re hiring tour guides,” she said.
Paladini says other trips included a hike, and a ride to Door County,
“And then, they’ll be staying in Algoma, doing some wine and beer tasting as well. So they do the excursions, and then they come back and enjoy the city,” she said.
The Great Lakes Cruise continues.
The Viking Octantis is expected to spend the night at Mackinac Island, which is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
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