Viking Cruises

viking.com | 54 W I N T E R I S S U E 2 6 Packing list GREAT LAKES WALKING SHOES First and foremost, a good pair of walking shoes is essential. While some of Viking's included tours involve light walking, the real magic of the region lies in its forests, trails and lookouts; perfect for those who enjoy a more active pace. If, like me, you want to get off the beaten path and explore the natural beauty in greater depth, comfortable shoes will go a long way in keeping you steady and safe. SUNGLASSES When I travelled in September, we were lucky with almost perfect weather: blue skies, sunshine and crisp, clear air. But with so much open water surrounding you, the glare can be intense. Whether you are enjoying the views on board, kayaking around the islands, on a Special Operations Boat ride or wandering a sunlit town, a good pair of sunglasses will keep things comfortable and help you take in the views with ease. WIND/SPRAY JACKET It's not just the weather that you have to consider. Some of the most exhilarating excursions are by RIB (rigid inflatable boat) or Special Operations Boat, where you will be travelling at speed, and often early in the mornings when it can be brisk. A lightweight spray or wind jacket is a simple but essential extra layer to make the experience more comfortable. WATERPROOF & PORTABLE CAMERA The Great Lakes offer no shortage of incredible things to photograph: spectacular rock formations, wildlife, charming harbours and vast open waterways. The best way to explore it, however, is by kayak or boat—and a bulky SLR camera isn't always practical. A smartphone or compact waterproof camera gives you freedom to explore hands-free, without missing the shot. LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK A small daypack is incredibly handy for time spent ashore, so that you are not carting things around in your hands all day. I used mine to carry the basics: water bottle, phone, sunglasses, maps and a copy of the shuttle timetable. In this part of the world, you will often be crossing between US and Canadian ports, so keep your passport with you on some days, too. Something light, simple and (ideally) waterproof will do the trick. WATER BOTTLE While you are cruising through some of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, don't forget to stay hydrated. Many hikes and excursions take you away from the ship for a few hours at a time, so a reusable, lightweight bottle with decent capacity is a must. Bonus points if it keeps your water cool on warm days. HAT AND SUNSCREEN Much like with sunglasses, all that water means double the glare, and double the sun exposure. The reflection off the lake can be deceptively intense, so it's smart to lather on the sunscreen and wear a hat for extra protection. Just make sure your hat can be secured; those RIB and Zodiac rides can be fast and breezy! BINOCULARS If you are a bird enthusiast—or even just a curious observer—you are in for a treat. The Great Lakes region is a haven for birdlife. If you have a favourite pair of binoculars, bring them along. If not, don't worry: each stateroom on board includes a set that works well for spotting everything from eagles to herons in action. Viking Director of Digital Marketing Matthew Jones shares his ultimate packing essentials to help you make the most of your Great Lakes experience. A journey through the Great Lakes offers the chance to explore pristine wilderness, charming port towns and awe-inspiring waterways. But with varied weather, active excursions and time spent both on and off the water, packing the right gear can make all the difference. To help you prepare, Director of Digital Marketing Matthew Jones has shared his personal packing list based on his own experience—so you can stay comfortable, prepared and ready to enjoy every moment of your Great Lakes voyage.

• Cover