The Viking, the boat that has taken countless passengers on tours of the Cape Cod Canal since 1979, is being replaced, Hy-Line Cruises has announced.

The Viking will return to its original location in Hyannis and begin taking passengers on cruises there on Wednesday, June 21.

The Monhegan will take the Viking’s place, disembarking from Onset twice daily.

Hy-Line Cruises Co-Owner Philip Scudder said Hyannis Harbor Cruises were unable to run last year due to issues of staffing and not having a vessel.

However, the Viking will now serve as the boat, allowing the cruises to take place.

Scudder said the company moves around its boats in order to ensure the right vessel is in the most appropriate location. This is how the Viking came to be the sole vessel for Cape Cod Canal Cruises.

Both the Viking and Monhegan have a passenger capacity of 149, Scudder said, but the Monhegan is 20 feet longer. This allows the vessel to remain at full capacity while still having room for live bands and refreshments.

“It's a classic old ferry vessel that was converted to a cruise vessel,” he said. “There is a beautiful open second deck that has a canopy over half of it so that people can be out of the sun.”

He added that the new vessel features a full bar, restaurant and restrooms.

Scudder said the Wareham and Onset communities have been “very supportive” of the company's operations.

He knows Wareham residents are sad to see the Viking go, but thinks they will warm up to the Monhegan. 

“I think they’re going to love this new boat even more or at least just as well as they liked the Viking,” he said.