Viking Cruises charts a new course with Viking Expeditions

Viking Cruises announces the launch of Viking Expeditions. All images ©Viking Cruises. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

From the polar reaches of the Earth to the Sweetwater Seas in the heart of North America, Viking charts a new course to legendary waters steeped in the history of the world’s bravest explorers who embarked on epic expeditions into the unknown in days of yore‒‒introducing Viking Expeditions. With all the pomp and circumstance of which Viking is renowned, the cruise line announced details of its newest venture into expedition voyages January 15 of this year. January 2022 will see the debut of the first of two exploration vessels, the Viking Octantis, with voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes region followed by its sister ship, the Viking Polaris in August that will sail to the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

“We invented the concept of modern river cruising when we launched in 1997; then we reinvented ocean cruises and became the ‘World’s Best Ocean Cruise Line’ in our first year of operation, as well as every year since then. Now, in creating ‘the thinking person’s expedition,’ we are perfecting polar expedition cruising, and we will usher in a new era of comfortable exploration in the heart of North America,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.

Hagen encapsulated the growth of Viking so eloquently in his quote. With every new milestone, Viking shakes up the industry with a superior product that must be experienced to appreciate. When I first heard this news, I was over the moon! I have been anxiously awaiting news of Viking’s entry into the expeditions market for some time and now, not only are they sailing to the polar regions of my dreams, but the Sweetwater Seas as well, right here in our own backyards, if you live in North America that is. Perhaps the Northwest Passage is on their radar, at least I hope so.

Viking charts a new course to legendary waters steeped in the history of the world’s bravest explorers.

Scientifically Curated

Through partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions, Viking developed these education-driven expeditions during which scientists will conduct fieldwork while educating Viking’s guests through world-class lectures and experiential activities during planned excursions.

Responsible Travel

Of the utmost importance when traveling in these fragile environments is the practice of responsible travel. Viking embraces this philosophy completely and promises that the cruise line will follow the best travel practices to ensure that these remote regions are not adversely affected by the cruise line’s presence, especially in the last true wilderness of Antarctica.

The Viking Expedition Ships

The purpose-built Polar Class 6 Viking Expedition ships will acccommodate 378 guests in 189 staterooms.

The new purpose-built Polar Class 6 Viking Expedition ships will accommodate 378 guests in 189 staterooms. Designed by the same team of nautical architects and engineers as the Viking ocean vessels, these vessels are optimized for expeditions, small enough to navigate the St. Lawrence River, yet large enough to ensure stability in the roughest seas. The new ships will share many of the features of their ocean-going counterparts as well introduce new spaces specifically designed for these expedition voyages.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

Unique to the Expedition Ships:

The in-ship marina or Hangar permits the launch of small excursion craft while allowing guests to board the RIBs from a flat, stable surface inside the ship.

• The Hangar: An industry first, The Hangar brings true comfort to expedition cruising. This enclosed, in-ship marina permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s multiple shell doors. The Hangar’s most innovative feature is an 85 ft. slipway that allows guests to embark on RIBs from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded from wind and waves. There is also a FerryBox, a set of instruments continuously collecting and displaying data on water quality, oxygen content, plankton composition and more.

RIB and other small water craft will have easy access to the Hangar as seen in this aft-view of the ship.

• The Laboratory: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, while hosting guests, will also be working research vessels with an onboard team of Viking Resident Scientists working on a variety of studies. Developed in consultation with Cambridge University and Viking’s other academic partners, The Laboratory, at 430 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities, a sample processing area, fume cupboard, freezer and cool storage, comprehensive microscope optics and extensive bench space for analysis-specific instruments. Guests will have supervised access to The Laboratory, which is located in a glass-enclosed mezzanine above The Hangar, to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research, an experience unique to Viking.

The Finse Terrace is an outdoor lounge area with comfy couches and lava rock “firepits.”

• The Aula & Finse Terrace: Viking has created the world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea with The Aula, a stunning panoramic auditorium at the stern. Inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall where the Nobel Peace Prize was historically awarded, The Aula will offer a dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment, with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views. Adjacent to The Aula through sliding glass walls is the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge area with comfortable couches and warming lava rock “firepits” – perfect for panoramic views of the surroundings.

The Aula, by day or night, will offer a dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment, with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views.

• Nordic Balcony: A first for polar expedition cruise vessels, all staterooms on board Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform. Harnessing the Norwegian reverence for light and to create the optimal wildlife observatory at sea, the Nordic Balcony’s floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass at the very edge of the ship lets guests take the views in, while keeping the elements out. Should guests wish to feel even closer to nature, the top of the panoramic glass lowers to transform the stateroom into a sheltered lookout, with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft to 1,223 sq. ft: Nordic Balcony, Deluxe Nordic Balcony, Nordic Penthouse, Nordic Junior Suite, Explorer Suite and Owner’s Suite. All staterooms feature a Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.

All staterooms on board Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform.

• Expedition Ship Suites: Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer Suites (580 sq. ft) on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris rival those on Viking’s fleet of ocean ships, with abundant wood detailing and amenities that include additional storage and seating, an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, a fully-stocked mini-bar replenished daily, complimentary laundry and shoeshine services, priority restaurant reservations and more. Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. Additionally, each ship features one Owner’s Suite, which at 1,223 sq. ft, is twice the size of the Explorer Suites. With the most exclusive accommodations and amenities on board, it features two separate rooms – a living room with six-seat dining table and a bedroom – as well as a 792 sq. ft. private garden with a traditional Norwegian badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) and outdoor dining table.
 
• Enrichment On Board and On Shore: Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking creating “the thinking person’s expedition.” As part of that commitment to destination-focused learning, Viking’s exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will match leading researchers and educators with each expedition. The onboard expedition program is designed to prepare guests for their onshore experiences, with more than 25 experts accompanying each journey – the Viking Expedition Team (expedition leader and staff, photographer and submarine pilots) and Viking Resident Scientists (biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists, oceanographers, ornithologists, polar experts and researchers). On board, guests will enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about their destination – and engage with working scientists from renowned academic institutions in The Laboratory or participate directly in citizen science programs. On shore, guests can assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities during landings – such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns; accompanying scientists to collect samples; or taking their cameras ashore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes.
 
• Sustainable Features: Compliant to all guidelines and regulatory requirements from AECO, IAATO, the Antarctic Treaty System and the Governor of Svalbard, Viking’s expedition ships minimize environmental impact and meet the most stringent emissions and biosecurity standards. Additionally, the straight bow reduces fuel consumption, and a dynamic positioning system enables the ship to hover over the seabed without anchoring, allowing access to pristine environments without damage.
 
• Viking Inclusive Value: Every Viking Expeditions cruise fare includes a Nordic Balcony stateroom or suite, virtually all shore excursions, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Just as with Viking’s ocean cruises, guests will also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; lectures; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to The Nordic Spa; and 24-hour room service. As part of their fare, Viking Expeditions guests will also receive charter flights for hard-to-reach locales and the use of Viking Expedition Gear specialty equipment for land and sea excursions. On polar itineraries, guests also receive their own Viking Expedition Kit, which includes everything needed to be comfortable – as well as a Viking Expeditions Jacket to keep.

Familiar Spaces:

• Aquavit Terrace & Pools: Located at the stern and featuring a retractable glass dome, this indoor-outdoor heated sanctuary will allow guests to be surrounded by their destination as they swim and lounge in three different temperature-controlled pools, including an “inside-out” swimming experience.

Aquavit Terrace & Pools.

• The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center: In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Nordic Spa on board is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind – with a thermal suite that features a Sauna, Snow Grotto and chaise lounges, as well as a warm hydrotherapy pool and badestamp (hot tub), surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. A state-of-the-art Fitness Center will also provide the latest equipment and workout gear.Explorers’ Lounge: Similar to Viking’s ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris have a two-deck Explorers’ Lounge at the bow of the ship, offering the perfect spot for taking in stunning scenery through double-height windows over a mug of mulled wine or glass of Norwegian aquavit.

One of my favorite places on board the Viking ocean ships is the Explorer's Lounge and I am thrilled to see that this extraordinary space will be on the expedition vessels as well!

• Explorers’ Lounge: Similar to Viking’s ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris have a two-deck Explorers’ Lounge at the bow of the ship, offering the perfect spot for taking in stunning scenery through double-height windows over a mug of mulled wine or glass of Norwegian aquavit.
• Dining Choices: Viking’s expedition ships will offer an array of dining options that build on the successful venues from Viking’s ocean ships, but which have been redesigned for expeditions. The Restaurant will offer fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics; the casual World Café will be a new “market” concept that offers live cooking, an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors; Mamsen’s, named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare; Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine; and 24-hour room service will be complimentary for all guests.

For more details about Viking Expeditions including detailed itineraries and pricing, visit Viking.com.

Did you know?

For non-astronomers, the names of the new Viking Expeditions ships originate from the polestars in the southern and northern celestial hemispheres. Rising true south in the southern hemisphere is Octantis or South Star while its counterpart Polaris of North Star marks true north; both central points around which the entire sky rotates, therefore their position is relatively the same night after night every day of the year.