PERFECTING EXPEDITION VOYAGES
With Viking Expeditions you can explore Antarctica, the Arctic, North America’s Great Lakes and the spectacular coasts in-between on board our two purpose-built, state-of-the-art expedition ships – Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.
We have set a new standard in expeditions with a number of innovative industry firsts including an in-ship marina, working scientific laboratory, floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the ship and a fleet of sophisticated expedition equipment - at no extra charge.
From the moment you step on board, you’ll discover a distinctly Viking experience. Our expedition ships feature all the comforts of our award-winning ocean ships - serene Scandinavian design, refined finishes and panoramic views from any spot on the ship.
THE THINKING PERSON’S EXPEDITION
When we set out to create Viking Expeditions, we did so with an intention to redefine an industry. Just as we challenged what it meant to experience a river cruise and ocean cruise, our expedition voyages chart a course for a new style of exploration that has long been missing.
Viking Expeditions make intrepid voyages to destinations such as Antarctica and North America's Great Lakes a possibility for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. We believe adventure and comfort should not be mutually exclusive and our unique expeditions have been designed to be not only more inclusive, but also safer, more seamless, more flexible and more comfortable.
OPTIMALLY-SIZED, EXPERTLY DESIGNED SHIPS
If your idea of a perfect expedition voyage is admiring spectacular landscapes from the warmth and comfort of the ship – then Viking Expeditions is for you. Our custom-built ships have been ingeniously designed with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, transforming every corner of the ship into an observation platform so you don’t miss a thing. In fact, you'll be so immersed in your destination that you could never leave the ship and still feel like you've stepped foot on land or ice.
Our expedition ships are also optimally-sized to offer a faster, smoother and more stable journey, while still being nimble enough to take you into the heart of every breathtaking location.
DESIGNED FOR DISCOVERY
Viking Expeditions moves beyond the concept of a landing being the single metric of a day in the polar regions, taking our curious guests further and deeper into each destination while offering an unparalleled selection of daily excursions when conditions permit. We may not be able to dictate the weather or animal migration, but we can explore with the flexibility to seize the remarkable moments when they happen.
Whether you’re called to see the wildlife, marvel at the breathtaking vistas, follow in the footsteps of the great explorers, or tick the seventh continent off your list, The Viking Way of exploration means you not only observe the world but thoroughly engage with it.
FACILITATING NEXT-LEVEL EXPLORATION
We have raised the bar when it comes to our custom-built expedition ships, and our equipment and facilities are no different. What is different to other expeditions, is the fact that our fleet of military pro zodiacs, convertible Special Operations Boats (SOBs) and two-seater kayaks are complimentary for all guests to use throughout their voyage.
When it’s time for an adventure off-ship, simply head to our ground-breaking internal marina, The Hangar, where you can board expedition SOB from inside the ship. With just a few easy steps, find yourself comfortably in a SOB, ready to launch into the great blue beyond.
There’s no rush or fear of missing out. With Viking, you can explore at your own pace and enjoy a profound, memorable expedition experience.
AUTHENTIC SCIENCE AT SEA
When we created ‘The Thinking Person’s Expedition,’ it was our intention that every voyage should provide opportunities for scientific discovery, which is why our ships have been designed as working research vessels. Partnering with the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, our team of esteemed onboard polar experts, researchers and scientists will undertake fieldwork during voyages and work in a first-of-its-kind onboard scientific laboratory.
Guests will have the opportunity to participate in collaborative science activities and fieldwork to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research, an experience unique to Viking. These science opportunities provide a level of onboard education and enrichment never before seen on a cruise ship.
EVERY ROOM IS A VIEWING PLATFORM
State-of-the-art Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris don’t possess viewing platforms – because the ships are viewing platforms in and of themselves. Inspired by the architecture and design of Norway’s bird hides and harnessing the Norwegian reverence for light, every room is an observation room thanks to floor-to-ceiling, windows throughout the ship. And with more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than any other expedition vessel, guests will feel like they are fully immersed in the most incredible sceneries on Earth.
The panoramic views continue into your stateroom thanks to our innovative Viking Nordic Balconies. Also featuring floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass, the Nordic Balcony takes you to the very edge of the ship to take in the views while keeping the elements out. No veranda impeding your view, no intrusion on your elegant living space. And should you wish to feel even closer to nature, the top of your glass balcony lowers to transform your stateroom into a sheltered al fresco lookout.
13-DAY ANTARCTIC EXPLORER
Where: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Buenos Aires
When: NOV-DEC 2024; JAN-FEB, NOV-DEC 2025; JAN-FEB 2026
This ultimate adventure takes you to the Antarctic peninsula, where you will witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, immense icebergs and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing. Each day brings new surprises and the opportunity to change plans to maximize wildlife sightings and adapt to ever-changing weather.
THE VIKING DIFFERENCE
When you explore with Viking, here are just some of the differences you can expect:
- Our purpose-built ships provide superior handling, comfort and stability in the roughest seas – the only passenger ship to use U-Tank stabilisers to reduce rolling by nearly 50%.
- Viking ships will also be faster than many, allowing faster travel across the Drake Passage and more time in your destination.
- Dynamic positioning systems allow navigation into the best landings.
- Our ships are viewing platforms in and of themselves; every room is an observation room with floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass windows throughout the ship, and more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than any other expedition vessel.
- Enjoy next-level exploration with a fleet of world-class expedition equipment including military pro zodiacs, Special Operations Boats and two-seater kayaks – at no extra cost.
- Our ground-breaking internal marina, The Hangar, will let you embark and disembark expedition SOB in complete comfort and safety from inside the ship.
- Our itineraries are designed with a variety of included and optional excursions to fully immerse you in your destination. From SOB sailings and zodiac landings to tranquil kayak outings and underwater submarine dives, you’ll enjoy a diverse selection of excursions to choose from.
- Unlike other expeditions, Viking makes intrepid voyages possible for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
- Discover the world's most advanced venue for learning at sea, The Aula is a stunning panoramic 270-degree al fresco auditorium that opens to an indoor-outdoor experience with nature taking center stage.
- The Thinking Person’s Expedition, we have partnered with the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute to bring you a level of education and enrichment never before seen on a cruise ship.
- A first-of-its-kind onboard scientific laboratory and team of esteemed polar experts, researchers and scientists will enable you to participate in collaborative science activities and fieldwork.
- No detail overlooked, every stateroom features heated drying closets to warm and dry your expedition gear quickly.
- The heated sanctuary of three pools, each set at different temperatures, features an "inside-out" pass-through swimming experience you’ll want to write home about.
VIKING EXPEDITION OFFERS
