Viking’s New Expedition Cruise Ships Continue Line’s Focus on Destinations

The Hangar marina features the Zodiacs and other toys you use for your expeditions. // Renderings courtesy of Viking

Viking has joined the rapidly growing expedition cruising scene, announcing new ships and itineraries for the polar regions plus the Great Lakes.

Viking’s launch of new expedition voyages further expands the rapidly growing line's reach throughout the word. Viking;s fleet of sleek ships has long been the preferred choice for river cruisers, and its line of adults-only 930-passenger ocean ships have earned rave reviews for their appeal to people seeking an emphasis on destinations.

Now, Viking’s destination-focused travel experiences get an additional boost with the Viking Expeditions program available on the new ships that will begin sailing in January 2022.

The first vessel, Viking Octantis will feature voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. Then, Viking Polaris will debut in August 2022 and sail to Antarctica and the Arctic. Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes brings the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America and will bring a huge boost to tourism for the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario.

The Hangar marina offers a innovative way to load passengers into boats for daily excursions.

The ships will feature many of the favorite venues and amenities found on the ocean ships, in a scaled down version. The ships will carry up to 378 people, have a pool, World Cafe, Mamsens eatery, Living Room, AquaVit Terrace, Explorers Lounge, Library, balcony suites, LivNordic Spa and fitness center.

The ships will also have a number of innovative features, like the Aula glass-walled auditorium with tiered seating that allows full panoramic views of the scenery outside the ship. This space leads to a gorgeous terrace outside. The Hangar is a marina that is enclosed in a mid-ship space, offering the fleet of Zodiacs, RIB boats and kayaks. Passengers will enjoy seamless and safe loading into the boats for their tours and adventures.

The Aula glass-walled auditorium has picturesque views at the aft.

“We invented the concept of modern river cruising when we launched in 1997,” Viking founder and chairman Torstein Hagen said. “Then, we reinvented ocean cruises . … 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.”

With the addition of an expedition fleet, Viking will be able to provide voyages on more than 20 rivers, five oceans and five Great Lakes, visiting 403 ports in 95 countries on all seven continents.

Viking has partnered with some of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions. The lead partner is the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute. This relationship is underpinned by a major endowment from Viking for scientific research into the polar regions: The Viking Chair of Polar Marine Geoscience, a Cambridge University full professorship based at the Scott Polar Research Institute, as well as a sponsorship fund supporting the institute’s graduate students.

The Living Room is a popular space on Viking ships.

As part of this endowment, the institute's scientists will perform field work on board Viking’s expedition vessels and join voyages to share their expertise with passengers. Viking has also partnered with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a globally recognized bird research facility, whose ornithologists will regularly be onboard the expedition ships, providing advice and interaction.

Additionally, Viking has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, whose scientists will join expeditions in the Great Lakes to conduct research focused on changes in the region's weather, climate and ecosystems. NOAA scientists may also offer enrichment lectures about the Great Lakes' unique environment during these voyages.

he Explorers Lounge also features amazing views to soak in during your expedition.

Noted adventurers and educators Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft were named ceremonial godmothers to Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, respectively. Arnesen, a native of Norway, became the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 1994. Bancroft is the first woman to successfully ski to both poles. Arnesen and Bancroft also became the first women to ski across Antarctica in 2001. Together, they co-founded Bancroft Arnesen Explore / Access Water, an environmental initiative. Arnesen will periodically serve as a member of the Viking Expedition Team.

Thanks for reading, 
JR