Viking announced its return to Antarctica for a third season of voyages on its sister ships the Viking Octanis and Viking Polaris. Both vessels will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, before returning to North America's Great Lakes for voyages throughout the spring, summer and early fall.
To meet strong demand for Antarctica voyages, Viking has also announced the 2025-2026 season is now open for booking, including its new 87-day expedition from the Arctic to Antarctica, sailing from Nuuk, Greenland to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Departing in September 2025, this epic journey will allow guests to explore the natural beauty and historic waterways of the Canadian High Arctic before traveling down the east coast of North and South America, calling on ports in the Caribbean, Peru, and exploring the Chilean glaciers before continuing to Antarctica.
"As we welcome guests back for a third season in Antarctica, we are pleased to introduce even more opportunities for the curious traveler to experience this phenomenal region in Viking comfort," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.
"By creating expeditions for The Thinking Person,” he added, “our guests are able to explore some of the most pristine destinations on Earth in the most responsible way possible, while also participating in meaningful scientific discoveries. On my own trip to Antarctica, I witnessed firsthand the incredible scenery and wildlife this fascinating continent has to offer. In my view, everyone should experience Antarctica at least once in their life."
The Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. Vessels are built specifically for expeditions, at an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, passengers are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth.
Highlights include:
- The Aula – a stunning panoramic auditorium featuring a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts exposing floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views.
- Finse Terrace – an outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed seating allowing guests to enjoy the dramatic scenery.
- The Hangar– a state-of-the-art, industry-first in-ship marina providing ease of embarkation and disembarkation of Special Operations Boats and other equipment.
- The Bow – a forward-viewing partially-enclosed platform.
- The Science Lab – where guests have supervised access to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking meaningful research.
- Expedition Central – the hub for the expedition team to consult with guests on expedition activities and share knowledge about destinations on a one-on-one basis with 3D printed maps, digital screens, and a state-of-the-art spatial data visualization chart table.
- Dining Choices – The Restaurant offers fine dining featuring regional cuisine and casual World Café includes a bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi. Mamsen's serves Scandinavian-inspired fare and Manfredi's offers Italian cuisine.
- The Nordic Spa – offers ultimate healthy Nordic traditions, with an indoor heated pool set against expansive windows and a badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) open to the outside.
- Explorers' Lounge – an ideal space to take in the magnificent scenery and share discoveries with fellow travelers.
- The Living Room – with floor-to-ceiling windows and a library.
- Nordic Balcony – a first for polar expedition vessels, staterooms feature a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf to stabilize binoculars or a camera.
- Expedition Ship Suites – include Nordic Junior Suites and Explorer Suites similar to those on Viking's ocean ships. Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. The Owner's Suite has three rooms, a private deck and a traditional Norwegian badestamp.
- Environmentally Considerate – Viking's expedition ships have set a new standard for responsible travel with an energy-efficient design exceeding the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements by nearly 38 percent, and more.
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