10 Things to Know About Viking's New Expedition Ships

Viking Cruises is charting new territory yet again. The Norway-based river and ocean cruise line — which launched in 1997 and now has an annual revenue of $3 billion — announced this week that it will introduce two new purpose-built expedition vessels that are suitable for both river and ocean sailing. Named for the stars Polaris (the north star) and Sigma Octantis (the south star), they will sail to “the ends of the earth and closer to home.” Translation: Antarctica, the Arctic, a multi-week repositioning journey, and a series of Great Lakes and Canada explorations here in North America. 

In Los Angeles on Wednesday night, Viking founder and chairman Torstein Hagen said the company’s mission is to “perfect expedition voyages” and that the new ships and itineraries will offer an array of innovative amenities and experiences. Here are 10 things to know about Viking’s new expeditions program.

1. Viking Expeditions launches in January, 2022 — but the first six inaugural Antarctica itineraries have already sold out. The journeys were offered to past Viking guests and were completely booked within a month. Right now, there are two Antarctica and South America itineraries available in 2022: an 18-night Antarctic and South America Discovery cruise from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro in March, and the 12-night Antarctica Explorer that sails from Buenos Aires in November.

2. The ships — Viking Octantis to be launched in early 2022, and Viking Polaris to debut in August 2022 — are long, sleek, and will feature all the usual Viking onboard amenities. As with all Viking sailings, passengers must be 18 years of age or older to sail. The ships, which are being built in Norway by Fincantieri, will feature the familiar Aquavit Terrace and pools at the stern; a two-deck, glass-walled Explorer’s Lounge in the bow; and a Nordic spa and fitness center with a thermal suite. Both polar class 6 ships will be 30,150 gross tons and carry 378 passengers.

3. The expedition ships also feature some very cool first-of-their-kind amenities. Key to the comfort of passengers embarking on expeditions will be The Hangar. This enclosed marina inside the ship will include an 85-foot slipway that will allow passengers to board RIBs (12-passenger rigid inflatable boats) from a stable interior platform rather than outside the ship amidst the wind and waves. Equally important are the planned U-tank stabilizers, which will reduce rolling by up to 50 percent when the ships are stationary.