Viking has begun expedition cruises to Antarctica with its new ship, Viking Octantis, sailing its first season in the region. The launch of the new ship is a milestone as the company begins its 25th anniversary year; and by the end of the year, Viking will have welcomed a second identical expedition ship, as well as two new identical ocean ships, new Viking Longships in Europe and new purpose-built vessels for the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi rivers.
“When we started Viking 25 years ago, we wanted to do things differently—and since then, our mission has resonated with curious travelers. This week alone our guests are enjoying voyages north of the Arctic Circle and south to the Antarctic Peninsula—as well as to many great destinations in between,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.
Viking Octantis will spend the remainder of the season in Antarctica, before traveling north to be named in APR 2022 in New York City by ceremonial godmother, Liv Arnesen, renowned Norwegian explorer and educator. Arnesen became the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 1994. She sailed on board the Viking Octantis for the ship’s first two expeditions to Antarctica.
Following the ship’s naming in New York City, the Viking Octantis will make its way to the Great Lakes region, for a series of voyages throughout the spring and summer. A second, identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris, will join the fleet later in 2022.
The new Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms, featuring amenities such as The Explorers’ Lounge, The Living Room, Mamsen’s, Manfredi’s, the World Café, The Restaurant and The Nordic Spa.
For more information on Viking, visit its web site.
