Viking Octantis
“Viking's first expedition ship — Antarctica in the southern summer, the Great Lakes and Arctic in the north.”
Viking Octantis entered service in 2022 as Viking's first expedition ship, built by Fincantieri's VARD yard in Romania and Norway. She carries 378 guests in 189 staterooms and sails Antarctica during the southern summer, then moves to the Great Lakes and Arctic for the northern summer. Her features include the Hangar, an aft bay housing Zodiacs, kayaks and two yellow Cruise Sub 7-300 submarines named John and George; a science laboratory working with NOAA and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology; and the Aula, a two-deck auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo's ceremonial hall.
Two yellow submarines named John and George, a science lab that is the first civilian ship sanctioned as a weather-balloon launch site, and a two-deck auditorium.
What’s Onboard
Dining
- ✓The Restaurant — main dining room
- ✓World Café casual dining
- ✓Manfredi's Italian restaurant
- ✓Mamsen's Norwegian deli
- ✓A private dining room
- ✓Included dining venues with no cover charges
Pools & Recreation
- ✓The Hangar — expedition equipment bay with Zodiacs and kayaks
- ✓Cruise Sub 7-300 yellow submarines named John and George
- ✓Infinity Pool and Nordic Spa
- ✓Fitness center
- ✓Outdoor observation decks
- ✓Expedition landings with Zodiacs
Entertainment
- ✓The Aula — a two-deck auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo ceremonial hall
- ✓Science Laboratory with NOAA and Cornell Lab of Ornithology partnerships
- ✓Weather balloon launches (first civilian ship sanctioned as a launch site)
- ✓Expedition team lectures and enrichment
- ✓Explorers' Lounge and observation lounges
- ✓No casino, by design
Cabins
- ✓189 staterooms, all with private balconies
- ✓Nordic Balcony staterooms
- ✓Explorer Suites and Owner's Suites
- ✓Scandinavian-style design
- ✓Accessible staterooms
Family & Kids
- ✓Adults only — guests must be 18 or older
- ✓No children's clubs
- ✓Small ship with a quiet atmosphere
- ✓No casino
- ✓Expedition focus instead of kids' programs
Video Tour
Viking Octantis — Full Ship Walkthrough Tour and Review
- ✦Adults wanting polar and Great Lakes expedition cruising
- ✦Travelers interested in science and wildlife
- ✦Antarctica-bound explorers wanting a purpose-built ship
- ✦Cruisers who like small ships
Families with children (guests must be 18 or older) and travelers wanting a classic multi-pool, casino-and-show cruise.
Expedition voyages cost considerably more than ocean sailings — check Viking for current fares