Viking has marked the launch of its highly-anticipated expeditions as the new purpose-built Viking Octantis started its first Antarctic season last month.
The launch of Viking Expeditions is a significant milestone as the company begins its 25th anniversary year; by the end of the year, Viking will have welcomed a second identical expedition ship, as well as two new ocean ships, new Viking Longships in Europe and new purpose-built vessels for the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi rivers.
Subscribe to LATTE’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.
“When we started Viking 25 years ago, we wanted to do things differently – and since then, our mission has resonated with curious travellers. 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.
“Antarctica has always inspired the most intrepid explorers; for many, visiting the White Continent is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With the arrival of the Viking Octantis, we are offering our guests the opportunity to explore this unique part of the world in comfort and in the most responsible way possible.”
Viking Octantis will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, before travelling north to be named in April 2022 in New York City by her ceremonial godmother, Liv Arnesen, the world-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 aboard 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 her way to the Great Lakes region, for a series of voyages throughout the spring and summer. A second, identical sister ship, Viking Polaris, will join the fleet later in 2022.
The new Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. Learn more about the ships at vikingcruises.com.au/expeditions.