Viking has released its 2022-2024 Expeditions brochure exploring some of the world’s most pristine and remote regions on their new state-of-the expedition vessels Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. The brochure features new 2024 departure dates and several new itineraries, including a 19-day Antarctica & South Georgia Island voyage, two Longitudinal World Cruises, and five grand journeys exploring the coastlines of North, South and Central America.
Sailing from October 2023, guests on the 19-day Antarctica & South Georgia Island voyage will follow in the wake of great explorers such as Sir Ernest Shackleton and Captain James Cook as they explore the untamed beauty of Antarctica and the rugged landscapes of South Georgia – one of the least visited places on earth. With Viking’s variety of included expedition experiences, guests can participate in a range of excursions led by an experienced Expedition Team including kayaking among glaciers, landings to witness remarkable wildlife including king penguins and seals and getting up close and personal with rugged landscapes and unique ecosystems for a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Priced from $27,995pp, twin share including savings of up to $2,000 per couple*.
Viking’s Grand Journeys bring a unique perspective to expedition cruising exploring the northern wilderness of North America’s Great Lakes and the Caribbean to Patagonia, the Chilean Fjords and Antarctica. Or guests can incorporate all these fascinating destinations on one ultimate Longitudinal World Cruise.
New Grand Journey highlights include:
- 15-day Chilean Fjords & Patagonia Explorer from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Discover the rugged and untamed natural beauty of Patagonia. Admire soaring peaks and towering ice shelves as you navigate the iceberg-crowded channels of the Chilean fjords. Follow your team of onboard experts for an up-close encounter with blue-tinged glaciers and gain insight into Patagonian life in Tortel and Castro. Priced from $15,995 per person in a Nordic Balcony stateroom. Includes savings of up to $2,000 per couple*.
- 18-day Panama & Scenic South America from Ft. Lauderdale to Santiago or v.v. Discover the secrets of ancient civilizations of the Yucatán Peninsula and transit between two oceans through the famous Panama Canal. Immerse yourself in lively Lima and enjoy the charms of Iquique, nested between the Atacama Desert and the Pacific. Priced from $13,995 per person in a Nordic Balcony stateroom. Includes savings of up to $2,000 per couple*.
- 47-day Patagonia to Canada Grand Explorer from Buenos Aires to Toronto. Experience the breadth of the Americas on a memorable voyage from its southern tip to its northern climes. Marvel at soaring peaks, towering ice shelves and blue-tinged glaciers as you navigate the channels of the Chilean fjords. Transit the famous Panama Canal, explore the unspoiled Canadian wilderness along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Priced from $39,990 per person in a Nordic Balcony stateroom. Includes savings of up to $4,000 per couple*.
- 65-day Longitudinal World Cruise I from Ushuaia to Milwaukee. Embark on a grand voyage across the Americas sailing from “the end of the world” to the Great Lakes. Experience epic wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. Immerse yourself in nature through the scenic Chilean fjords and hail the wonders of the Panama Canal. Navigate the locks of the Great Lakes and call at iconic towns and cities along the largest freshwater system in the world. Priced from $61,995 per person in a Nordic Balcony stateroom. Includes savings of up to $2,000 per couple*.
- 71-day Longitudinal World Cruise II from Duluth to Ushuaia. Join Viking Polaris on a grand voyage spanning the waterways and oceans of the New World and Antarctica. Admire the natural beauty of the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritimes and the glaciers and fjords of Chile. Transit engineering marvels such as the Soo Locks, St. Lawrence Seaway and Panama Canal. Priced from $68,995 per person in a Nordic Balcony stateroom. Includes savings of up to $2,000 per couple*.
Michelle Black, Managing Director Viking ANZ, said with the completion of Viking Expeditions first Antarctic season and the start of the inaugural Great Lakes season Viking are delighted to expand the Antarctic program and introduce a range of new South American itineraries based on customer feedback.
“The introduction of South Georgia Island to our Antarctic program is something our guests have been asking for, so we are excited to provide them with an opportunity to visit this remote island paradise teeming with wildlife. While our Grand Journey expeditions offer guests a new way to explore the best of North and South America’s coastlines,” she said.
Viking Expedition Ships
The new Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. The vessels are purpose-built for expeditions, at an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. Highlights include:
- The Aula: A stunning panoramic auditorium used for lectures, daily briefings, documentaries and films, this spectacular venue features a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts to expose floor-to-ceiling windows and 270° views.
- Finse Terrace: An outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed, heated seating and lava rock “firepits,” the Finse Terrace was designed to allow guests the comforts of the ship al fresco while enjoying 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 while sheltered from the elements.
- The Bow: An important forward-viewing platform. And in the case of inclement weather, The Shelter is a comfortable, partially enclosed space for guests to warm up with a hot drink before going back out into the elements.
- The Science Lab: Developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-Niva, The Science Lab, is designed to support a broad range of research activities. Guests have supervised access to learn from and participate with scientists in undertaking meaningful research.
- Dining Choices: The Restaurant offers fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics; the casual World Café offers an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors; Mamsen’s, named for the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare; and Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine.
- The Nordic Spa: Following a day of exploration, The Nordic Spa offers guests opportunities to experience the ultimate healthy Nordic traditions, with an indoor heated pool and a badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) that is open to the outside.
- Explorers’ Lounge: Located high on the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Explorers’ Lounge provides guests an ideal space to take in the magnificent scenery, share discoveries with fellow travellers or to enjoy a drink.
- The Living Room: On Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, The Living Room is located to maximize views of the surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows and a library that informs even the best-read explorers.
- Nordic Balcony: A first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms on board Viking’s expedition ships feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera.
- Enrichment On Board and On Shore: Viking has created the world’s leading scientific enrichment environment in an expedition setting. Thirty-six experts accompany each journey as part of the Viking Expedition Team, including an Expedition Leader and support staff, photographer, field research scientists, general naturalists, mountain guides, kayak guides, submarine pilots and specialists (ornithology, geology, higher predator biology and history). On board, guests will enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about their destination. On shore, they can assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities during landings—such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns; accompanying scientists to collect samples; or taking their cameras ashore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes.
Viking’s 2022-2024 Expeditions brochure is out now and available to order through TIFS.
For additional information, contact Viking at 138 747 (Australia) or visit viking.com
