First, we invented modern river cruising. Then, we redefined ocean cruising.

Now, experience all the comfort and elegance of our award-winning fleet with an expedition ship built specifically to explore the world’s most remote destinations and allow you to immerse yourself in these regions.

Welcome to Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, your Polar Class 6 expedition ships.

We have applied years of expertise to create the perfect expedition experience. The result is two new state-of-the-art ships carefully designed and sized for expeditions: small enough to navigate remote areas, yet large enough to provide speed, superior handling and stability. Our vessels merge comfort and exploration in an unprecedented way.

Viking expeditions offer world-class on board viewing and immersive shore excursions and capabilities unlike any other expedition line today. With floor to ceiling windows throughout the ship, an internal marina to ensure maximum comfort and accessibility and the standard Viking inclusions to optimise your journey.

Built for exploration in sensitive environments, our ships meet the most stringent standards. We designed these vessels with a suite of sensors to collect oceanographic data, our operations are fully compliant with all polar organisation guidelines, and we employ state-of-the-art biosecurity.

Explore the capabilities and features of our ships in the sections below and view our website for an in depth view of the entire vessel.

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Accommodation

Viking Expedition Cruises

Every room is a viewing platform. Bringing each destination closer to you.

State-of-the-art Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris don’t possess viewing platforms – because the ships are viewing platforms in and of themselves. Inspired by the architecture and design of Norway’s bird hides and harnessing the Norwegian reverence for light, every room is an observation room thanks to floor-to-ceiling, windows throughout the ship. And with more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than any other expedition vessel, guests will feel like they are fully immersed in the most incredible sceneries on Earth.

The panoramic views continue into your stateroom thanks to the innovative Viking Nordic Balcony you’ll find in every stateroom. Also featuring floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass, the Nordic Balcony takes you to the very edge of the ship to take in the views while keeping the elements out. No veranda impeding your view, no intrusion on your elegant living space. And should you wish to feel even closer to nature, the top of your glass balcony lowers to transform your stateroom into a sheltered al fresco lookout.

If your idea of a perfect expedition voyage is admiring spectacular landscapes from the warmth and comfort of the ship – then Viking Expeditions is for you. You’ll be so immersed in your destination that you could never leave the ship and still feel like you’ve stepped foot on land or ice.

When you are ready for discovery, you’ll love your stateroom’s drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store all your Viking Expedition Excursion Gear. Only Viking ensures suiting up is always a pleasant and comfortable experience.

From the moment you step foot on board, you’ll discover a distinctly Viking experience. You’ll enjoy the serenity, warmth and elegance of their much-loved ocean and river ships, while offering a host of new innovative features purpose-designed for world-class expeditions, The Viking Way.

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Dining

Viking Expedition Cruises

Viking think big when it comes to expedition dining.

Not only do they offer six dining options on board – but they are all included in your cruise fare. With three restaurants, a Norwegian deli, private dining rooms and elegant bars to choose from, there’s plenty of exciting culinary variety both indoors and out, every day of your Viking voyage.

Viking believe that food is one of the most important parts of every journey, so they make sure to take your tastebuds travelling when you’re on board too. Their talented chefs are dedicated to creating unique dishes that reflect the destinations you are visiting, incorporating fresh ingredients and inspirational menus.

The main dining venue, The Restaurant, features the widest menu choice on board, presenting fine cuisine amid a chic setting with sweeping views that make every meal all the more memorable. For something different, their alternative restaurants shine a spotlight on exciting regional specialties, while still catering to those western classic cravings.

Enjoy freshly prepared pasta and Chianti by the carafe at Manfredi’s; international fare at the World Café; a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings with The Chef’s Table; gourmet burgers at the Pool Grill and afternoon tea and scones at the Wintergarden.

In a nod to Viking’s heritage, their expedition ships even feature a traditional Norwegian deli, where you can enjoy delicious, light meals based on Torstein Hagen’s mother’s own recipes.

Or enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate or ship-matured aquavit and relax with new friends in the Viking inspired Aquavit Bar, a light-filled space ideal for taking in the stunning beauty that surrounds you.

With so many options to taste, sip and swirl onboard, there is something to please every palate.

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On board activities

Viking Expedition Cruises

Viking have raised the bar when it comes to their custom-built expedition ships, and their on board facilities are no different.

As The Thinking Person’s Expedition, it is important for Viking to support research efforts and new scientific discoveries, and they have designed their expeditions to enable authentic science at all stages of the journey. Partnering with the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, their team of esteemed onboard polar experts, researchers and scientists will undertake fieldwork during voyages and work in a first-of-its-kind onboard scientific laboratory. Encouraging guests to participate in collaborative science activities and fieldwork and giving you a level of onboard education and enrichment never-before seen on a cruise ship.

On board you’ll also find the world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea, The Aula is a stunning panoramic al fresco auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. Used for lectures, daily briefings, and films, this unique space features an 8k laser-projected panoramic screen which can retract to expose floor-to ceiling windows and 270° views.

The Aula’s large bottom windows of the stage wall slide open, providing al fresco access to the Finse Terrace and an indoor-outdoor experience with nature taking center stage. Named after the village high on the mountain plateau of Hardangervidda, Norway, the Finse Terrace presents you will find an outdoor paradise with comfortable seating and two heated lava stone “firepits” to keep you warm as you watch the stunning scenery around you.

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Spa & wellness

Viking Expedition Cruises

On a Viking Expedition you’ll discover adventure and comfort aren’t mutually exclusive.

You deserve to be pampered even in the remote corners of the planet, and Viking make this easier than ever on their expedition ships by offering all guests complimentary access to the LivNordic spa facilities.

The stylishly designed, peaceful onboard spa draws upon the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavian culture – a lifestyle rooted in finding synergy between physical, mental, emotional and social being. At the LivNordic spa you can give your mind, body and spirit what it needs, at any time throughout your voyage.

Wade in the calming hydrotherapy pool, detoxify in the steam room or meditate on the heated beds. If you feel like working up a sweat, embrace the true spirit of the vikings with the centuries-old Nordic bathing ritual of hot-cold therapy to detoxify the body, relax tired muscles and boost circulation.

Viking Expeditions vessel also feature a unique trio of pools to enjoy at your leisure, each at different temperatures with an indoor-outdoor pass-through swimming experience. The heated main pool is a calming oasis in any weather, protected by a retractable roof for year-round use.

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