Viking, known for its river cruises and ocean cruises, has recently entered the expedition cruise market with the launch of Viking Octantis. Viking Octantis, and the soon to debut Viking Polaris, are 30K gross ton vessels accommodating up to 378 passengers. These polar class 6 vessels offer many signature Viking experiences along with a few industry firsts. If you are looking for an active cruise vacation while visiting some of the less traveled cruise destinations, look no further than Viking. In this post, we give you our top 7 reasons that you should book a Viking Expedition Cruise.
Why You Should Book a Viking Expedition Cruise
Bucket List Itineraries
With more and more locations now accessible by cruise ship, your options for a cruise vacation keep growing. Given the size and design of Viking’s new expedition ships, these vessels can transport you to locales that other cruise lines can’t. So, one of the top reasons you should book a Viking expedition cruise is for the bucket list itineraries.
On the top of many travelers’ bucket lists is the seventh continent. That’s right, cruise ships actually visit Antarctica. Viking’s Antarctic Explorer itinerary is a 13-day voyage from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina. This itinerary sails the Drake Passage and gives you plenty of time to explore Antarctica up close. From fur seals to penguins and whales to magnificent glaciers, you can witness all this and more.
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During the summer season, travelers can explore the Great Lakes on a Viking expedition cruise. The Great Lakes Explorer itinerary is an 8-day voyage from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Ontario, Canada. This itinerary, along with a few other variations, give guests the chance to explore all 5 Great Lakes.
Viking expedition cruises also visit destinations in the Arctic, South America, and more.
One of a Kind Activities
In order to provide a true luxurious expedition experience, Viking expedition cruises offers the Hangar. This space is equipped with a slipway that allows guests to board excursion crafts from a flat, stable surface inside the ship.
This unique marina also features some of the most high-tech equipment that you will find at sea. Along with dozens of kayaks and zodiac boats, Viking proudly features two military grade special operation boats and two submarines. These vessels will get you more up-close and personal with your destinations than any other cruise line.
The 12-person special operation boats offer speed and maneuverability for touring the most remote destinations. The 6-person submarines, with revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows, offer breathtaking undersea views. These one of a kind activities offer perhaps the most unique experiences that you will find on a cruise. The best part is that these activities are complimentary; though, availability is limited.
We were able to test out the special operations boat and submarine during our Caribbean sailing, and all we can say is wow! We can only imagine what it would be like to explore Antarctica onboard either vessel.
Spacious Accommodations
Viking expedition cruises offer a variety of spacious accommodations with Scandinavian design and true understated elegance. Depending on your price point, Nordic balconies and Deluxe Nordic balconies (222 square feet) are the most modestly priced. There are also a variety of suites ranging from the Nordic Junior suite (322 square feet) all the way up to the Owner’s Suite at a whopping 1,223 square feet.
We stayed in a Nordic Junior suite during our sailing, and the cabin was the ideal accommodations. The bed was comfortable, and the suite itself was spacious. We particularly liked the upgraded bathroom complete with double sinks, heated floors, and a heated towel rack. The abundance of closet space was also ideal, as was the drying closet which would certainly come in handy for expedition excursions.
Further, the large seating area and Nordic balcony provide the perfect viewing location, especially in those polar regions. It allows you to admire your destinations while still enjoying the comfort and warmth of the cabin.
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Unique Onboard Spaces
Along with the innovative Hangar, spacious accommodations, and bucket list itineraries, Viking expedition cruise ships also offer a number of unique onboard spaces. Probably the most impressive of these spaces is the multi-purpose theater, the Aula, along with the adjacent Finse Terrace.
Located deck 2 aft, The Aula is a stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s ceremonial hall. This unique venue features retractable screens that expose 270 degree floor to ceiling windows. This allows the Aula to transform seamlessly from a presentation theater, to an art gallery featuring Munch works, to a beautiful indoor viewing area overlooking the Finse Terrace.
The Finse Terrace is an outdoor space with sunken seating, outward facing aft views, and even lava rock “fire-pits”. Named after the Finse Plateau in Norway, where some of the greatest explorers did their expedition training, this al fresco lounge area is a great spot to relax and take in the scenery.
The Hide is another unique space onboard Viking expedition cruise ships. Tucked away all the way forward on deck 1 is this rather hidden venue. The Hide has an early 20th century vibe and feels akin to a speakeasy, serving up aperitifs like the signature Viking aquavit. It seems right at home being at the lowest deck of this expedition ship.
Variety of Dining Options
While Viking expedition ships are only 30K gross tons, these vessels pack a variety of dining options. The largest venue is the World Café, better known as the cruise ship’s buffet. This is not just your ordinary buffet though. The World Café features a sushi and seafood bar on the portside of the ship, as well as the Grill on the starboard side. For dinner, the Grill serves made to order steaks, lobster tail, and a variety of other seafood and chops selections.
If you are looking for a more traditional dining experience, Viking expedition ships still offer that too. At the Restaurant, guests can indulge in a 3-course meal from a rotating menu with upscale selections like salmon, lobster, and filet mignon. Just be sure to make reservations for this venue.
Viking expedition cruises also feature a signature “specialty” restaurant. Unlike other cruise lines, this alternative venue is included in the cruise fare. Manfredi’s features a variety of Italian classics like the popular Bistecca Fiorentina, along with homemade pasta, tiramisu, and even complimentary limoncello.
Finally, there is Mamsen’s, Viking’s traditional Scandinavian deli. This venue serves up Norwegian specialties like open-faced sandwiches, signature waffles, and pea soup.
Plenty of Educational Opportunities
While Viking expedition cruises offer plenty of time to explore your destinations on carefully curated tours and excursions, there are also plenty of educational opportunities onboard the ships.
Perhaps the most unique learning experience can be had in the Science Lab. Developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge, this space allows onboard scientists to conduct meaningful research and encourages guest interaction.
As a “ship of opportunity”, these expedition vessels are in the unique position to collect longitudinal data regarding the conditions of the ocean surrounding Antarctica. Then, they can train guests to help in identifying microplastics as part of this primary research.
Further, Viking Octantis, in partnership with NOAA, is also a registered weather balloon launch station. While onboard, guests can witness weather balloon launches and learn about the data collected.
Of course, these expedition vessels offer a number of lectures, port talks, and documentaries throughout the cruise as well for the curious travelers.
Distinctly Viking
If all the unique onboard features and activities aren’t reason enough that you should book a Viking expedition cruise, then past Viking guests will certainly appreciate that these expedition cruises are still distinctly Viking.
Viking expedition vessels expertly blend elements from both the river cruise and ocean cruise experience. With the same simplistic Scandinavian design and understated elegance found throughout the ship, there are a number of familiar spaces. From the Explorers’ Lounge with forward-facing views to the Aquavit Terrace with both indoor and outdoor spaces, there are many comfortable public spaces to relax day or night.
Not to mention, there is the luxurious Nordic Spa thermal suite that is complimentary to all guests. Here, you can enjoy the hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, snow room, heated stone loungers, and more throughout the day.
In our opinion, Viking expedition cruises have succeeded in delivering a one of a kind thinking person’s cruise to some of the most remote locations across the globe. With the ships providing an elegant home away from home, you can truly explore the world in comfort with Viking expedition cruises.
Comments
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