December 11, 2024 — The experience of visiting Antarctica is so remarkable that most get to do it only once—making your selection of vessel a precious one. Aboard the sleek Viking Octantis, the goal is to get you as close to the continent’s most striking landscapes as possible, without the discomfort one might assume is standard for traversing this unforgiving destination.
November 18, 2024 — When Brandi Revels joined Viking in 2021 as one of the cruise line’s Chief Scientists, she hadn’t really considered what it would mean to live for months at a time on an expedition vessel—she was just enchanted by the research opportunities, educational outreach, and undeniable lure of traveling to some of the farthest reaches of earth. In her role with Viking, she navigates itineraries throughout Antarctica and the Great Lakes, and, in 2025, the Arctic, joining guests for shore excursions and landings, overseeing field research and leading experiments such as the NOAA weather balloon launch, and delivering lectures on everything from geology to paleoclimatology.
November 7, 2024 — In 2024, the former PCR labs aboard Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, as well as the PCR technology itself, were converted into facilities for real-time environmental DNA sequencing: a method that allows scientists to create a full picture of an ecosystem, identifying organisms living there or passing through using just a small sample.
October 2, 2024 — The impact of these programs is evident. In January 2023, Viking published its first scientific paper detailing its expedition team's encounters with the rare giant phantom jellyfish in Antarctica—spotted during submersible dives with guests. In January 2024, the first aerial survey of Antarctica's Astrolabe Island in 40 years, executed on board Viking Octantis in partnership with research watch group Oceanites, revealed a new chinstrap penguin colony on nearby Diaz Rock. Call it an experience worth traveling for.
September 16, 2024 — Drawn to Antarctica again, I chose Viking Polaris as my home base in the Southern Ocean. And while the ship might not offer passengers a true polar plunge, it has the next best thing: a traditional Nordic spa with floor-to-ceiling windows, connecting you with the vast landscapes of the White Continent while you luxuriate. Bliss. I found myself there regularly, cycling through the sauna, ice-cold bucket shower, steam room, and snow grotto—with a little relaxation in the warming cave or the hydrotherapy pool for good measure. But it was the badestamp that stole my heart, lingering in my mind long after I returned home.
September 10, 2024 — Viking’s scientific enrichment program enables a team of working scientists and experts, including ornithologists and glaciologists, to conduct research with guests. Passengers ride in submarines to look for deep-water ocean life or dutifully note the birds they spot while sitting out on the Finse Terrace. For this secretly science-mad citizen, filtering water samples for microplastics in a lab coat was a winning combo of feeling good and doing good. Nothing nerdy about that.
August 25, 2024 — Viking's two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, carry a maximum of 378 passengers, so they fall into the medium-size category. As such, landings are generally limited to one site per day, which creates a more laid-back Antarctica experience — there's plenty of time to enjoy the out-of-this-world spa (my favorite feature is the open-air badestamp, a wooden hot tub) as well as hands-on science demonstrations. But there's a lot to do off the ships, too, as they carry quite a few toys: notably, submersibles.
August 22, 2024 — Viking Holdings Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen joins ‘Mad Money’ host Jim Cramer to talk quarterly results, affordability and pricing, and more.
August 20, 2024 — At The Science Lab, developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-niva aquatic research and development institute, guests can learn and participate in research. A weather balloon launch took place during our voyage and guests were invited to watch the event and the incoming live data. Lectures and films in the ship’s theater also brought the region of the lovely Great Lakes to life as Viking Polaris sailed along its mighty waters.
July 15, 2024 — On a recent trip to Antarctica aboard Viking Polaris, I not only discovered the multidimensional allure of the ice — but I also realized that you don’t have to sacrifice amenities for adventure. That’s thanks in large part to Polaris, which was launched in 2022. One of two identical expedition ships from Viking, this 378-passenger vessel has much in common with the nine ocean and 90 river ships of the brand that’s a favorite of Travel + Leisure readers. Aboard this newly constructed expedition ship, the décor is an elegant interpretation of modern Scandinavian style and there are no inside cabins, a particularly important consideration for trips on the sometimes rocky Drake Passage.
July 9, 2024 — Topping the World’s Best Awards in the small-ship category for a second year in a row, Viking’s pair of 189-cabin expedition ships deliver expedition-style cruising with the comforts found on traditional ships. The ships winter in Antarctica, summer in the Great Lakes, and also explore South America, Greenland, and the Northwest Passage. They also do multi-month itineraries such as longitudinal world cruises. Off-ship exploration opportunities caught readers’ attention as did a science focus.
July 1, 2024 — Not so long ago, giant phantom jellyfish were an extremely rare sight, with fewer than 130 known sightings. Then tourists aboard personal submersibles started spotting them near the Antarctic Peninsula. The submersible rides were part of a Viking Expedition trip. Viking Octantis, a luxury cruise vessel, takes thousands of passengers each year through the icy waters of the Southern Ocean to glimpse penguins, seals, and other wildlife. All the majestic scenery and cruise ship amenities come with a healthy dose of science and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge Antarctic research.
June 27, 2024 — Viking takes science very seriously, and on board were a chief scientist, an ornithologist, a PhD student doing seaweed research, plus historians, geologists, and various other scientists. There were daily lectures on birds, geography, aquatic life, and history of the region. The scientific staff collected myriad samples of water (which, sadly, I was told always contains micro-plastics), phytoplankton, and various other readings that are sent back for analysis.
June 26, 2024 — Our go-to expedition cruise line just keeps getting better. Its two all-new polar-class ships explore the world's most remote destinations (think Antarctica and the Arctic Circle) in a category of comfort, luxury, and elegance that no other adventure cruise can touch.
June 25, 2024 — Whether you cruise with Viking on one of the company’s many 190-passenger river cruise vessels in Europe, on the line’s 930-passenger ocean cruise ships that sail around the world, or on one of its two 378-passenger expedition ships, you’ll be treated to a fine-tuned cruising experience geared strictly to adults. You need to be age 18 and up to get aboard to enjoy the many perks covered in the all-inclusive fares. Those perks consist of shore excursions in every port, free wine and beer, all meals (including numerous restaurant experiences and nightly seafood buffets), engaging lectures hosted by historians and other experts, and Nordic spas complete with hot sauna, steam room, and a chilly snow grotto.
June 24, 2024 — Built in 2022, Viking Polaris is a relative newcomer to expedition cruising in Antarctica, but the ship’s Scandinavian designs and comforts have mastered the art of spoiling guests. Cabins boast plush beds, picture windows that lower with the touch of a button (balconies are pointless in Antarctica) and spa-like bathrooms with large showers and heated floors. Drying closets keep wet gear out of the way while helping ensure it dries in time for the next adventure.
June 22, 2024 — Viking currently has over 60 ships in their fleet that travel all around the world. You can take an iconic Western Mediterranean trip (Barcelona to Rome), a Grand European tour (Budapest to Amsterdam) or a Great Lakes voyage (Toronto to Minnesota). While many of the ships feature pools, restaurants, a library room and theater, most travelers go for the thrilling excursions and even participate in lectures specifically found on the expedition ships (Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris) that are great for the curious scientist or animal lover.
June 10, 2024 — An example of a Viking Local Life experience is learning about the important trade route of the Indigenous Anishinaabe people in Canada’s Georgian Bay. Meanwhile, a Working World experience may involve joining a regional fisherman in Thunder Bay, Canada, and cooking a fresh catch. And the line’s Privileged Access experiences extend to exclusive shore excursions, such as afternoon tea at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel in Michigan. For those wishing to at least dip a toe in more adventurous waters, the above activities are in addition to Viking’s typical expeditionary offerings, which include Zodiac rides to help the expedition team scientists study phytoplankton as it relates to the lakes’ ecosystem; or, in Canada, kayaking in Silver Islet or sub diving in Fathom Five National Marine Park.
May 29, 2024 — I just returned from a week-long voyage on Viking Octantis and looked inside to see what makes this vessel so incredibly unique. As the first expedition ship I sailed on, I was very impressed with its overall design and how it easily blended relaxation and adventure into its onboard elements. Equally impressive is the educational opportunities to learn from the expedition and scientific staff.
May 24, 2024 — Viking has revealed its latest scientific advancement on board Viking Octantis by adding real-time environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing of phytoplankton. With scientific support from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute, the PCR lab on board Viking Octantis has been home to scientists contributing to the Genomics at Sea Programme — monitoring the environmental impact on phytoplankton without the need to transport samples to a distant shoreside facility.
May 3, 2024 — The attentive service, elegant accommodations, and delightful culinary offerings onboard the Viking Polaris ensured that every moment of the expedition was imbued with a sense of luxury and refinement. Yet it was the ship's ability to deliver us to the very edges of the untouched wilderness, to facilitate profound connections with the natural world, that made this journey truly extraordinary. When I disembarked the Viking Polaris, I carried with me more than just photographs. I carried a renewed sense of wonder, a deeper appreciation for our planet's most remote and pristine environments, and an unshakeable commitment to their preservation. For an expedition to the Antarctic is not just a journey to the end of the world; it is a journey to the very heart of what makes our world worth saving.
April 8, 2024 — Viking Octantis is a destination unto itself, evoking a sense of intimacy and understated elegance with a neutral colour palette and contemporary Scandinavian design. Think: lichen displays, giant felt birds, cozy leather armchairs and fur throws, and bird songs playing in the bathrooms. Octantis has ceiling-to-floor glass windows in the common spaces and 189 double-occupancy staterooms, all with retractable windows which open from the top down to watch the passing scenery.
March 25, 2024 — Viking might be inspired by Nordic sailors of yore, who explored the world in their bare-bones longships — or the rugged 20th-century explorers whose portraits line the walls of the ship — but Viking Polaris' creature comforts would make all those hardy men and women rethink their travel choices. You won't regret yours if you choose to make this gorgeous little ship your home base for vacation adventure.
March 24, 2024 — The 378-passenger expedition-style cruise ship — from every "Downton Abbey"-loving baby boomer's favorite ocean/river/expedition cruise line Viking — is like the Goldilocks of the South Pole. It's not so big that it can't let guests disembark onto Antarctica's snow-covered shores, nor is it so small that it can't offer creature comforts like spacious cabins, multiple dining venues and that expansive spa. Its interior spaces are well designed, friendly and inviting, while its rugged exterior and ice-strengthened hull enable it to cruise the icy seas at the ends of the earth. In essence, it's "just right."
March 21, 2024 — The Polar Class Viking Octantis features 189 staterooms and holds 387 passengers, so you'll never feel crowded onboard. Many ways to unwind include sitting in the Explorers' Lounge, with its amazing views over the lake, and hitting the pool, sauna, or steam room at the Nordic Spa. The luxurious staterooms offer all the comforts of home, from luxury linens to a large flat-screen TV, plus a floor-to-ceiling heated drying closet and 24-hour complimentary room service.
March 20, 2024 — For active, curious travelers who want to see the world and have perspective-altering experiences, it’s hard to beat Viking. “On the Antarctic Explorer, I set my feet on two continents and had daily experiences that were challenging both mentally and physically—it was definitely a leap for a lot of us to get on a tiny zodiac in choppy waters, go kayaking with icebergs, and walk on shores with shipwrecks and whale bones from the previous century,” says Women’s Health Managing Editor Laura McLaughlin.
March 13, 2024 — While that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to go on a cruise, it does mean that travelers should consider all the factors that go into creating their dream cruise vacation, and consider ways they can create a more positive impact. One easy way to do that is by selecting cruise lines that have scientific partners or research teams on board. That ensures at least some of your travel funds are going to a good cause, and may lead to more discoveries like the one made by Viking and Oceanites.
February 29, 2024 — While many Antarctica cruises can add up to two weeks duration, Viking Cruises offers a 13-day itinerary that’s ideal for a post-wedding extravaganza. The round-trip sailing from Ushuaia provides ample time to cuddle up with your new partner as you prepare for the experience of a lifetime. Days are scheduled around excursions like kayaking through cerulean-frosted icebergs, visiting penguin colonies, and zipping into inlets via zodiac for a better view of seals and animated ice formations; yet, still leaves plenty of time for curling up in the Explorers’ Lounge with your favorite cocktail or dipping in the heated pools at the spa or the aft of the ship.
February 9, 2024 — More evidence that expedition trips are growing in popularity: industry leader Viking jumped into the market in 2022 with sister ships Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Each accommodates 378 guests in 189 staterooms. After their first full year of voyages, the line was voted #1 for expeditions by both Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. They currently sail in Antarctica and the Great Lakes, and will begin voyages in the Arctic in 2025.
February 2, 2024 — Under the new itinerary, the Octantis was now bound for Astrolabe Island, a three-mile-wide volcanic mass lying in the Bransfield Strait, with a colony of chinstrap penguins that had not been surveyed since 1987.
December 27, 2023 — It was my first day aboard the 378-passenger Viking Polaris — Viking Cruises’ second expedition ship launched in September 2022 — on a 10-day sailing to Antarctica. I was on Deck A in the embarkation wing clearing my outerwear with Viking’s biosecurity, a measure in place due to the destination’s fragile environment. This is when I realized how Viking’s attention to detail exceeded the elements of its luxurious standard to the practical details and committed responsibilities as a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.
December 12, 2023 — Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting landscapes, awe-inspiring wildlife, and rich cultures that span from the ice fjords of the Arctic to the pristine wilderness of Antarctica. This remarkable journey invites you to witness the world’s most stunning vistas, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Embark on a mesmerising adventure that begins with the rugged beauty of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Traverse the scenic Canadian Maritimes, where nature unfolds in all its splendour. Sail along the storied St. Lawrence Seaway and explore historic cities along the enchanting East Coast, immersing yourself in a tapestry of diverse cultures.
December 9, 2023 — Viking has come a long way since it began sailing on the waterways of Russia in 1997. Today the adults-only Norwegian-owned line operates ships of varying sizes on rivers, lakes and oceans around the world and owns the largest fleet of river ships in Europe. Nordic-inspired décor and serene, light-filled spaces are a hallmark of Viking ships and have given it one of the strongest brand identities in the business.
November 28, 2023 — Viking announced its return to Antarctica for a third season of voyages on its sister ships the Viking Octanis and Viking Polaris. Both vessels will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, before returning to North America's Great Lakes for voyages throughout the spring, summer and early fall.
October 3, 2023 — A Viking cruise puts the magic of your destination at center stage, while ensuring your comfort and enrichment at every turn. It’s no surprise that Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Viking to the top of the River, Ocean, and Expedition cruise categories in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards—the first time a travel company has been voted number one across these three categories simultaneously.
October 3, 2023 — When Viking was founded in 1997, it focused solely on river cruising in Europe. It soon expanded its operations to other rivers around the world, followed by the oceans in 2013. The expedition branch of the company, however, was only launched in 2020—the first ship, Viking Octantis, is a 378-passenger vessel that made her debut in early 2022. Her sister, Viking Polaris, made her inaugural voyage later in the year.
October 1, 2023 — I boarded the 378-passenger Viking Polaris a skeptical but game cruiser. I've always loved planning my own activities when I travel, and here I'd have less control over my day-to-day. Fortunately, I found I enjoyed the freedom to sip Baileys in the outdoor hot tub or swing by the spa's steam room, cold bucket shower, and sauna.
September 13, 2023 — Despite my travels, I’ve never considered myself a cruiser but more of a rugged sailing type who would rather spend a week barefoot on a boat. This sentiment changed in short order upon experiencing the Polaris, which feels like a luxury boutique hotel on water. The decor gives off Scandinavian chic vibes, the food rivals a Michelin-starred restaurant and the service is absolutely extraordinary.
September 7, 2023 — The allure of the Great Lakes in autumn is undeniable. As the leaves begin to shift from green to shades of gold and red, the lakes stand as vast, tranquil mirrors reflecting the changing season. This year, I decided to immerse myself in this spectacle, choosing Viking’s Expedition ship, the Polaris, as my vessel of discovery. With the promise of exploring three iconic lakes on the itinerary, I was eager to delve into the unique character and offerings of each.
August 10, 2023 — On this adult-only cruise line, every passenger is treated like a VIP guest. Each stateroom has a private veranda, providing the perfect setting for you and your partner to savor a glass of wine and gaze upon the tranquil waters of the open ocean. Viking Cruises offers some of the most romantic all-inclusive getaways offered at sea. With captivating itineraries like the Mediterranean and Polynesia, any couple is sure to have a dream honeymoon. Regardless of your itinerary, every Viking Cruises vessel has six complimentary restaurants onboard, all with a captivating ocean view.
August 9, 2023 — Sailing on lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan aboard Viking Octantis is a kaleidoscope of rugged landscapes defined by rock, water and trees. Craggy shorelines, dense forests of black spruce, poplar and jack pine, plus a smattering of sleepy lakeside communities stir memories of carefree summers spent in northern Ontario. Add seemingly endless expanses of water, where no shorelines are visible, and it becomes clear what makes the Great Lakes Explorer itinerary an expedition and not simply a cruise.
August 8, 2023 — According to Food & Wine readers, the cruise line that offers the best culinary experience overall is Viking. A ticket for a Viking cruise does include all restaurant meals as well as snacks and drinks from an in-suite mini-bar, and the dining options — similar to Vikings themselves — span the globe from Italian to sushi. The ships do, however, feature certain Scandinavian specialties, some said to be based on recipes from the cruise line founder's mother.
August 1, 2023 — When asked to envision a cruise, chances are you might summon images of kids wailing down waterslides, dripping in ice cream and building sandcastles, typically what you see in the many candy-colored ads from mega cruise ships. But those are far from the only cruise options out there for grown-ups who want to get away from it all. The best cruises for adults cater to adult guests with high-brow luxuries or dedicated spaces—and some even don’t allow kids on board, period.
July 28, 2023 — When I first signed on for the Antarctic Explorer expedition aboard the Viking Polaris, there was no doubt in my mind about who I would bring as my guest. She cried upon receiving the news — and later, upon seeing the icy continent for the very first time. It’s rare to be able to give someone such a powerful gift, and if you have the opportunity, may I say: Always bring your mother.
July 25, 2023 — Every once in a while, work and play come together in an unexpected, magical moment. And that’s why Viking Founder/Chairman, Torstein Hagen, recently found himself in a post office in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city, nicknamed the “End of the World” – fulfilling a childhood wish from 65 years ago.
July 11, 2023 — Typically thought of as a midsize-ship line, Viking took top honors in this category, too, thanks to its twin ships Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis. The expedition vessels, both of which have 189 cabins, are built for out-there adventures, whether on the waters of the Great Lakes or in the Southern Ocean on the way to Antarctica.
June 17, 2023 — This week’s broadcast of Eye on Travel is from the Viking Octantis as it sails the Great Lakes from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Lake Michigan), into Lake Huron and Lake Superior into Thunder Bay, Canada. Peter has all the latest news updates. Plus the Mayor of Milwaukee Cavalier Johnson discusses the evolution of his city into an arts and food capital, not to mention the gateway to the Great Lakes. And why Milwaukee’s Mitchell Field is really Chicago’s third airport. We’ll talk history and fudge on Mackinac Island, and Peter submerges in Fraser Bay — a UNESCO world heritage biosphere — on one of the Octantis submarines to the bottom of Lake Huron.
June 16, 2023 — Torstein Hagen, Viking chairman and founder, joins ‘The Exchange’ to discuss a rebound in travel following the pandemic, pricing packages for Viking Cruises, and opportunities for older consumers looking to travel.
June 14, 2023 — The 25-year ascent of Viking to become one of the world’s most consequential cruise lines is quite a story. Especially when it is told by the company’s forthright founder Torstein Hagen.
June 13, 2023 — Long, tall and majestic, the brand new Viking Cruise Ship Polaris made its way into the Port of Cleveland Tuesday. The six-story, 665-foot-long ship is the two-week home for 378 guests making their way from Toronto to Duluth, Minnesota, across all five Great Lakes—the major selling point for Jim and Jane from South Carolina.
June 12, 2023 — Viking guests remain fiercely loyal to the line because it offers what they want both on the rivers and oceans. They appreciate the modern ships, attentive service and broad choices of itineraries.
June 8, 2023 — Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen discusses the cruise industry’s resurgence after the pandemic on ‘Your World’ as they are 93% booked for 2023.
June 7, 2023 — After 25 cruises on the best cruise lines, I was convinced I knew everything about cruising and that, yes, it really was all about the journey rather than the destination. And then I sailed on Viking Polaris to Antarctica last December, and the destination was impossible to consider secondary.
April 18, 2023 — While one strategy rolled out by many lines has been focusing on quantity with a dizzying variety of ho-hum options, that’s never been part of the plan for Viking Cruises, which our readers voted the overall best cruise for food in the world.
March 7, 2023 — Cocooned inside a submarine, I held my breath in anticipation as the vessel slowly descended beneath the surface of the Southern Ocean off the coast of Antarctica. Looking out the bubble-shaped acrylic window of the small, seven-person submersible, I watched the water go from bright aquamarine to inky black as we dove deeper and deeper, leaving behind the bright white snow and the last rays of sunlight.
February 10, 2023 — In the ethereal blue glow of the water, a huge shape swept toward them. Around 30 feet long, with four billowing arms and a domed head, the creature was larger than the tourists’ personal submersible. This startling sight occurred hundreds of feet underwater off the coast of Antarctica’s Rongé Island. When they returned to their Viking Expeditions cruise ship and showed photos to Daniel M. Moore, a marine biologist with Exeter University in the U.K., he knew they’d seen “something incredibly rare.”
Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.