Viking
Viking brings its signature Scandinavian clarity and intellectual rigor to expedition cruising — two purpose-built polar vessels, all-balcony staterooms, and a Science Lab that transforms every voyage into a genuine learning experience.
Exploration Without Compromise
Viking entered the expedition cruise market in 2022 with the same conviction that built its river cruise empire: that the world's most interesting destinations deserve thoughtful design, curious travelers, and an experience free of the gimmicks that clutter lesser ships. No casinos. No formal nights. No children under 18. Just purposeful exploration aboard two of the most capable and elegant polar vessels afloat.
The Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis are purpose-built PC6 polar-class expedition ships, each carrying 378 guests in 189 all-balcony staterooms. Both ships share Viking's signature clean Scandinavian aesthetic—warm woods, natural light, and understated luxury—translated into a vessel designed to operate in some of the planet's most demanding environments. The onboard Science Lab partners with research institutions to offer citizen science programming. The Hangar — a climate-controlled launch facility at sea level — deploys a fleet of kayaks, Zodiacs, and (on Octantis) two custom-built submarines.
Viking's expedition program covers both polar regions: Antarctica from Ushuaia in austral summer, and the Arctic—Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Canada—in the northern summer. Itineraries run 12–16 nights and are built around meaningful shore time, expert-led programming, and the kind of intellectual engagement Viking's guests have come to expect. For travelers who have sailed the rivers of Europe with Viking and now want the poles, the brand transition is seamless.
