Viking Cruises launches first expedition ship, Viking Octantis

Viking Cruises launched its first expedition ship last month when Viking Octantis set out on voyages to Antarctica and then North America's Great Lakes. The second expedition ship, Viking Polaris, will debut in August on expeditions to the Antarctic and Arctic.

Could this be a sign of more to come? Likely so. In the last eight years, Viking has introduced more than 60 river and nine ocean ships to become the world's biggest small-ship cruise line.

Viking raised eyebrows when it announced plans to move into expeditions in January 2020, just as the pandemic took hold. Although expedition cruising is booming, it has traditionally been left to adventure-cruise companies or high-end boutique lines such as Ponant and Silversea.

But Viking may well normalise expedition cruising and take it into the mid-budget mainstream in a further blurring of the distinctions that once defined cruise companies and cruising styles.

The modern Scandinavian look of the 378-passenger expedition ships mirrors the highly successful interior design of Viking's current ocean ships, and sees the repeat of favourites such as Manfredi's Restaurant, Nordic Spa, Explorers' Lounge and Aquavit Terrace.

An industry first is an enclosed, in-ship marina called The Hangar that enables guests to board small expedition craft away from the effects of wind and waves.

Expedition equipment includes Zodiacs, two-seater Arctic kayaks and 12-seater convertible rigid inflatable boat (RIBs) as well as two six-seater submarines with revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows.

Guests will have complimentary use of gear such as trekking poles, snowshoes and skis, and be accompanied by a 25-member expedition team.

A 13-day Antarctica cruise (Buenos Aires – Ushuaia - Buenos Aires) costs from $19,995 a person.

Phone 138 747. See vikingcruises.com.au