We loved the decor and attention to details, as usual. Barbados, where the weather is impeccable, the beaches are beautiful and the food is fantastically fresh. With ships designed to explore the roads less travelled, Viking Expeditions takes guests from the Arctic, to the Great Lakes and all the way South to Antarctica all without sacrificing the luxury her sister brands are known for. [60], On the evening of 5 June 2019, a Viking ship, initially said to be the Viking Var,[61] damaged the lock of Riedenburg, in the RhineMainDanube Canal. For dinner, I was a fan of the sushi and seafood bar, aft on the portside. offers three Stateroom and 3 Viking Suite styles to suit your individual tastes. After a long day ashore, you can rest assured that you will return to exquisite and personalized service. At six decks tall, 665 feet long, and a beam of 77 feet, Viking Octantis feels like a smaller version of the lines ocean cruise ships. Breakfast and lunch are available in the casual eateries (or room service which is always complimentary). Plus, view a list of Viking Expeditions cruising awards. Deck 5 is home to the Aquavit Terrace with a large U-shaped bar. For our cruise on Viking Octantis, we were assigned a Nordic Junior Suite. On 1 April 2019, Viking Idun collided with the oil tanker Chemical Marketer (IMO 9304291) in Terneuzen, in the Netherlands, not far from Antwerp. Its operating headquarters are in Basel, Switzerland,[4] and its marketing headquarters are in Los Angeles, California.[5]. We liked the windows as it was cold outside!
The Nordic Spa is located on Deck 2 as well. Valparaiso, the oldest city in Chile, is a beautiful urban town full of old Victorian homes and cobbled stone streets bordered by the Pacific Ocean and steep hills. Preview the luxurious suites onboard with Viking Expeditions. [34] In May 2018, Viking Cruises announced its intention to launch a new package called Ultimate World Cruise, which it claimed to be the longest continuous world cruise itinerary in history. [25] Viking Sea joined the fleet in 2016;[4] and its third and fourth ships, Viking Sky and Viking Sun, were added in 2017. use it, and your related rights. Learn more about the onboard entertainment when you sail the destinations-less-traveled with Viking Expeditions. ", "Viking Expeditions Set to Launch with Pair of 378-Guest Ships", "Details Emerge For Brand-New Viking Expedition Cruise Ships", "More 'Downton Abbey' from Viking Cruises", "Viking Cruises, National Geographic Launch 'Genius' Series,", "Two dead after cruise ship hits bridge in Germany", "Hungary tourist boat accident: Captain also involved in Dutch boat crash", "Danube boat accident: More bodies found as vessel is raised in Hungary", "Master of the Viking Sigyn Identified As Yuriy Chaplinsky", "Ulykkeskaptajn involveret i tidligere ulykke", "Cruise ship captain released on bail two weeks after fatal collision in Hungary", "Hungary: Death toll rises to 19 in Danube tour boat crash", "Ukrainian Cruise Ship Captain Involved in Recent Collisions in Hungary, Netherlands", "Tour boat captain not to blame for Danube river crash that killed 28", "Viking River Cruises mum on most recent accident", "Viking Schiff Beschaedigt Schleuse Main Donau Kanal Gesperrt", "Viking-haj tkztt a Majna-Duna-csatornnl", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Viking_Cruises&oldid=1096745828, Privately held companies based in California, Articles with dead external links from February 2022, Short description is different from Wikidata, Official website different in Wikidata and Wikipedia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 6 July 2022, at 11:00. Each Viking Expedition Cruise offer the most al fresco dining at sea. 
With ships designed to explore the roads less travelled, Viking Expeditions takes guests from the Arctic, to the Great Lakes and all the way South to Antarctica all without sacrificing the luxury her sister brands are known for. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. Your email address will not be published. [2] The company expanded into China in 2004 with Yangtze River cruises. In fact, the buffet on this ship is larger than its counterpart on Vikings ocean ships. The lack of frills, like gyms and pools, and the fleet's standardization also maximized the number of people the ships could accommodate and consequently, Viking's profit. American Queen 16 Day - Great Lakes Lakeside Treasures (2022-2023), American Queen 13 Day - Great Lakes Grand Discovery (2022-2024), American Queen 11 Day - North American Spirit (2022-2024), American Queen 11 Day - Splendor of the Great Lakes (2022-2024), Pearl Seas 12 Day - Great Lakes & Georgian Bay (2022-2023), Pearl Seas 8 Day - Great Lakes Cruise (2022-2023), Ponant 8 Day - Voyage Along the Great Lakes with Smithsonian Journeys (2022-2023, Ponant 8 Day - Great Lakes of North America (2022-2023), Viking 15 Day - Great Lakes Collection Cruise (2023), Viking 8 Day - Great Lakes Explorer Cruise (2022), Viking 8 Day - Niagara & the Great Lakes Cruise (2022), Viking 8 Day - Undiscovered Great Lakes Cruise (2022), Pearl Seas 16 Day - Canadian Maritime & St Lawrence Seaway (2022-2023), Pearl Seas 11 Day - Canada & New England Fall Foliage (2022-2023), Ponant 13 Day - St Lawrence River to the American East Coast, Viking 16 Day - Canada & the Atlantic Coastline (2023), Viking 13 Day - Canadian Discovery Cruise (2022), Windstar 12 Day - Southeast Canadian Explorations (2022-2023), American Queen 11 Day - Canadian Crown Jewels (2022-2023), American Queen 9 Day - Autumn in New England (2022-2023), American Queen | Ocean Voyager & Ocean Navigator, Native American Cultures of the Great Lakes Region. Treat yourself to the treasures of North American on a Viking Expedition cruise exploring Canada, New England and The Great Lakes. Learn about the destinations with enriching lectures on geology, glaciology, marine biology, ornithology and more. Along with dozens of kayaks and zodiac boats, this vessel is home to two special operation boats and two submarines that will get you up-close and personal with your destinations. Viking is a household name in river cruising and a luxury leader on the seven seas, but with ships built specifically to explore the edges of the Earth, Viking Expeditions elevates luxury in all the best ways. The bathroom is also an upgrade from a typical cruise cabin. [52] The captain of the Viking Sigyn, identified as Yuriy C. and later as Yuriy Chaplinsky from Odessa, Ukraine,[53][54][55][56] was arrested and held in custody on suspicion of endangering water transport and causing a mass-casualty incident. Or enjoy many of our signature dishes in the comfort of your stateroom with 24-hour room service. It never appeared all that busy either. [62][63] Witnesses later indicated the vessel involved in that incident was actually Viking Tir. Mamsens, Vikings traditional Scandinavian deli, is open for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. This luxury cruise line which is known for both its river cruises and ocean cruises has now entered the expedition cruise market. Here you will find a sizeable viewing platform ideal for watching sail-in to ports. All amenities of the Explorer Suite, plus: Four guaranteed priority reservations at The Restaurant or Manfredis (100 days prior to departure), First priority booking of spa treatments (107 days prior to departure), First priority booking of spa treatments (100 days prior to departure), Dinner & guided tour with ship officers (subject to availability), Large master bathroom, plus one guest bathroom, Separate dining area/boardroom that seats six guests, Private library, wine & music collections curated by Chairman Torstein Hagen, And more; ask our Great Lakes Cruise Specialist for more details, Includes 2 separate rooms, Nordic Balcony and aprivate veranda: 580 sq ft, Priority expedition activity reservations (97 days prior to departure), Three guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant (90 days prior to departure), Priority booking of spa treatments (90 days prior to departure), Mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water & snacks replenished once daily, In-suite binoculars, coffee & Marius-weave blanket, Laundry, dry cleaning, pressing & shoe shine services, Complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package & bottle of champagne, Exclusive access to shared explorer Suite private garden lounge area, Priority expedition activity reservations (87 days prior to departure), Three guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant (80 days prior to departure), Priority booking of spa treatments (80 days prior to departure), Mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water & snacks, replenished once daily, Priority expedition activity reservations (77 days prior to departure), Two guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant (70 days prior to departure), Priority booking of spa treatments (70 days prior to departure), Priority expedition activity reservations (67 days prior to departure), One guaranteed priority reservation at each alternative restaurant (60 days prior to departure), Priority booking of spa treatments (60 days prior to departure), Mini-bar with soft drinks, water & snacks, replenished once daily, Expedition activity reservations (60 days prior to departure), Mini-bar with soft drinks, water & snacks *, In-suite binoculars & Marius-weave blanket. From the same group that explores the rivers of Europe in luxurious fashion and takes you all over the world on their impeccable ocean ships comes Viking Expeditions, taking you on journeys to extraordinary destinations all over the world. The vessels, built and chartered by Edison Chouest, would be designed five stories tall and accommodate around 400 passengers, at $90 million to $100 million each. While we loved the adventures offered during our Viking Octantis trip, past guests should be aware that this is a more active cruise.
Viking welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize that there are inherent risks associated with traveling on board ships that are unique to cruise travel. [16][17] The company targeted a possible 2021 debut on the Mississippi River, for a projection of six vessels along the river by 2027. This outdoor space with sunken seating, outward facing aft views, and even fire-pits is located beyond the Aula on Deck 2. grenadines That's the plan at Viking", "Viking Venus is named during English Channel festivities", "Fincantieri | "VIKING VENUS" DELIVERED IN ANCONA", https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/24791-fincantieri-delivers-new-viking-venus.htm, "Viking Names Next Newbuild Saturn, Set for 2023 Debut", "Viking Orders Two 'Special' Vessels from VARD", "Is Viking about to get into expedition cruising, too?
This two-story observational space also features live music in the evenings from a piano player and a musical duo. [47], On 11 September 2016, Viking Freya collided with a bridge near to Erlangen, Germany, crushing the wheelhouse and killing two crew members.[49]. Cruisers can also take a stroll on the open Promenade on Deck 5 to admire the surrounding landscapes. & Required fields are marked *. Right next door to the spa is the fitness center. Hagen had become involved in cruising as a McKinsey and Co. consultant who helped the Holland America Line survive the 1973 oil crisis, then was CEO of Royal Viking Line from 1980 to 1984, made money in the Russian private equity markets, then bought a controlling stake in a Dutch shipping company that failed in the mid-1990s, leaving him almost bankrupt. Scheduled to begin operating its first vessel in January 2022, named Viking Octantis, and its second in August, named Viking Polaris, Viking Expeditions will also partner with scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct research along with its own expedition team. Immediately below on Deck 1, Guest Services is available to answer all of your other questions. No one used the pool for actual swimming. We are currently sailing on Viking Octantis for its Caribbean Connections itinerary and what to share our experiences with you. we Really, the only drawback that we found was the rather small main dining room, making it difficult to dine here at our preferred times. It features a full-sized shower with a glass door, double sinks, and even heated floors and a heated towel rack. The ship would share a similar design to the company's existing oceangoing vessels. Explore the tropical Caribbean in style with Viking Expeditions, designed for intimate ports and adventure at every turn.
Viking's Swiss-trained staff are dedicated to providing warm hospitality to each guest and ensuring everyone feels at home on board the, uests may choose from six different dining options on the. Explore the features of each of Viking Expeditions ships below and call us at 1-800-377-9383 to start planning! [6][2] Also that year, the company partnered with sales agents in the UK, and the US, and opened its own sales office in California. Given it is such a beautiful space, we did feel it was a bit under-utilized during our trip. The company was established by Torstein Hagen in St. Petersburg, Russia as Viking River Cruises in 1997. Take a sneak peek at the six included dining options onboard with Viking Expeditions make sure you try them all! As of February 2020, it operates a fleet of 76 river vessels and six ocean ships, offering cruises along the rivers and oceans of North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, and Southeast Asia. This venue is located portside on Deck 5. With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdales Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US. Surprisingly, this restaurant functioned more like a buffet, unlike a quick service restaurant where the waffles are made-to-order. To learn more about Viking Expeditions and to start planning your own adventure of a lifetime, call our cruise experts at 1-800-377-9383! [29][30] Being one-third the size of many cruise ships being built by major cruise lines, this allows the Viking Star-class to enter into smaller ports.
For people who are ill or have a mental or physical disability or impairment, the risks can be more significant. This spacious and luxurious room provided all the comforts of home (and even more space than we needed for the week). Here, you will find secluded seating areas, as well as outward facing loungers. The lines first endeavor, Viking Octantis, is a 30K gross ton vessel accommodating up to 378 passengers. For those chillier times, the Shelter is a partially covered region behind the bow.
The ships were expected to be expedition vessels. Phone: 1.800.377.9383 International: 001.240.487.0155 Fax: 1.240.487.0154. Of course, you can also book up-charge spa sessions like massages or facials. From the southernmost tip of Argentina in Ushuaia to the gateway to the North Pole in Norway, these ports are so much more than just a place of embarkation. This sports deck of sorts has some of the most high-tech equipment that you will find at sea. [35][36], In April 2018, Viking Cruises and VARD announced Viking had signed a contract to order two "special" cruise ships from VARD that are expected to enter service in 2021 and 2022, with an option for two more.
Drop us an anchor below to share your Viking cruise reviews. Learn whether Viking Expeditions is an option for multi-generational travel, family cruising and onboard programs for children. ft. private garden lounge area with badestamp. Guests must be able to independently move around the ship in case of an emergency or rough seas, cope with the lack of immediate access to medical services in certain parts of the world and acknowledge that access to some areas of the ship and ports of call may be limited or impossible. With freshly made cookies, breakfast pastries, and bread, the midship bakery section is a hit. The bar in the Living Room was open from 10 am to 9 pm daily serving up the cruise lines standard drink menu. [18], Since 2011, Viking has sponsored programming on PBS's Masterpiece Theatre, including Downton Abbey, Sherlock and Poldark,[4][2][47] and is a sponsor of National Geographic's Genius, a scripted series about the life of Albert Einstein. If you have cruised on either a Viking river ship or an ocean ship, you will certainly feel right at home on this Viking expedition ship. [4][25] Viking Ocean Cruises' vessels carry up to 930 passengers and 550 crew. viking ship cruise water star newest cruises floats oceans touched floating ceremony ocean today cruisecritic In 1997, Hagen helped some Russian oligarchs buy a shipping company, and in exchange, they sold him four river cruise ships cheaply, which became the founding fleet of Viking River Cruises.
Welcome Aboard! The Marine Insurance report indicates that the Idun "suffered considerable damage to her bow" while the tanker "suffered several breaches to her hull". Intimate ships, featuring a high guest-to-staff ratio, classic Viking service, and more will make you feel at home when the view off your balcony is far from it. Viking[3] (formerly Viking Cruises) is a cruise line providing river, ocean, and expedition cruises. With Viking Expeditions, the onboard experience on Viking Polaris and Viking Octantic is nothing compared to the once-in-a-lifetime experiences ashore in some of the worlds most remote destinations. And if youre a foodie, have no fear! [50], On 29 May 2019, Viking Sigyn, during a sightseeing tour on the Danube, collided with a small tour boat, the Hableny, in Budapest, Hungary. Viking Polaris 12 Night Antarctic Explorer Departing From Ushuaia, Argentina (Oct 2022 - Nov 2022), Viking Octantis 14 Night Brazil's Vibrant Coast Departing From Bridgetown, Barbados (Oct 2022), Viking Octantis 17 Night South America & Antarctic Discovery Departing From Cartagena, Colombia (Nov 2022), Viking Octantis 12 Night Antarctic Explorer Departing From Ushuaia, Argentina (Nov 2022 - Dec 2022), Viking Octantis 14 Night Antarctic Adventure Departing From Ushuaia, Argentina (Dec 2022), Viking Polaris 14 Night Chilean Fjords & Patagonia Explorer Departing From Ushuaia, Argentina (Feb 2023 - Mar 2023), Viking Octantis 64 Night Longitudinal World Cruise I Departing From Ushuaia, Argentina (Mar 2023), Viking Octantis 46 Night Patagonia to Canada Grand Explorer Departing From Ushuaia, Argentina (Mar 2023), Viking Octantis 14 Night Chilean Fjords & Patagonia Explorer Departing From Ushuaia, Argentina (Mar 2023), Viking Octantis 31 Night Patagonia,Fjords & Panama Canal Departing From Ushuaia, Argentina (Mar 2023). [28], In June 2018, Viking's fifth ocean vessel, Viking Orion, was added to the fleet. [44], In October 2019, it was first reported that Viking Cruises was planning to launch Viking Expeditions, the expeditions arm to the business, in early 2020, with initial itineraries focusing on the polar regions of the Arctic Circle and Antarctica. Explore the options onboard with Viking Expeditions to relax, indulge and treat yourself during your expedition cruise. This venue transforms from a presentation theater to a beautiful indoor viewing area. Wildlife lovers flock to Thunder Bay on the coast of Lake Superior, where the parks are teeming with wolves and moose. We were able to test out the special operations boat and submarine, and all we can say is wow! When he is not sailing the high seas, he does whatever his wife tells him to do-it only took 10 years to realize this. [19], Viking River Cruises offers cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt,[20] with plans to expand into the United States of America along the Mississippi River in 2022. It seems like a different ship when in warm waters. For warmer climates, this is a quiet spot to catch some rays. Its most expensive package will cover 245 days on Viking Sun and will stop at 59 countries and 113 ports. [15], By 2018, Viking Cruises had reached $3 billion in revenue and carried 440,000 passengers annually, employing more than 8,000 employees. So, we dive into it all in our Viking Expedition Cruises first impressions. [26] Their ships spend more time in port than is common at other ocean lines, emphasizing a focus on the culture of their destinations. Rapid Viking expansion continues,", "Viking River Cruises to add seven new ships in 2019,", "Viking Cruises Will Begin Ocean Cruises on Viking Star in 2015,", "Viking Cruise To Make World's First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship", "Viking Cruises moves ahead with U.S. expansion plans", "Viking Cruises Launches Epic New Expedition Trips (Video)", "Viking Bets on the Future With New Cruise Ship Set to Sail the Mississippi River by 2022 (Video)", "Viking plans to add 10 new river and ocean-going cruise ships,", "Viking Cruises Expected to Sail Mississippi River By 2022", "Viking River Cruises Viking Emerald Cruises,", "What's new in the 2020 European river-cruise season", "Cruise Vacations for the Anti-Cruise Crowd,", "Fast-growing Viking Ocean Cruises orders two more ships,", "Construction begins on a sixth ship for Viking Ocean Cruises,", "First look: Inside Viking Cruises' newest ocean ship, Viking Orion", "Astronaut christens new Viking Cruises ship, Viking Orion, in elaborate ceremony", "First Look: Inside the Years Hottest New Cruise Ship,", "Living Large: Inside New Viking Ship's Stylish Suites,", "Viking Sun Around the World 2018 Voyage Just Began from Miami", "Viking Announces Longest Continuous World Cruise", "A world cruise that lasts 245 days? [18] It also finalized its river cruising business' expansion plans into the United States with the announcement of the first vessel's debut in August 2022 on the Mississippi River. Even if that means delivering a bottle of caramel syrup to our stateroom for the wifes morning latte! The capitol of Ontario, Toronto is a cultural hub situated in Western Canada, home to champion sports teams, local delicacies and more. bakery offers a variety of delicious breads and pastries at any hour. [4][25][33], In 2017-2018, Viking Sun made the company's first round-the-world cruise, which departed from Miami, and sailed south to head through the Panama Canal, and planned to visit five continents, 35 countries and 64 ports before ending its 141-day journey in London. With itineraries and ships designed to take guests to exclusive ports for Viking-only experiences, a cruise with Viking Expeditions is truly a treat that you deserve.
This stateroom features plenty of closet space including a drying rack for those Antarctica expeditions as well as a rather large sitting area and desk. Your email address will not be published. Here, you can also find a bar and and plenty of great views. Staterooms are also designed to maximize observation, from our Nordic Balcony Staterooms to Explorer Suites with verandas and gardens. seine honfleur shortlist cruisingholidays Home Cruise Viking Cruises Viking Octantis Viking Expedition Cruises First Impressions.
We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, Monograms Pre- & Post-Cruise Land Packages. Not to mention, this Viking Expedition Cruises stateroom has a Nordic balcony, which is similar to the infinite verandas found on Celebrity Cruises Edge Class of ships. Thus, this new polar class 6 vessel delivers something unique, but still distinctly Viking. The vessel was attached to a tugboat as the anchors were inoperable. Again, to our surprise, the buffet was self-service. Did you find our first impressions of Viking Expedition Cruises helpful? Our newest national television commercial, Onwards celebrates these prestigious awards. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. &
Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. The staff truly go out of their way to make guests happy. We never had a long day ashore. Call today and experience a World of Choices Made Easy! [51][58] The Dutch Safety Board would not reveal the identity of captain of the ship during 1 April incident to the news media. Staterooms include: A Nordic Balcony. That year, Viking Cruises announced it was working on its debut in the North American river cruising market after first suggesting the possibility in 2013. With Viking Expeditions, you may have never heard of some of the remote ports from which your cruise will begin. [59] A report from Hungary in mid October stated that the captain of the Sigyn, Yuriy Chaplinsky, was not impaired at the time of the crash and was on the bridge in control of the vessel. Glaciers, Great Lakes and everything in between is on the table with a Viking Expedition cruise. BOOK NOW: Viking Expedition Cruises Now on Sale! [64]. Across the way, the Grill served made to order steaks, lobster tail, and other seafood selections each evening. Given the itinerary and smaller than expected main dining room, we dined at the buffet more than we usually do on a cruise. With a variety of dining options, unique spaces and activities, as well as luxurious finishes, Viking Octantis is a perfect option for high-end adventure travel. [7] By 2007, it was operating 23 ships in Europe, Russia, and China. Continue below to learn more about the various destinations within reach when you choose to cruise with Viking Expeditions: Explore the ice continent in luxurious comfort with Viking Expedition cruises to Antarctica. 2020present: Rebranding and new ventures, SET Schiffbau- u. Entwicklungsgesellschaft Tangermnde, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "Viking has plans for at least 24 more river cruise ships", "Viking Cruises goes from upstart to leader in 20 years", "Citing Growth snd Destination Focus, Viking Drops 'Cruise' from Name", "The Rising Tide: How Viking Changed Cruising", "A Viking Ship to Launch with a Green Accent,", "Interest in European River Cruises Soars,", "Viking Longship Series, Viking River Cruises,", "Six new river ships in a day? Home to museums aplenty, including the pictured Milwaukee Art Museum and the Harlet Davidson motorcycle museum, Milwaukee is a hidden gem in the Midwestern United States. But these are just a few of the ports from which your Viking Expeditions cruise might begin. Expedition trips would be performed on smaller vessels designed to navigate through smaller waterways while also being capable of travelling through sea, and reach destinations such as polar regions and North Americas Great Lakes. For a ship of this size, the venue is smaller than you would expect. The World Caf is the ships buffet. [10] It began operating its first vessel, Viking Star, in 2015, with itineraries in Scandinavia, the British Isles, the Baltic and Mediterranean Sea.
The ships impressive theater, the Aula, can be found on Deck 2. Now, experience all the comfort and elegance of their award-winning fleet with an expedition ship built specifically to explore the world's most remote destinations, immersing yourself in each and every region. While he may be obsessed with doing extensive amounts of research on ships and all elements of a cruise, Don enjoys sharing his new found knowledge with fellow cruisers. Public rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Aula, our panoramic auditorium, offers 270 views. [31] Its overall length is 745.4ft. (227.2 m); its beam is 94.5ft. (28.8 m); the draft is 20.7ft. (6.3 m); with a gross tonnage of 47,800GT. The Hide serves up aperitifs like the signature Viking aquavit. Explore Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Great Lakes on our new purpose-built expedition ships. We reserve the right to determine whether a guest is fit to travel and to deny boarding in the event that a guest represents a risk to themselves or to the safety and well-being of those on board the ship. Viking cruisers will recognize the open-faced sandwiches like the Reke and Roastbiff and the signature waffles. While your experience onshore will be adventurous, rest assured your time onboard will be spent in the lap of luxury Viking is known for. [24], The Viking Ocean Cruises division was formed in 2013. There are four additional bars onboard this expedition vessel as well. The brave ones did the quick Polar Plunge (nope!). We are sailing on Viking's newest expedition ship, Viking Octantis, and want to share our first impressions of Viking Expedition Cruises. Five passengers were slightly injured; one crew member was taken to hospital. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We were on the 2/14 Antarctica expedition. This is the ideal backdrop to relax and strike up a conversation with some new found friends. Unlike the river and ocean ships however, reservations for the Restaurant are required.