Viking is expanding its destination-focused, adults only, cruises. I was fortunate to attend a media "launch gala" in Beverly Hills, CA, January 2020, where the expansion was elucidated and celebrated.
Three ships, the Viking Jupiter, the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris were showcased in the evening's festivities. It will take a couple of years to get all the ships in place. However when the full fleet of has launched, passengers can expect innovation, driven by passenger focused benefits. It will be another sleek adventure guaranteed by the top rated cruise line in the world.
The Viking Cruise line came into existence in 1997 as a small, privately-held cruise line with only four river ships. Their expansion is nothing short of spectacular. Viking now operates a fleet of 79 vessels—including 73 river ships and six ocean-going vessels. With the new expedition ships, it will now be offering voyages on 20 rivers, five oceans, and five Great Lakes in 95 countries that span all seven continents. If you can't find an expedition to sign up for, you're just not trying.
Viking Jupiter
The newest addition to Viking Cruises' ocean fleet was delivered to the line in February 2019. Unlike the other two ships discussed in this article, the Jupiter has actually been sailing for nearly a year. In a fun "stroke," it was officially named at the gala while it was sailing between the Falkland Islands and Cape Horn on the southern tip of South America. Viking Jupiter was christened by video by its "godmother" Sissel Kyrkjebø, a well-known and very talented global soprano. In a memorable naval tradition, Kyrkjebø offered a touching blessing of noble fortune and safe sailing upon the ship, before instructing crew members on board the Viking Jupiter to break a bottle of Norwegian aquavit against the hull.
I think you'll be delighted with its impressive and diverse European based schedules.
Viking Octantis
The Octantis cruise ship is currently being built in Norway. Like its sister ship, the Viking Polaris, it is considered a Polar Class vessel. It is scheduled to make its debut on the Great Lakes, including a stop at Traverse City in northern Michigan a total amount of eight times in 2022, but will eventually be part of the Antarctica and the Arctic fleet.
Getting ready for the Michigan Lakes launch, the Discovery Center & Pier announced plans to transform a former Michigan coal dock in Greilickville into a site that ships could use to land passengers. It will be fun to watch the transformation and economic boost this will give to the entire Great Lakes area.
The Octantis is 665-foot-long and will carry 378 passengers. It is scheduled to offer four different itineraries, hopefully starting in January 2022. Octantis also will sail to Antarctica.
The Great Lakes Octantis cruise itinerary includes dates in Traverse City, called "Niagara & the Great Lakes." It will shuttle between Toronto and Milwaukee, with stops at Niagara Falls, Point Pelee on Lake Erie in Ontario, Detroit, Alpena and Mackinac Island.
Travel + Leisure magazine named the Great Lakes, and Great Lakes cruising, as one of its 50 best places to travel in 2020.
Viking Polaris
A sister ship to the Octantis, the Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing in the Arctic and Antarctica. It will be specifically geared for adventure seekers interested in polar destinations. Think ice-strengthened Polar Class 6 vessel with a longer hull, straight bow and state-of-the-art fin stabilizers. What this means to cruisers is a calm voyage in challenging regions and conditions.
Guests can look forward to a wide range of expedition equipment at no extra charge. Like its sister ship it will also include two yellow submarines. Each will be equipped with six revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows for spectacular viewing underwater; a fleet of military pro zodiacs; two 12-seater convertible RIBs; and several two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks. Impressed yet?You should be!
The inclusion of submarine rides in the fare gives Viking an impressive point of difference compared to some cruise lines charging extra fees for this activity. I would expect no less. This line makes everything so simple and incredibly affordable.
Slightly smaller than Viking's existing oceangoing ships, which are 745 feet long and carry 930 passengers, Viking Polaris will have an overall length of 672 feet and capacity for only 378 passengers. Think room to stretch and breathe.
Served by 260 crew members, Viking Polaris will also offer a passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.66. Viking Polaris will debut in the Far Arctic, sailing expedition voyages from Tromso, Norway, to Arctic Svalbard and back beginning in the summer of 2022.
Details
Viking describes its two new expedition ships as, "… small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability in the roughest seas." The Viking Octantis was purposely designed narrow enough to fit through the Welland Canal that connects lakes Ontario and Erie.
Guests can look forward to exploring the Great Lakes and the Antarctic on two six-passenger yellow submarines. Called the Hangar, the submarines are launched via a unique inside-the-ship dock which permits the launch of small excursion boats, shielded from wind and waves. That is a big deal, especially for the mobility challenged.
There will be also be a research facility hosting an on board team of Viking resident scientists. Viking is also partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the University of Cambridge's Scott Polar Research Institute on these new cruises.
Staterooms are smartly equipped with a Nordic Balcony which is a sun room that converts to an open-air viewing platform. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories, ranging from 222 square feet to 1,223 square feet. Heated bathroom floors and smart designs throughout each room make this a ship of comfort.
With a nod to fitness and on-board fun three small swimming pools, a spa and fitness center will be available. Combine that with several restaurants, lounges and on-shore and on-board activities and you have a winning combination.
Booking Details
Like most expedition cruising, there is a price to pay for luxury and adventure. Viking's pricing for its inaugural season starts at about $1,050 per person, per day (7-night Great Lakes fares are a bit less, at around $750 per person, per day). On the other hand, we all know Viking's offerings are all-inclusive and on the lower end of the pricing spectrum for this kind of cruise.
Through February 29, 2020, U.S. residents can take advantage of an Inaugural Offer on 2022 & 2023 Viking Expedition itineraries. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464).
Viking has gone to ends of the earth – literally – to provide a first class, state of the art fleet of ships providing cruise goers options, elegance and extraordinary destinations. I love this cruise line and I think you will also.
*Photos Courtesy of Viking Cruise Line