Viking has marked the launch of its highly-anticipated expeditions with the new purpose-built Viking Octantis embarking on her first Antarctic season.
Expedition cruising is a significant milestone for the company as it begins its 25th anniversary year.
And by the end of it, Viking will have welcomed a second identical expedition ship, Viking Polaris, as well as two new identical ocean ships, new Viking Longships in Europe and new purpose-built vessels for the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi rivers.
With expeditions now underway, the first guests on Viking’s Antarctic Explorer itinerary have provided outstanding ratings and enthusiastic feedback.
The Viking Octantis will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, before travelling north to be named in April 2022 in New York City by her ceremonial godmother, Liv Arnesen, the world-renowned Norwegian explorer and educator.
Guests returning by zodiac to Viking Octantis during their Antarctic adventure
Arnesen became the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 1994. She sailed on board the Viking Octantis for the ship’s first two expeditions to Antarctica.
Following the ship’s naming, Viking Octantis will make her way to the Great Lakes region for a series of voyages throughout the spring and summer.