Dreaming of Antarctica? You'll soon have a new way to get there
It’s official: Viking is getting into expedition-style cruising to the world's most remote destinations.
The fast-growing cruise company late Wednesday announced it would begin voyages to such off-the-beaten-path destinations as Antarctica and the Arctic in 2022 on two new, polar-class expedition ships.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
To be called Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, the new vessels will hold 378 passengers a piece and carry everything from Zodiac boats and kayaks to submarines for exploring. Viking Octantis will debut in January 2022 and initially sail in Antarctica and the Great Lakes. Viking Polaris will arrive in August 2022 and spend its first year in Antarctica and the Arctic.
The announcement has been widely expected since 2018, when expedition ship builder Vard revealed it had received an order for two vessels from Viking. At the time, Vard and Viking wouldn’t say what type of ships the vessels would be.
“Our guests are curious explorers,” Viking founder and chairman Torstein Hagen said while making the announcement. “They want to continue traveling with us to familiar and iconic destinations, but they would also like to travel further.”
The announcement is a significant development in the world of expedition cruising, a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on small, hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft. Viking is known for quickly becoming a major force in the niches of cruising that it enters.
Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles
The announcement comes as Viking is in the midst of a massive expansion into upscale ocean cruising. The company has grown from one of the smallest players in the market to the biggest player in the market in just five years. Launched in 2015, Viking’s ocean division has quickly rolled out six 930-passenger ships. Six more are on order for delivery by 2025.
Still, Viking is perhaps best known for its rapid takeover of the river cruise business over the past decade. The period saw it add more than 60 new river vessels. The line’s current fleet of 73 river ships accounts for about half of all river cruise capacity among lines catering to North Americans.
Viking will add another seven new river ships this year.
Expedition cruising is one of the hottest and fastest-growing segments of cruising, and it’s drawing a wide range of new players.
Luxury leader Crystal Cruises will unveil its first expedition ship later this year, and Seabourn Cruise Line’s first expedition ships will debut in 2021. Luxury purveyor Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours also just entered the space with its first expedition ship. Established expedition cruise operators such as Ponant, Hurtigruten, Lindblad Expeditions and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises are adding new expedition ships, too.
The new Viking expedition ships will have the same elegant Scandinavian design that’s found on the line’s new ocean ships, and quite a few onboard venues will be familiar to Viking fans. Its restaurants will include a version of Viking’s signature Italian restaurant, Manfredi’s, and the Scandinavian-inspired Mamsen’s outlet in addition to the main dining venue. Also familiar will be a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers’ Lounge promising stunning views of passing scenery.
There will be several new and unusual features, too. Most notable will be The Hangar, an enclosed marina that will allow passengers to transfer to small boats for exploring while still in the protected interior of the ship. It’s a first for an expedition cruise ship.
The ships also will have what just may be the most stunning lecture halls ever at sea. Located at the back of the vessels, the high-tech rooms will have sliding walls behind the lecturers that can open to reveal the surrounding scenery through floor-to-ceiling glass.
Viking said each of the ships would be staffed with an expedition team of more than 25 people including biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists, oceanographers, ornithologists and polar experts who will offer daily lectures on the places the ship visits. Such lectures are a big part of expedition cruising.
Viking also has partnered with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology to bring leading researchers and educators on board the vessels. Each of the ships will have a dedicated research room with science equipment called The Laboratory where visiting scientists can work on research while on board. Passengers will have the chance to assist the visiting researchers in fieldwork during landings.
In a first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will have floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel. Six categories of rooms will range from 222 to 1,223 square feet.
Related: What to pack for your first cruise — and what to leave at home
Each of the rooms will have a drying closet that circulates warm air to dry wet clothing after landings. On polar itineraries, passengers will be issued expedition kits with boots, binoculars and waterproof pants for use while on board as well as a Viking expedition jacket to keep. The ships also will carry trekking poles, snowshoes and skis for passenger use.
The submarines on board (each of the ships will have two) will be used for underwater exploring in remote locations. They’ll carry six passengers a piece. In addition to Zodiac boats for landings, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris also will sail with two 12-seat convertible rigid inflatable boats for waterborne touring.
Both of the ships will have ice-strengthened Polar Class 6 hulls, allowing for travel deep into the polar regions. They'll also have dynamic positioning systems that will enable them to hover over the seabed without anchoring.
Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises
The vessels will cater to a well-heeled crowd with fares starting around $1,000 per day per person. Initial sailings include 12-night trips to Antarctica starting at $14,995 per person and 12-night trips in the Arctic starting at $13,395 per person. There line also plans a 43-night itinerary from the Arctic to Antarctica that starts at $33,995 per person.
Of particular note is Viking’s plans to send Viking Octantis to the Great Lakes for the summer of 2022. The region traditionally has drawn very few cruise vessels.
In the Great Lakes, Viking plans seven-night itineraries between Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that take in the natural splendor of “the nation’s fourth sea coast” with stops in such places as the granite islands of Georgian Bay and the cliffs of Thunder Bay. Fares will start at $6,495 per person.
Fares include nearly all shore excursions; all onboard meals; beer and wine with lunch and dinner; and onboard Wi-Fi.
Voyages are available for booking as of today.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.