Viking has achieved yet another milestone event as it begins its 25th anniversary year. On February 16, 2022 Viking marked the debut of its much anticipated expeditions with the launch of Viking Octantis® to start its first Antarctic season. Before the year is out, Viking will have welcomed a second identical expedition ship, two new identical ocean ships, new Viking Longships® in Europe and new purpose-built vessels for the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi rivers.
Viking Achieves Tremendous Milestones in 2022
Torstein Hagen, the Chairman of Viking, said of this exciting development: “When we started Viking 25 years ago, we wanted to do things differently—and since then, our mission has resonated with curious travelers. This week alone our guests are enjoying voyages north of the Arctic Circle and south to the Antarctic Peninsula—as well as to many great destinations in between.”
He added, “Antarctica has always inspired the most intrepid explorers; for many, visiting the ‘White Continent’ is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With the arrival of the Viking Octantis, we are offering our guests the opportunity to explore this unique part of the world in comfort and in the most responsible way possible.”
Chairman of Viking Torstein Hagen Shares Exciting News
The very first guests now on board Viking’s Antarctic Explorer itinerary, the feedback has been amazing. Guest ratings and commentary reveal that Viking’s Antarctic Explorer itinerary is a best-ever travel experience for many enthusiastic travelers. For example, one guest noted, “The ship is amazing, inside and out. It has just been exceptional,” and another guest remarked, “Having been on Viking, I knew this would be first-class, first-rate…it has just been phenomenal; I have learned a lot.”
Other guests were quick to point out how safe and secure they felt aboard the ship: “It was nice to feel so confident and secure. The things we have been able to see up close and to step onto the real ‘White Continent’…being in the snow, being where you can hear the penguins and the birds…it is very special.”
Another guest commented, “Viking has done everything possible to make it safe for me to come on this remarkable, remarkable journey. What I have had with this ship has been an exceptional experience.”
Guest Feedback Has Been Phenomenal
Viking Octantis will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, then venture north for its naming ceremony. Liv Arnesen, the world-renowned Norwegian explorer and educator, will perform the ceremony in April 2022 in New York City. Arnesen was the first woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 1994.
After the ship’s naming, the Viking Octantis will travel to the Great Lakes region, for a series of voyages throughout the spring and summer.
Viking Celebrates Its 25 Year
A second, identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris®, will join the fleet later this year. The new Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris each host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. The new vessels are specially adapted for expeditions. They provide more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels so that guests can be as close as possible to earth’s magnificent scenery.
In addition, guests are treated to creature comforts such as the Explorers’ Lounge, The Living Room, Mamsen’s, Manfredi’s, the World Café, The Restaurant and The Nordic Spa.
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