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The Viking Octantis Cruise Ship represents a different direction for Viking cruises, marking the a shift to true expedition cruising. Launched in 2022, Viking Octantis was the first expedition ship in the Viking fleet and was purpose built for travel in some of the world’s most remote regions. The ship underwent routine technical updates and interior refresh work during scheduled maintenance in 2024, ensuring it remains aligned with Viking’s modern standards.
Viking Octantis is designed to carry just 378 guests, significantly fewer than Viking’s ocean ships. This smaller scale allows access to polar regions and remote coastlines, sailing on Antarctica cruises, Arctic cruises, the Great Lakes and Northern Canada. Its sister ship is the Viking Polaris Cruise Ship, with both vessels sharing the same expedition focused design and technology.
Dining aboard the Viking Octantis Cruise Ship is shaped around warmth, comfort and regional inspiration rather than formality. The main restaurant serves carefully prepared dishes using seasonal ingredients, with menus designed to suit colder climates and active exploration days.
A standout venue is The Galley, which offers open seating and a relaxed atmosphere throughout the day. Here, guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals, baking stations and lighter options between excursions. The World Café provides familiar Viking dining concepts adapted for expedition cruising.
Social spaces such as the Explorer’s Lounge encourage conversation and reflection, with panoramic views that often showcase ice fields, glaciers or vast freshwater landscapes. Complimentary wine and beer are served with meals, maintaining Viking’s inclusive approach even in remote regions.
Accommodation on the Viking Octantis Cruise Ship is designed for comfort after full days ashore. Staterooms and suites feature large windows or private verandas, allowing guests to observe the surrounding environment directly from their cabin.
Interiors use warm tones, natural textures and practical layouts suited to expedition travel. Bathrooms are modern and spacious, with walk in showers and heated floors. For guests seeking additional space, suites offer expanded living areas and enhanced amenities.
What truly sets the Viking Octantis Cruise Ship apart is its expedition infrastructure. The ship features a marina platform that allows guests to board Zodiac boats safely and efficiently. A fleet of expedition craft supports landings in ice covered or remote areas.
The onboard Science Lab is another defining feature, developed in partnership with academic institutions. Here, guests can engage with scientists, review collected data and gain deeper insight into the environments they are exploring.
Educational talks, briefings and expert led discussions form the core of the onboard programme. Rather than traditional cruise entertainment, the focus is on learning, observation and shared discovery.
The Viking Octantis Cruise Ship is ideal for travellers who want to explore the world’s most remote destinations without sacrificing comfort or thoughtful service. Its smaller guest capacity, advanced expedition technology and strong educational focus make it fundamentally different from traditional ocean cruising.