Viking has far exceeded expectations ...again!
At a time when the world travel industry is under great stress with the Covid 19 Virus, most of the industry are taking shelter.
Introducing Viking Expedition Ships
Viking Expedition ships?
Viking have fearlessly moved forward with their plans, in the true Viking spirit, where no foe is too great to silence the progression.
We have all had enough of lock-down and as the world slowly awakes from quarantine slumber, our thoughts can start to turn to things like travel again.
Sure, a lot remains vague on the how we do it but isn’t it time to start getting excited again? Viking have happily provided some positive travel aspiration
The introduction of a new concept of luxury, with familiar Viking high standards and a focus on the education of travel, has seen the launch of two brand new, state of the art, expedition vessels.
A new era for the company and its guests with the world of exploration
Introducing the Polaris (the north star) and Sigma Octantis (the south star) of the Viking Expedition fleet
Imagine taking a voyage to the Antarctic or the Arctic circles on board a state of the art explorer vessel within the luxury zones of a cruise ship designed for the very environment it is traveling to.
THE MISSION
Due for launch in 2022, Viking Octantis to be launched in early 2022, and Viking Polaris to debut in August 2022, the Viking expedition vessels, both purpose-built, carry 378 guests in 189 perfectly crafted staterooms. While the Viking 2020 season is still on hold, at least this is something we can all get really excited about.
Guests will be enjoying a range of unusual and unique voyages with itineraries that offer diversity to the “thinking persons expedition”.
The vessels, currently being built by Fincantieri in Norway, will feature some of the beloved Viking Cruises standards. On board, you will discover the familiar a two-deck, glass-walled Explorer’s Lounge in the bow; a Nordic spa as well as a modern thermal suite and fitness center.
The trademark Aquavit Terrace will not be forgotten with pools at the stern. Both are polar class 6 ships will weigh in at a sleekly designed 30,150 gross tons.
Attention to detail
The development of the Viking expedition project was not simply a case of building a vessel and going someplace with it. The thinking and attention to miniscule details are very apparent.
Beyond simply identifying a niche cruise market, Viking expedition is about embracing the concept with focused raison d’être.
Viking has got together with some of the globes most renowned and prestigious scientific institutions, giving the Viking expedition project a real purpose for both the education of the guests and for the facilitation of science itself.
The University of Cambridge’s Polar Research Institute’s scientists will be partaking in fieldwork aboard the Viking Expedition vessels during the cruises, sharing their knowledge and expertise with the guests.
In the offering to guests, to immerse them in their experience of the destinations, Viking will provide a number of ways to enjoy and close up connect with the locations.
Viking Expedition equipment available on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris includes two twelve-seater convertible RIBs along with a fleet of zodiacs of military grade specification
Also in the mix, guests will have the availability of kayaks – all Arctic tested and each ship will have two, state of the art submarines accommodating 12 guests that feature 270-degree spherical windows and seats that revolve, providing a fantastic undersea experience.All amenities are stated to be inclusive of the cost of the voyage.
The fare would also include most shore excursions; onboard Wi-Fi and all onboard meals. The added inclusion will be beer and wine served with lunch and dinner.
Dining on board
You will not be short on choices because Viking are including their signature Ocean offerings with the Norwegian specialties at Mamsen’s. There’s also World Café, a new casual “market-type” concept of an open kitchen with live cooking, seafood offerings as well as Sushi. And for a change of tastes, how about the Italian specialties of fine dining in Manfredi’s restaurant?
Viking Expedition debuts with these awesome itineraries:
- Antarctica & South America Discovery: 18 nights from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro in March, October, and November, 2022)
- Antarctic Adventure: 14 nights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia in December, 2022
- From the Arctic to the Antarctic: 43 nights from Tromso to Ushuaia in September, 2022
- Arctic Adventure: 12 nights, roundtrip from Tromso in August and September, 2022
- Niagara & the Great Lakes: 7 nights from Toronto to Milwaukee in April, May, June, July, and September, 2022
- Undiscovered Great Lakes: 7 nights from Thunder Bay, Ontario to Milwaukee — or the reverse itinerary, called Great Lakes Explorer — from May to September, 2022
- Canadian Discovery: 12 nights from New York to Toronto in April and October, 2022
- Antarctic Explorer: 12 nights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia; November and December, 2022; January and February, 2023
Viking Expeditions Ships Gallery
If you’re looking for a cheap cruise, this isn’t it. That said, the cruise is unlike any other and is all-inclusive.
On the other hand, Viking’s offerings are all-inclusive and compared to the competitors, the pricing is on the lower end. Costs range from about $1,050 per person, per day (7-night Great Lakes fares are less, coming in at around $750 per person, per day).
Apparently, the first six inaugural Antarctica itineraries have already sold out.
Now this I would like!~!!!!