The planning started about a year ago, researching cruise lines – from small ships, large expedition ships to crossing the Drake Passage by air and then cruising, itineraries, best time to cruise, duration, cost, etc.
We looked at several cruise offerings, from around $2K per person to $20K per person, to better understand the type of ship, what was included, not included, the type of cabins, meals, excursions, general amenities, etc.
Having sailed the Danube using Viking, the final choice was easy – Viking’s Antarctic Expedition. As we wanted to spend Christmas at home with our families, we decided on Dec 28th.
Our ship of choice was the Viking Octantis, a purpose-built polar expedition ship completed in December 2021. Named after the pole star in the Southern Hemisphere, Sigma Octantis, the ship’s primary routes include Antarctica and the Great Lakes where the ship carries out scientific research during its cruises. The ship was joined by an identical sister ship Viking Polaris in fall of 2022.
The ship has a capacity of 378 passengers with 189 staterooms, and 260 crew members. It offers approx. 172 excursions over the course of a 12 day trip, weather permitting.
For those who have travelled on Viking’s River or Ocean cruises, the ship will feel familiar, due to its modern Scandinavian design, combines luxury and high level of service. The cabins are spacious, come with at least a Nordic Balcony (not a traditional balcony but a floor to ceiling windows), in which the top half opens down. Cabins are well designed and nicely configured, includes a heated floor to ceiling cabinet to dry boots, pants, and parka.
All of the restaurants offer high-quality dishes with excellent variety, and chefs are mindful of the guests dietary restrictions and needs.
The Restaurant manager, Himanshu Dogra, and his staff offer exceptional service with passion and care.
- World Café on deck 5 … is bustling at breakfast, lunch, and dinner; it is more like a food hall with very good food, catering to all foodie desires;
View from our table …
Our table …
The other side … Bakery to Sushi
- For traditional Norwegian brunch, visit Mamsen’s – uses the owner’s mother’s recipes … the aromas are truly enticing – Scones, clotted cream, strawberries, and jam
- Manfredi’s serves up pastas, and more;
- The Restaurant serves up a broader variety, including traditional Norwegian dishes;
The ship has been designed with expedition cruising in mind, for views and viewings.
On Deck 5 there is a promenade for viewing, walking, and as mentioned above, has the World Café, Mamsen’s, along with the Acquavit Terrace at the aft.
Deck 4 houses cabins, and there is outdoor seating near the ship’s Explorer’s Lounge. The Deluxe Nordic Balcony that we selected is shown below.
Deck 3 offers additional cabins, and a lecture auditorium named Aula for presentations and movies.
Let’s not forget a key element for some, there is a self-service laundry room on decks 3 & 4, with a number of washers and dryers. Viking provides washing soap.
Wi-fi is available throughout the ship.
The ship is very well-equipped for excursions with everything one would expect would on an expedition cruise, with a huge facility, The Hangar, that houses boats, kayaks, Zodiacs, and the ship’s two yellow submarines.
For relaxation or working out, the ship offers a fitness center and a Spa. Note, one does not have to pay for access to the spa facilities, which include a pool-sized jacuzzi, an open-air hot-tub, a sauna, steam room, snow grotto, and ice bucket shower; Massages are available at a cost and needs a reservation.
One Life Many Travels means One Life Many Trips; One Life Many Journeys means One Life Many Memories; One Life Many Journeys means One Life Many Experiences; One Life Many Journeys means One Life Many Moments
Prev …
Next …
Main …
Leave a Reply