antarctic cruises viking

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Antarctica Cruises

It is a profound experience to set eyes upon Antarctica for the first time. Breathtaking vistas, otherworldly wildlife and the journey itself leave an indelible mark on visitors. Here is a land of paradoxes: the world's biggest desert that is also the world's largest ice sheet, nearly two miles thick. Virtually unexplored just 150 years ago, this continent belongs to no nation, and is protected by an international treaty for peaceful scientific pursuit. Explore the “White Continent” in Viking comfort with an Antarctica expedition.

Antarctic Explorer

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Antarctica & South Georgia Island

NEW! From the Arctic to Antarctica

Antarctic Explorer & the Americas

The Americas & Antarctic Explorer

NEW! Antarctica, Chile & the Americas

NEW! The Americas, Chile & Antarctica

NEW! Longitudinal World Cruise V

NEW! Longitudinal World Cruise IV

NEW! Longitudinal World Cruise VI

Longitudinal World Cruise II

NEW! Longitudinal World Cruise VII

Highlights of antarctica cruises.

Few places are as otherworldly as Antarctica, with its raw sculpted landscapes awash in blue and white. Here nature is at its most flawless—an experience sure to transform visitors. The ideal time to explore is the Antarctic summer, starting in November when cold, windy weather turns to 24-hour sunlight and temperatures rise to a comfortable 32° F. The ice melts, unlocking frozen seaways. Activities maximize your interaction and virtually all are included: explore by RIB, kayak, submarine, zodiac and more. Here are some highlights you may experience during your journey:

• Catch a glimpse of Gentoo penguins, Weddel seals and blue whales
• Shore landings offer amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing
• Included RIB excursions present stunning scenery for photos
• Cross-country ski or snowshoe into the peninsula’s interior
• Excursions include an undersea dive in a panoramic submarine
• As a citizen scientist, assist onboard scientists with research
• Gain bragging rights for crossing the legendary Drake Passage

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What It’s Like to Sail to Antarctica on Viking’s Luxe New Expedition Ship

By Megan Spurrell

Just last week I sat in a Norwegian hot tub known as a badestamp, the steam rising to meet the crisp air of Antarctica that flushed my cheeks. As our ship sailed at a leisurely pace past brilliant blue icebergs, I kept an eye out for the occasional crabeater seal—usually perched on ice floes, they’d lazily lift their heads to glance over at us. I lived like that—in this delicate sweet spot where great adventure and comfort meet—for a full eleven days on board the brand-new Viking Octantis .

This is only a sliver of the experience on the ship, which just completed the first four sailings of its shakedown season in Antarctica . Announced in early 2020, the 378-passenger ship—which will also sail around the Great Lakes and South America in the year ahead—is the first in the brand’s new line of expedition ships (the second, Viking Polaris , will begin sailing late this summer).

Many on board had spent the last two years looking forward to the ship's launch, which took place at the start of 2022. The consensus: the experience was well worth the wait.

The ship delivers on Viking trademarks that guests love, with all-new offerings geared toward adventure travel: There are zodiacs and sightseeing boats that can be launched off the back of the ship, a science lab where guests can learn from the marine biologists onboard, and an expedition center where wildlife sightings are charted daily beside interactive maps of the region, to name just a few. And when you need a minute between all that activity? You’ll find that beloved Nordic design Viking is known for, with quiet nooks for reading, comfy chairs with stellar views, and more.

Here's what else you'll find aboard the Viking Octantis . 

A ship designed for learning

Chairman Torstein Hagen often says that Viking is “the thinking person’s cruise.” Make of that what you will, but it’s something I thought of many times on the Octantis .

For starters, take the size of the Living Room, a space filled with leather reading chairs, puzzles , and a wealth of thoughtfully selected books curated by London’s Heywood Hill (purported to be the favorite bookstore of Queen Elizabeth II) and Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute. While it’s not the only area for unwinding, it dwarfs the Explorer’s Lounge, which serves top-shelf cocktails and the sounds of live piano every afternoon, and the chaise-filled Aquavit Terrace pool bar on the back of the ship. (The latter two spaces are also found on other Viking ships.) Though there are always quiet nooks to escape to—the size really is notable—the Living Room hosts a rotation of activities, too, including daily workshops with the resident photographer.

On the back of the ship, a remarkable room called the Aula functions as a lecture hall—if, you know, your college lecture hall had plush pleather seats draped in wool blankets and a help-yourself espresso machine parked outside. Massive windows on three sides make it possible to steal glimpses of the very surroundings a cast of lecturers educate passengers on: Daily talks range from an 45-minute “Diversity of Penguins” seminar from on-board ornithologists, to a discussion on Antarctica’s formation from a geologist. Many evenings, documentaries are played here as well (a favorite featured original footage from Roald Amundsen's 1910 to 1912 South Pole expedition).

Guests have a chance to turn their curiosity into action in The Science Lab, where they can learn about active research projects being conducted onboard (thanks to partnerships with the University of Cambridge and Norwegian research institute Akvaplan-Niva). There’s a citizen science element as well—laymen can sign up for a laboratory experience that involves helping the team count microplastics found in water samples, or preparing bait for an underwater camera that documents local wildlife. (Though, frankly, I felt most helpful taking a tour then leaving them to get back to the real work.)

Outdoor spaces for taking in the destination

With so many great spaces indoors, you might be surprised to learn that the bow was my favorite spot on the entire ship. The wildlife watching, made easy thanks to pro binoculars in every stateroom, was addicting; add in the expedition staff—a mix of marine biologists, cetologists, historians, and adventure tour guides with many years of expertise in the region—and their regular presence on the deck made it hard to step away. What a privilege to be able to point out something moving in the water and have an expert just feet away immediately identify the animal to you, then answer every question you could have about their behavior, lifecycle, and tips for identifying them on your own. Even greater: I found the on-board geologist just as able to answer my questions about Gentoo penguin behavior as a member of the excursion team could pick out humpback whales on the horizon—everyone is an expert in everything, it can seem.

Inside, the scenery still takes the lead

For those less comfortable amid the elements, take comfort in knowing the indoors are designed for appreciating the outdoors. The Shelter is a covered space between the ship and the bow with heated railings to warm cold hands and plush seats. On the back of the ship, the Finse Terrace got a bit less wind, but was also great for bird and whale watching . (It appears a plush set of lounge chairs will fill that area in warmer climes.) And make sure to find secret-spot The Hide before disembarking: Right in the bow of the ship on Deck 1, the speakeasy style enclave has a fireplace and front-row seats to the lashing waves outside, with nightly storytelling hours featuring members of the expedition team. 

As for the staterooms? Nordic balconies, as Viking calls them, ensure everyone can hear the blow of minke whale spouts right from bed—just hit a button and the top half of floor-to-ceiling windows recedes, allowing guests to feel the fresh air from the comfort of their couch. 

Active excursions

While excursions offered on the Octantis will vary by destination, the ship’s hangar full of toys gives passengers a glimpse of what to expect wherever they sail with the ship. It currently houses 16 kayaks, 17 zodiacs, two special operations boats, and two yellow submarines (named John and Paul, as if there were any other option; the Polaris will have George and Ringo).

Jessica Puckett

CNT Editors

Jesse Ashlock

All of these activities were included in the trip cost, which isn’t always the case on other ships where special experiences like submarine rides can run about $500 a pop. Viking is known for always including one excursion per destination; in Antarctica, landings are guaranteed once per day. Though landing destinations can vary greatly based on conditions, we got to visit an abandoned whaling station at Deception Island, the largest Gentoo penguin colony in the Antarctic Peninsula at Cuverville, and a number of research bases where we could snowshoe to viewpoints (surrounded, of course, by more adorable penguins). 

The Finse Terrace

One big letdown: The submarines weren’t operating for the first three Antarctic sailings due to technical difficulties, and only quietly began running on the last days of the fourth sailing that I was on. Guests were offered a chance to ride on an invitation-basis leaving a good number grumbling about not being asked. (I was among those enviously watching the dozen or so who made the cut.) The submarine did reach depths of over 200 meters—subs on other liners stay closer to 100–where one guest one board said they observed the seabed with a very rare sighting of a 30-foot-long phantom jellyfish. 

It's a reminder that Antarctica requires a high level of flexibility—you might get a day of rough seas on the Drake Passage (we, miraculously, had smooth sailing both ways), weather can lead to canceled landings, sometimes more than once on a single trip, and that submarine just might not work. Consider that when booking, and you'll be in for a better experience over all. 

COVID-19 requirements in place

Like Viking ocean ships, Octantis has an onboard lab that processes over 500 COVID-19 tests daily. At the moment, every day starts with guests leaving a test tube of saliva outside their door for PCR testing, and contact-tracing devices are to be carried or worn throughout the trip. Vaccinations are required, as are masks in indoor areas. Good thing: As I spoke to friends on other Antarctic cruises this season, many smaller than ours across a number of lines, every one reported a few COVID cases on their ship. Not ours; not one.

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Viking Antarctica Cruises: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

Looking to explore Antarctica in the comfort of a floating, amenity-filled hotel? Eager to learn about polar wildlife and important scientific research? If so, one of Viking’s Antarctica-bound cruises should be on your travel wish list. Two good friends, both world travelers and frequent cruisers, recently returned from Viking cruises to Antarctica. This article explores what a Viking cruise to Antarctica is like – the ship and excursions – plus tips to get the most out of the experience. 

My two friends, Ingrid and Irene, take several major trips yearly and treasure wonderful memories of their time exploring Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. After they returned from their Viking Antarctica expedition cruises, I had to know more, so I debriefed them on their adventures. I thank Ingrid and Irene for their insights about their experiences and suggestions for future travelers aboard a Viking expedition ship bound for Antarctica.

Top 5 Reasons to Take a Viking Antarctica Expedition Cruise

• Visit the world’s unique snow and ice-covered continent. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, highest, and brightest continent.
• View wildlife that populates the frozen continental region , including penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, arctic terns — and even tiny krill (a favorite meal for penguins). 
• Learn about the ecosystem and hear from scholars and scientists about their research aboard the ship . Viking has partnered with several global scientific communities, including the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. On each Antarctica cruise, there are dozens of Viking Resident Scientists and Viking Expedition Team members. Soak in all you can from ornithologists, marine biologists, climatologists, geologists, and other specialists. Find out more about their current research and view their work in the onboard laboratory. Become a student at scientist-led lectures in the impressive Aula auditorium with massive floor-to-ceiling windows. 
• Enjoy the ship’s many included (at no extra cost) amenities and comforts , including a fitness center; spa; several dining venues; complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner; and self-serve launderettes. Note that Viking does charge for some extra services, including a Silver Spirits beverage package (for spirits plus specialty wines and beer), some spa services (including massages and facials), and laundry services (if you want to send your clothes out to be washed).
• Meet like-minded adventure travelers. Get to know other guests who share your love of learning more about the planet and experiencing what few others have. 

The Viking Antarctica Expedition Cruise Options

Viking operates two identical state-of-the-art Polar Class 6 Expedition ships, Octantis and Polaris, each carrying 378 guests.  

Three Antarctica-bound cruises vary in length and run from November through February, the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere:

• Antarctic Adventure : 15 days (Days 4-12 explore Antarctica)
• Antarctic Explorer : 13 days (Days 4-10 explore Antarctica)
• Antarctica & South Georgia Island : 19 days (Days 12-16 explore Antarctica)

The cruises originate in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and conclude in Ushuaia, Argentina.

• The Antarctic Adventure and Antarctic Explorer cruises traverse the Drake Passage (the body of water where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans converge between South America and Antarctica) before reaching Antarctica. Guests visit the Melchior Islands, Danco Islands, Damoy Point, Enterprise Island, Mikkelson Harbor, and Elephant Island. Then, the ship sails back over the Drake Passage, with views of Cape Horn.
• The Antarctica & South Georgia Island cruise sails the Atlantic Ocean and visits the Falkland Islands as well as South Georgia Island before continuing to Antarctica. It also sails over the Drake Passage and by Cape Horn before its conclusion.

Pre- and Post-Extensions

Antarctic Expedition cruise guests can add pre- and post-extension trips — like other Viking cruises. The pre-extension options for the Antaractica-bound cruises include visiting Buenos Aires, the Iguazú Falls, the Atacama Desert, or Easter Island. Post-extensions are available in Patagonia.

Viking Polar Expedition Ships

Viking has a long history of providing excellent guest experiences, excursion choices, and highly-rated service, food, and amenities on their river and ocean voyages. The Octanis and Polaris expedition ships are no exception.

Amenities & Common Spaces

Viking is known for its well-designed ships that sport Scandinavian designs with soft colors. The ships’ configurations and artful design elements create a comfortable, relaxing environment. Furthermore, the expedition ships have impressive artwork, including paintings, photography, and sculptures, many celebrating Norwegian culture. You can take a self-guided tour of the specially-curated pieces aboard using the Viking Voyager app (available onboard).

Inside, each ship has a fitness center; a hair salon; an extensive spa with a steam room, a snow grotto, a sauna; and several pools. In addition, there are various common spaces, including a well-curated library, the Living Room, the Hide, and the Explorers’ Lounge. A medical center is also on board.

At the stern of the ship is the cavernous hangar within the ship. This is where the excursion vessels are housed and maintained. Near the hangar is the almost 400-square-foot science laboratory where scientists conduct research. Guests are encouraged to observe happenings in this space.

Outside, the ship has plenty of lounging space, with comfortable seating and firepits, on the deck and the Shelter (a covered outdoor space with seating).

Viking publishes a dress code that suggests casual clothes during the day. Since there are no formal nights aboard Viking ships, guests are encouraged to dress in “elegant casual” attire in the evenings. Dress nicely (sweaters and slacks are fine) and comfortably. Bear in mind that casual dress is always appropriate in the World Café.

You have your choice of dining venues, all provided at no extra charge. The World Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and does not require a reservation.

• The Restaurant offers regional menu items that change daily as well as traditional favorites that are always on the menu. A reservation is required and can be made with the maître d’ once aboard.
• Aquavit Terrace is a casual dining space at the ship’s stern.
• Manfredi’s offers a variety of Italian dishes (and requires a reservation).
• Mamsen’s features Norwegian-inspired items, including soups and open-faced sandwiches.
• World Café is a casual spot with an open kitchen featuring seafood, sushi, and grilled foods like burgers and steaks.
• Room Service is available 24/7.

Onboard Education & Entertainment

In addition to being comfortable passenger cruise ships, Octantis and Polaris are research vessels. As such, scientists and researchers are cruising along with the passengers. This translates to unique opportunities to learn more from the specialists on board through their lectures and scientific work.

Onboard entertainment includes vocalists and instrumentalists who play in the afternoons and evenings in the Explorer Lounge. On some evenings, guest researchers or lecturers share their experiences – or stories – with guests in The Hide, a space near the ship’s aft that features cozy seating and a bar. 

Staterooms 

The Viking polar expedition ship’s staterooms all feature Nordic balconies with unique floor-to-ceiling windows. You can open the top of the window to take in the sights and smells of the outside from the comfort of your room. The Explorer Suite and the Owner’s Suite on the expedition ships also have private outdoor spaces.

Each stateroom comes equipped with good-quality binoculars, a warming closet to dry your clothes post-excursions, heated bathroom floors, plenty of storage space, a mini-bar, a safe, 110V and 220V electrical outlets, USB and USB-C outlets, and other comforts. Sunscreen, hand cream, and chapstick are some amenities in the stateroom. 

Six stateroom categories offer varied square footage and amenities. Advance bookings (number of days before the ship’s departure) for the spa, alternate restaurants, and excursions are dependent on the stateroom category you book.

• 215 square feet
• 11:00 am embarkation; 3:00 pm stateroom access
• Can book expeditions 47 days before departure
• Mini-bar with soft drinks, water, and snacks
• 11:00 am embarkation; 2:00 pm stateroom access
• Can book spa treatments 60 days before departure
• 269 square feet
• 11:00 am embarkation; 1:00 pm stateroom access
• Can book expeditions 57 days before departure
• Can book spa treatments 70 days before departure
• Mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water, and snacks
• Welcome bottle of champagne
• Complimentary ironing and shoe shine service
• 322 square feet
• 11:00 am embarkation; 11:00 am stateroom access
• Can book spa treatments 80 days before departure
• Complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, ironing, and shoe shine service
• 548 square feet
• Can book expeditions 67 days before departure
• Can book spa treatments 90 days before departure
• Complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package 
• Private outdoor space
• 1,238 square feet
• Priority embarkation; 11:00 am stateroom access
• Can book spa treatments 100 days before departure
• Daily personalized tea or pre-dinner cocktail and canapé s
• Dinner and guided tour with the ship’s officers 

Viking Antarctic Expedition Cruise Excursions

Viking guarantees at least one excursion daily, weather permitting. Excursions include scenic outings to view wildlife and scenery; trips to Antarctica, where guests explore the area; submarine trips down to the ocean’s depths; and kayaking. All passengers can enjoy the excursions at no extra charge.

A unique feature of the Viking Expedition ships is the large hangar at the stern (rear of the vessel). It houses the specialty crafts used to transport passengers daily to their scenic destinations.  

The four main vessels passengers can access are the following:

• Special Operation Boats (“Special Ops Boats”) are used to tour bays and view wildlife. Riding in Special Ops boats allows passengers to get a close look at wildlife and the surrounding sea and land — a much closer view than from aboard the ship.
• Zodiacs (rigid, inflatable boats) ferry guests from the ship to shore and back.
• Submarines take guests down in the water about 650 feet to view wildlife below the surface. Two yellow submarines are on each ship, and each sub seats six guests and one pilot. The subs are named after the Beatles, the hugely popular English rock band with the 1964 hit Yellow Submarine . The Viking Octantis ship has John and Paul , and the Viking Polaris ship has George and Ringo . Lest a submarine excursion sounds a bit scary, I should mention that there is a boat with Viking crewmembers on the water’s surface to monitor the sub the whole time it’s submerged.
• Kayaks for experienced kayakers.

Viking Polar Expedition Cruise Packing Tips

Viking provides all outer clothing, boots, and gear you’ll need for excursions. The Viking Expedition jacket you receive (and use while exploring off the ship) will be yours to take home at the end of the trip. What a souvenir!

It’s relatively easy to pack lightly for an expedition cruise. In fact, you may consider packing just a carry-on suitcase and a personal item for this journey. Doing so negates the need to check baggage on your flights, eliminating the chance of the airline misplacing your luggage. And since Viking provides all the outer gear you’ll need, and there’s a free laundrette (washers, dryers, laundry soap, and irons), it’s easy to get by with fewer clothes as you can easily do your wash while aboard. Some stateroom classes – Nordic Junior Suite, Explorer Suite, and Owner’s Suite – provide complimentary laundry services.

Suggested Packing List

Viking provides guests with a suggested packing list before the cruise. The packing list below includes recommendations from my two friends based on their recent Viking Antarctica cruises.

• 2 pairs of socks (designed for outdoor activities like hiking)
• 2 pairs of fleece-lined pants
• 1-2 tops to use as a base layer before getting dressed for excursions
• thermal long pants and top (preferably not cotton; consider Merino wool)
• 1 pair of mittens with a foldover section (so your fingers can be free to operate your camera or other devices)
• 1 fleece neck gaiter (that can be pulled up to your nose for extra warmth)
• 2 pairs of pants while aboard the ship
• 3-4 shirts/blouses for life aboard the ship
• 1 sweater 
• 1 fleece jacket
• 2-3 pairs of undergarments 
• 1 set of pajamas
• camera or smartphone for taking pictures
• swimsuit (to use in the onboard pools and hot tub)
• sneakers with good tread
• sunglasses and/or sun goggles (to keep the wind out of your eyes)
• lanyard for holding your smartphone if planning to take some pictures while in a zodiac or special-ops boat

Viking Polar Expedition Cruise Tips

• Because crossing the Drake Passage can be unsettling for some people prone to seasickness, get some motion sickness prevention patches prescribed by your doctor. They may work better than Dramamine or similar medications.
• In preparation for excursions, give yourself plenty of time to get dressed. There are several layers of clothing and heavy boots to don, which takes time. A life vest over all the layers completes your outfit for activity off the ship.
• Always remember to go to the bathroom before beginning to get dressed. You certainly don’t want to have to peel off all the layers you just put on!
• Stay well hydrated throughout the day. 
• Apply hand cream and chapstick regularly to keep your skin moisturized. 
• If you want a quiet dinner, plan to eat later, like 7:30 or 8:00 pm. Most guests have finished (or are finishing up) their meals at this point.

Related Articles

Viking related articles.

• Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide
• Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions: What You Need to Know
• Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps to Take After Booking a Cruise
• Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
• Best Sights to See on a Viking Grand European Tour Cruise
• Viking Antarctica Cruise: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

General Travel Planning Articles

• Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers
• Travel Lightly: Top Ten Tips for Your Next Trip

Travel Planning Timeline

• Expert Tips for Traveling to Europe for More Fun, Less Stress
• How to Use Google Translate While Traveling

Final Thoughts

Thanks again to Ingrid and Irene for sharing their experiences and suggestions for other travelers. The highlights for them (and other guests) who enjoyed their Viking Antarctica expedition cruises were:

• The ship itself and its many inviting spaces.
• The shipboard experience, including the lectures and the live music performances.
• The majesty of nature viewed from the ship and when in Antarctica.

Ingrid considers her Viking polar cruise a “trip of a lifetime.” That sums up the feelings of other happy adventurers who have explored a unique spot on the earth aboard the Viking Octantis or Polaris. It may just be time to add this journey to my travel plans. 

Have you been on a Viking Antarctica expedition cruise? If so, please share your experiences and/or suggestions for future travelers. Thanks! 🙂

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4 thoughts on “viking antarctica cruises: a complete guide for adventurers”.

Thank you for this excellent post. I’m booked on this exact cruise in 2024 and I have been nervous about what the trip would be like. My mind is not at ease.

I’m so glad that you found the article helpful. I hope you have a wonderful adventure!

This is on my bucket list!!! Thank you for doing a post! I’m tagging this for the future!!

You must have an exciting bucket list, Kay, as Antarctica is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Enjoy your journey to one of the most unique places on the planet!

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

Fast-growing Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line.

Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world's major rivers.

That's notably different from most cruise lines. Typically, cruise lines operate either ocean cruises or river cruises but not both. That gives them a smaller range of itineraries.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note, from the Douro in Portugal to (until recently) the Volga in Russia.

The company also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and it just began river trips on the Mississippi River .

There are 80 river ships in Viking's fleet — an astounding number. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways , have anywhere near that number of vessels.

Related: First look at Viking's stylish new Nile River ship

Among ocean cruise destinations, Viking has a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which it considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) However, you'll find Viking's nine traditional ocean ships everywhere from North America to Asia and Australia.

Last year, the line began cruising to Antarctica with its first expedition ship — a type of vessel built specifically for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places. Viking now has two such vessels.

Among the line's voyages, there's everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages.

Overwhelmed with choices? Here are the five best Viking cruise destinations where the line can truly offer you a memorable vacation.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Some of Viking's most interesting itineraries are around Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, with many beginning or ending in Norway — the homeland of the company's founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen.

As Hagen once told me, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea are what the company considers "Viking country" — a region where it wants to dominate.

During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise.

The line's most popular route in the region, "Viking Homelands," is a two-week-long, one-way trip between Bergen and Stockholm that combines several days of exploring the fjord region of Norway's west coast with more-typical Baltic cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Helsinki.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Note that, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Viking has pulled the St. Petersburg stop, as well as stops in Finland and Estonia from the Viking Homelands itinerary; the trips instead feature extra stops in Norway and Denmark. It's unlikely St. Petersburg will return to the itinerary until the war in Ukraine is resolved.

Viking also offers a 14-night itinerary that includes several stops in the northernmost part of the country above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed "Into the Midnight Sun," the one-way route between Bergen and London is unique because it combines calls in far-north Honningsvag and Tromso, Norway, with visits to Scotland's remote Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. Though part of the United Kingdom, these archipelagos have ties to Norwegian and Viking history.

Itineraries that will take you from Bergen to Iceland or even as far away as France, Portugal and Spain also are available.

Viking's Scandinavia and Northern Europe trips range widely in length from just seven nights to a whopping 28 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Viking offers that include calls in Northern Europe are one-way, 28-night voyages between Bergen and New York City. The trips include stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

In Northern Europe, Viking ships mostly sail out of Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London as well as Reykjavik.

The Mediterranean

Viking has grown into a major player in Mediterranean sailings, with more than 30 distinct itineraries that include stops in the region.

The trips include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.

Typical of the latter is the line's 14-night "Mediterranean Antiquities" routing, a one-way trip between Athens and Barcelona that stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain.

More-focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line's nine-night "Empires of the Mediterranean" voyages between Venice and Athens, which mostly concentrate on stops along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.

In the Mediterranean, the line's main hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites

Europe riverways

Viking is, quite simply, the giant of river cruising in Europe — at least among lines that cater to English speakers. The company operates around 70 river ships on a broad swath of the continent's rivers — far more than any other river line catering to North Americans.

In all, the line accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans in the region. The next biggest player in Europe river cruises for North Americans, AmaWaterways, is less than half the size.

Among the rivers in Europe where Viking has a major presence are the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also offered cruises on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. The voyages have been suspended since Russia invaded the country in early 2022.

On nearly all of the rivers, the line offers multiple itineraries with lengths ranging from seven nights to as many as 22 nights.

Among 10 different itineraries on the Rhine River alone, offerings range from a seven-night "Rhine Getaway" from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, to a 22-night "European Sojourn" from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania. The latter adds travel on the Main and Danube rivers to days on the Rhine.

Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.

All three of Viking's Nile ships operate the same seven-night Nile cruise itinerary that Viking pairs with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) to create an 11-night "Pharaohs and Pyramids" tour of Egypt.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's loyalty program

The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings a visit to the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other sites.

Viking Osiris is the first of four sister ships that Viking plans to launch on the Nile by 2025 as it doubles its footprint in Egypt. The vessels offer a clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design that mimics the look of Viking's Europe-based vessels.

Notably, the ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the Nile for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each suite also has an outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don't always see on Nile ships.

Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent.

Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022. The second ship in the series, Viking Polaris, has just joined its sister in Antarctica this year. Together, the two ships are already making waves in the market for Antarctica cruises, in part because they have several new and unusual features.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship's exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it's something that is significantly improving the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica exploration.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Viking offers several Antarctic itineraries, with the typical trip starting with a night at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board one of the two expedition ships for an 11-night cruise to Antarctica and back. A longer version of the trip features 13 nights on board one of the ships and extra days in Antarctica.

Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.

Viking Octantis, notably, also operated Viking's first sailings around the Great Lakes this year. In 2023, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will spend their summers in the Great Lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Welcome to My Viking Journey®

Designed exclusively for you to prepare for your upcoming voyage, customize your travel experience, and manage your bookings. Sign in or create your account and get started today.

Manage Your Booking

The countdown to your departure has begun. You can complete your Guest Information Form, make payments, confirm cruise preferences, print your travel documents, book shore excursions and make dining reservations and spa appointments.

Review & Manage Flights

Use My Viking Journey to fully customize your flight itinerary, including seat assignments, flight upgrades, or change your dates of travel and preferred airports. You can also add a stopover before or after your cruise and add flight preferences.

Explore Life On Board

Enjoy a virtual tour of your ship by exploring each deck, including the spacious public areas and your stateroom. Learn about our onboard amenities, dining venues, cultural enrichment programs and more.

Included Benefits

Complete your guest information form.

Once you have made your booking, you can complete your Guest Information Form. This is a first step to finalize travel documents and airline reservations.

Make & Schedule Payments

Schedule and make online payments using ACH or credit card. It is safe, secure and fast.

Browse & Book Shore Excursions

One complimentary excursion is included in every port of call. These thoughtfully curated experiences provide insights into local culture, history and attractions.

Access & Print Important Documents

My Viking Journey gives you access to important documents, such as your Passenger Ticker Contract, visa requirments and packing tips.

Find answers to questions you may have about your upcoming journey, including travel documents, life on board your ship, foreign currency and more.

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You can rest assured that Viking is with you for every step of your journey—from the time you begin making travel plans until you return home. Creating an account in My Viking Journey is quick and easy—get started today.

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Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

Antarctica & South Georgia Island

• From £15,995
• 3 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026

Antarctica & South Georgia Island Map

Explore uncharted territory

Set sail from Ushuaia to the Falkland Islands, renowned for their spectacular landscapes with rugged coves and white-sand beaches. Call at South Georgia, one of the least visited places on Earth, and witness towering glaciers and magnificent icebergs of the “Last Continent.” Explore the untamed beauty of Antarctica on board Viking’s state-of-the-art expedition vessel and experience a journey like no other to one of the world’s last unexplored territories.

ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED

Viking Inclusive Value

We include more features & services than others

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

Return flights from London and selected regional airports

One complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Kayaks, Zodiacs & Special Operations Boats — A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge

Keepsake Viking expedition jacket (on polar itineraries)

All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

55" OLED flat-screen TV featuring CNN, CBC, MBC2, beIN Sports

Interactive TV with complimentary movies and documentaries, as well as Viking.TV proprietary content, lectures and expert interviews

Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections

Floor-to-ceiling heated drying closets for expeditions gear

Spacious glass-enclosed shower

Heated bathroom floor

Anti-fog mirrors

Premium Freyja® toiletries

110/220 volt outlets & USB ports

Meopta Optika MeoPro 8x42 binoculars

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Maximize the value of your overseas flight and enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Buenos Aires & the Paraná Delta

From £1,599 | 3 Nights

Pre: Iguazú Falls

From £3,999 | 4 Nights

Pre: Atacama Desert

From £3,699 | 5 Nights

Pre: Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Post: Gateway to Patagonia

From £3,999 | 5 Nights

Post: The Best of Peru

From £4,799 | 5 Nights

Post: Buenos Aires

From £199 | 1 Nights

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Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

Antarctic Explorer

• From $18,295
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026

Antarctic Explorer Map

Discover the “Last Continent”

This ultimate adventure takes you to the Antarctic peninsula, where you will witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, immense icebergs and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing. In the footsteps of explorers such as Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott, you will be one of the few to discover the world’s last truly wild frontier. Each day brings new surprises and the opportunity to change plans to maximize wildlife sightings and adapt to ever-changing weather.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

We include more features & services than others

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Kayaks, Zodiacs & Special Operations Boats — A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge

Keepsake Viking expedition jacket (on polar itineraries)

All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

55" OLED flat-screen TV featuring CNN, CBC, MBC2, beIN Sports

Interactive TV with complimentary movies and documentaries, as well as Viking.TV proprietary content, lectures and expert interviews

Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections

Floor-to-ceiling heated drying closets for expeditions gear

Spacious glass-enclosed shower

Heated bathroom floor

Anti-fog mirrors

Premium Freyja® toiletries

110/220 volt outlets & USB ports

Meopta Optika MeoPro 8x42 binoculars

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Maximize the value of your overseas flight and enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Buenos Aires & the Paraná Delta

From $2,599 | 3 Nights

Pre: Iguazú Falls

From $6,499 | 4 Nights

Pre: Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

From $5,999 | 4 Nights

Pre: Atacama Desert

From $5,999 | 5 Nights

Post: Gateway to Patagonia

From $5,899 | 5 Nights

Post: Buenos Aires

From $299 | 1 Nights

Post: The Best of Peru

From $7,299 | 5 Nights

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

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Company Information

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• Travel Advisors
• FAQ: Expeditions
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Special Offers

Find A Cruise

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Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
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Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

ATOL protected. Viking River Cruises UK Limited.ATOL number 3124. All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL Certificate.When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it.Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click here .