viking cruise ship london

Where Do Viking Cruise Ships Dock in London?

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

If you’re planning a Viking cruise and wondering where their ships dock in London, you’ve come to the right place. London is a popular port of call for many cruise lines, and Viking is no exception. In this article, we will explore the different docking locations for Viking cruise ships in London, along with some useful information to help you make the most of your trip.

1. Port of Tilbury

The Port of Tilbury is one of the main cruise terminals in London and serves as a popular disembarkation point for Viking cruise ships. Located on the River Thames, around 25 miles east of central London, the port offers easy access to the city’s attractions. Viking ships usually dock at the Tilbury Cruise Terminal, which provides modern facilities for passengers.

2. Greenwich Cruise Port

Another docking location for Viking cruise ships in London is the Greenwich Cruise Port. Situated in the historic Greenwich area, this port offers a picturesque setting with breathtaking views of the River Thames and iconic landmarks such as the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory. Passengers can easily explore Greenwich’s rich maritime heritage before or after their cruise.

3. Tower Bridge

For a truly unique experience, Viking occasionally docks their smaller ships at the picturesque location of Tower Bridge. This iconic London landmark provides a stunning backdrop for passengers as they embark or disembark their cruise. Although docking at Tower Bridge is less common, it offers an unforgettable opportunity to see the heart of London from a different perspective.

Planning Your Visit

Once you know where Viking cruise ships dock in London, it’s essential to plan your visit accordingly. Here are some tips to make the most of your time:

1. Transportation

Both the Port of Tilbury and Greenwich Cruise Port are easily accessible by public transportation. You can take a train or bus from central London to reach these ports. For Tower Bridge, nearby underground and bus services are available. Consider checking the official websites or contacting Viking for specific instructions based on your cruise itinerary.

2. Sightseeing

If you have some free time before or after your cruise, take advantage of the convenient locations to explore London’s top attractions. From Tilbury, you can explore central London via train or book a guided tour. In Greenwich, visit the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, or take a leisurely stroll along the Thames Path. And if your ship docks at Tower Bridge, enjoy a walk along the River Thames or head to nearby landmarks like the Tower of London.

3. Additional Accommodation

If you plan to arrive in London a day or more before your cruise departure, or if you wish to extend your stay after your cruise, there are plenty of accommodation options available. Consider booking a hotel in central London for easy access to major attractions, or opt for a hotel in the Greenwich area to immerse yourself in the historical charm of the neighborhood.

London provides several docking options for Viking cruise ships, allowing passengers to explore the city’s vibrant culture, history, and landmarks. Whether you dock at the Port of Tilbury, Greenwich Cruise Port, or even have the chance to experience Tower Bridge, be sure to plan your visit ahead of time to make the most of this exciting destination. Enjoy your Viking cruise and have a memorable time exploring London!

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Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

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.

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One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

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Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. 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.

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On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - Iceland - Land of Fire & Ice
• - The Hanseatic League
• - The Vikings
• - Vikings on the Move
• - History of Britain
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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

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• Viking Ocean

Viking Ocean Cruise London Port location

By jeffbook , October 9, 2017 in Viking Ocean

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Going to book the "Into the Arctic Sun" cruise from Bergen to London. I was wondering exactly where the ship docks in Greenwich and how far it is to a tube station.

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Share on other sites, mrs miggins.

You will tender from the ship, a very short distance, to the pier. This is actually next to the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College and Visitor Centre. Lots to do and see in Greenwich. Best way into central London is via the Riverbus boats which leave from the same pier. Much more scenic and also faster than using land transport.

Near to the Cutty Sark is the DLR (overground) and you can access the tube network from Canary Wharf stop or get on a DLR which terminates at Bank (City of London) or Tower Gateway (next to the Tower of London).

There is a lot of information about London on the Ports of Call Boards on cruise critic.

Peregrina651

You will tender from the ship, a very short distance, to the pier. This is actually next to the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College and Visitor Centre. Lots to do and see in Greenwich. Best way into central London is via the Riverbus boats which leave from the same pier. Much more scenic and also faster than using land transport. Near to the Cutty Sark is the DLR (overground) and you can access the tube network from Canary Wharf stop or get on a DLR which terminates at Bank (City of London) or Tower Gateway (next to the Tower of London). There is a lot of information about London on the Ports of Call Boards on cruise critic.

Google maps will help you. The Cutty Sark is well marked on the map and if you go to satellite view, you will get the lay of the land.

Thanks for the information. Have taken the DLR from the tube system to get to Greenwich. This helps a lot!!

IWantToLiveOverTheSea

This info is really more for others who embark in Greenwich, get there by car or other means so are luggage free, and then want to go back out to sightsee. However, maybe you'll find it interesting. If you have time, a fun thing to do is take the underground passage (a little spooky, but haven't heard it's unsafe) from near the Cutty Sark over to the other side of the Thames. There you can view the ship from the shore, not far away. There's a nice park there. Then you walk about a block (head towards street) and run into the DLR. I think it's called the Island Gardens station, but I forget. Of course, if you walk into the town of Greenwich, you can find the DLR station there, too. I took the Island Gardens DLR to the Tube and took a Tube train to Westminster Abbey. It's not terribly hard to get to central London but it does take a little planning. Once I did some sightseeing I found the Thames Clipper boat to take back to Greenwich Pier. The Clipper was easier to navigate than DLR/Tube, but more crowded. It comes right to almost where the ship is docked, so it's easy. Just check the hours of each type of transportation you take; many are a bit limited in the evening or night. Pictures that a family member took are in this gallery:http://www.pbase.com/roothy123/london__greenwich_

Getting to Greenwich by car was a long, hot process; however, overall we LOVED the fact that we were not stuck out in Southampton like we were when we visited London before on a cruise. Incidentally, wee were tendered to the ship on Clipper boats. The pier for Viking was right in front of the one the Clipper used to head up and down the Thames; make sure you know the difference. Of course, there were Viking people there to help filter passengers toward the right pier. Once off the tender boat (Clipper boat) there's a platform near the cruise ship where you'll walk a very short way go through security and onto the ship.

You're ending up in Greenwich rather than starting out, but I'm thinking maybe the luggage situation may be the same: We checked in at tents to the right of the Cutty Sark as you're facing the Thames. So I guess that's where they'll put your luggage on your disembarkation day. From where a taxi was able to drop us, it was maybe a minute walk to the tent with our luggage. Obviously, it would be more to the DLR station in Greenwich.

• 1 year later...

what airline do I need to use to be closest to the Viking cruise port

1 hour ago, Mskaj said: what airline do I need to use to be closest to the Viking cruise port thanks

The closest airport to Greenwich is London City Airport. While I have never used London City, I believe it has some restrictions and believe it handles mostly short haul flights from UK/Europe. Biggest airlines flying to London City that I am aware of are BA & KLM.

Most long-haul international flights arrive at Heathrow & Gatwick, although you could fly into a European hub and then short-haul to London City. From London City, you can hop on a Docklands Light Rail train to Greenwich.

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Viking Ocean Cruises from London Tilbury

Start an exciting adventure in 2024 with Viking Ocean Cruises out of London Tilbury, England. Viking Ocean Cruises' Northern Europe cruises offer an extraordinary opportunity to explore the Arctic, Baltic, Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavia, British Isles, Iceland, and more. With their luxurious amenities, curated packages, and immersive itineraries, Viking Ocean Cruises guarantees an exceptional voyage. Witness the enchanting Northern Lights, experience the Midnight Sun, and discover the wonders of Greenland and Svalbard. With convenient departure ports and a dedication to creating unforgettable experiences, Viking Ocean Cruises is ready to take you on a remarkable journey through the treasures of Northern Europe. Viking Ocean Cruises departs from various ports in Northern Europe, providing convenient embarkation points for travelers. Major departure ports include Bergen, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam, each offering excellent transportation connections and easy access to the cruise terminals. Starting your cruise from these ports ensures a smooth and hassle-free beginning to your Northern Europe adventure.

Cruises from London Tilbury

Cruise ships from Tilbury traditionally set sail in the late afternoon or early evening. Check-in generally starts a few hours prior to departure, offering passengers a comfortable timeframe for preparations. The port area is well-equipped with facilities including comfortable waiting lounges, cafes, and shops. Adjacent to the port, you'll find Tilbury Fort, an historic 16th-century fort that is well worth a visit before your departure.

Viking from London Tilbury Cruise Schedule 2024

Viking Ocean Cruises departs from various ports in Northern Europe, providing convenient embarkation points for travelers. Major departure ports include Bergen, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam, each offering excellent transportation connections and easy access to the cruise terminals. Starting your cruise from these ports ensures a smooth and hassle-free beginning to your Northern Europe adventure.

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Viking Ocean Cruises website.

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Honoring Those Who Freed Europe

Commemorate Operation Overlord on this 12-day cruisetour. D-Day was the catalyst for the liberation of Western Europe from German occupation. In Paris, your ship is docked in the heart of the city, offering views of the Eiffel Tower. Sail through Normandy and visit D-Day sites, explore fascinating museums and relive epic events of World War II. Witness poignant displays and hear inspiring tales of bravery as you join us on a journey of remembrance.

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All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

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 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

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

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More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. 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.

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Feel the spirit of the north

Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night. Sailing far north during Norway’s winter, witness snow-covered landscapes dotted with rugged mountains and steep fjords, and seek out the brilliant aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. Delve into Sami legends and World War II history, and pilot a dog sled or snowmobile to further immerse yourself in the Norwegian Arctic as you join us on this illuminating voyage.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

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 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

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. 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.

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From $1,399 | 2 Nights

Pre: Pristine Iceland

From $2,999 | 3 Nights

Pre: Best of London

Post: Bergen

From $799 | 2 Nights

From $1,099 | 2 Nights

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - The Hanseatic League
• - The Vikings
• - Vikings on the Move
• - Oceans in Context
• - History of Navigation
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

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

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
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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

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4-Day Spring Sale

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The 3 types of Viking cruise ships, explained

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

Viking is unusual among major cruise lines in that it operates both ocean ships and river ships. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

The vast majority of Viking’s river ships — at last count, there were 80 — feature the same design. If you’ve seen one of them, you’ve seen them all.

Ditto for the line’s ocean ships. Nine of Viking’s 11 ocean ships are nearly identical. The two exceptions are the recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

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As a result, the bulk of Viking’s vessels falls into one of just three groups; all the ships in each group sport nearly identical designs.

An introduction to Viking cruise ships

Viking has expanded enormously in recent years with the addition of dozens of new river and ocean ships.

Founded in 1997 with four river vessels, the company operated just 29 ships as recently as 2012. Now, there are more than 90 ships in its fleet.

The vast majority of these ships are river ships — the company’s sole focus for its first 18 years in business. The company dominates the market for river cruises aimed at North Americans, accounting for about 50% of all such trips.

Starting in 2015, Viking began rolling out ocean cruise ships, too.

In early 2023, as noted above, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — almost all of which have the same basic design. The exceptions are a few vessels that Viking operates on rivers in Egypt and Asia (more on these ships below). The line also recently began offering cruises on the Mississippi River and its tributaries using a new type of vessel.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Viking’s ocean ships fall into two distinct groups: a series of 930-passenger traditional ocean ships that began debuting in 2015, and a series of 378-passenger expedition ships that began debuting in 2022.

Unlike most cruise lines, Viking doesn’t use the term “classes” to define different sets of ships in its fleet. Instead, it refers to its series of traditional ocean ships as the “Viking ocean ships” and its series of expedition ships as the “Viking expedition ships.” We’ve followed the same breakdown of the line’s ocean and river fleet below.

Viking ocean ships

Ships: Viking Saturn (2023), Viking Neptune (2022), Viking Mars (2022), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion (2018), Zhao Shang Yi Dun (2017), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Sea (2016) and Viking Star (2015).

Size: 47,800 tons.

For years, Viking only operated river ships, and some cruisers still think of the brand primarily as a river cruise company. However, since 2015, Viking has been rapidly rolling out a series of upscale ocean vessels; these new additions are increasingly dominating the world of higher-end ocean cruising.

As of June 2023, Viking has nine ships sailing the world’s oceans, each with a capacity for 930 passengers. That gives Viking 8,370 berths in the upscale ocean cruise market — more than competitors Oceania Cruises and Azamara combined.

The series is far from finished. Six more of the vessels are on order from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for delivery between 2024 and 2028, and the company also has options with Fincantieri for four more of the ships to debut in 2029 and 2030. Assuming they are all built, Viking’s ocean division will soon be bigger than Oceania, Azamara, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises  combined.

The first thing to know about the ships in this series is that they all are pretty much identical. When sailing on any one of them, you will be hard-pressed to tell what is different.

They’re also quite upscale. While Viking doesn’t market itself as a luxury line, some still consider it so. The vessels are full of luxury touches, from sumptuous bedding in cabins to heated floors in cabin bathrooms.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites

Each of the ships in this series has a stylish, Scandinavian-influenced design that is a Viking trademark, and the cabins are large by cruise ship standards. Even the smallest cabins on each of the vessels have 270 square feet of space — a generous amount. Many cabins are significantly bigger than that, with 14 two-room suites on each of the vessels ranging in size from 757 to 1,448 square feet. Many of these bigger suites offer sweeping views from wrap-around private balconies.

Each of the ships’ interior spaces is built around an elegant, three-deck-high atrium filled with comfortable seating areas that have a living room-like feel. Each also has a bar and guest relations desk. At the top of the ships, you’ll find two-deck-high, glass-walled lounges that offer stunning views over the bow. Other interior spaces include a fitness center and a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels).

Multiple restaurants on board each of the vessels include Italian eatery Manfredi’s (named after former Silversea owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen) and The Chef’s Table. The latter features rotating themed menus.

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of the ships is the main pool area, which features a glass magrodome that can close during inclement weather. The main pool area on each of the ships sits next to a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden, which is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it’s one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

While all of the ships in this series are essentially identical, you will find small differences on a few of them. Most notably, two of the vessels in the series — Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter — have a small planetarium built into the top level of the two-level lounge at their fronts (known as the Explorers’ Lounge). Some of the later ships in the series have slightly larger fitness centers and slightly smaller hair salons.

Note that in addition to the nine Viking ocean ships officially in the Viking fleet, a 10th ship from the same series, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, caters exclusively to the China market as part of a joint venture between Viking and a Chinese company. When it debuted in 2017, the ship originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking river ships

Ships: Viking Fjorgyn (2022), Viking Kari (2022), Viking Radgrid (2022), Viking Skaga (2022) and more than 60 other Longships built since 2012, as well as additional river vessels.

Size: 4,000 to 5,000 tons.

River ships originally put Viking on the map, and they’re still at the core of the brand.

As noted above, the line has 80 river ships in its fleet. The vast majority of them have the same basic design and are known as Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Unveiled in 2012 and designed specifically to fit into the locks used across many of Europe’s rivers, the Longships broke new ground in river ship design in multiple ways.

For starters, they have a configuration that includes some of the largest suites ever for river ships in Europe. They also have a significant number of cabins with balconies — which is made possible by an innovative cabin area layout that offsets main corridors. (In other words, the corridors don’t run down the middle of the ship, creating a wider side with space for balconies and a narrower side with cabins turned sideways to also create room for verandas.)

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s cruise loyalty program

Other innovations include a squared-off bow that allows for eight more cabins than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. Also, quieter engines allow for more cabins at the rear. An enormous amount of groundbreaking engineering went into redesigning the bow areas of the ships, in particular, to enable extra cabins while still leaving room for needed machinery.

As a result of such innovations, the Viking Longships can carry more passengers than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. This has allowed Viking to offer lower prices than other river cruise lines and still bring in a similar amount of revenue per ship — a fact that has contributed greatly to the company’s rapid growth.

Like many river ships, each of the Viking Longships has one main restaurant where most passengers eat their meals as well as one main interior lounge with a bar. There’s also a secondary, casual dining area at the front of each vessel with indoor and outdoor seating. (The outdoor portion, called the Aquavit Terrace, also serves as a forward-facing outdoor lounge during off hours.) Unlike many river ships, the vessels have no spas or fitness centers.

As is typical for river ships, the top of every Viking Longship is covered with an expansive lounge area. There’s also a walking track and an herb garden — the latter used by the kitchen staff to grow herbs used during the preparation of onboard meals.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long — the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe’s rivers. Viking also built slightly smaller versions of the Longships, measuring 361 feet or 410 feet in length, specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require smaller vessels. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

Related: Fast-growing Viking unveils four new ships for the Seine

While the Longships come in several different lengths, they are essentially identical in their offerings and decor. The only notable difference is that the smaller versions of the ships have fewer cabins and thus hold fewer people. The 443-foot-long versions of the ship are designed for 190 passengers, for example, whereas the 410-foot-long versions of the vessels hold 168 passengers (since they have 11 fewer cabins).

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships and traditionally have operated on rivers in Russia and Ukraine. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the war in Ukraine.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

As of May 2023, Viking had another 14 river ships either under construction or on order via provisional contracts.

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

Viking expedition ships

Ships: Viking Polaris (2022) and Viking Octantis (2022).

Size: 30,150 tons.

Designed to hold just 378 passengers, the Viking expedition ships are specifically designed to take travelers to the most off-the-beaten-path parts of the world, including Antarctica and the Arctic.

As of now, Viking operates just two ships in the series, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, both of which debuted in 2022 . No more are currently on order.

As is typical for expedition ships, these are tough vessels with reinforced bows that let them bump through ice in polar regions; the ships also have extra tanks for fuel and food.

Each of these vessels has its own landing craft on board to bring people ashore in remote locations, as well as kayaks and even submarines for exploring. (The latter is the hot new thing for expedition ships — upscale cruise brands Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Seabourn have been adding submarines to expedition ships , too.)

Like other expedition ships, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to operate with a large and seasoned “expedition team” that includes biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists and ornithologists who lecture regularly.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Each of the vessels has several new and unusual features, too. Most notable is The Hangar: an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to a 12-seat excursion craft while still in the protected interior of the ship. It’s a first for an expedition cruise ship.

In another first for a polar expedition cruise vessel, every cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to be upscale. Like all Viking’s vessels, they boast elegant Scandinavian designs. The restaurants on both vessels include a version of Viking’s signature Italian spot, Manfredi’s and the Scandinavian-inspired Mamsen’s outlet.

Another feature of both ships that will be familiar to regular Viking customers is a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers’ Lounge offering stunning views of passing scenery.

In case you’re curious, Viking Octantis is named after Sigma Octantis, the current “south star” that hovers over the South Pole (also known as Polaris Australis). Polaris is named after the current “north star” that hovers over the North Pole. The names are a nod to the polar regions where these expedition ships will likely spend much of their time.

Bottom line

Viking operates more cruise vessels than any other major cruise company catering to North Americans. This is in part because it’s involved in both the ocean cruise and river cruise businesses. Despite its large size, its fleet of vessels is relatively easy to understand. The vast majority of both its ocean ships and river ships are almost identical in their designs.

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
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Cruise And Ferry

Billionaire Torstein Hagen seeks New York IPO for 92-ship cruise giant Viking

Chairman says listing is natural move to further solidify position

Norwegian billionaire Torstein Hagen is looking to float Viking Holdings on the New York Stock Exchange.

Viking and existing shareholders plan to sell shares in the offering, according to a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

“We view going public as a natural move to further solidify our position as a great company,” founder, chairman and chief executive Hagen said.

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