Tourexpi
The 13-day Into the Northwest Passage itinerary
sails roundtrip from Nuuk, Greenland and features destinations
including the pristine waters of the Ilulissat Icefjord and the eastern
entrance of the famed Northwest Passage in Pond Inlet, Canada. Guests can
also discover stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes during the
15-day Canada & Greenland
Explorer itinerary, which sails between Toronto and
Nuuk. Those interested in more in-depth exploration can choose a
combination of the two itineraries, the new 27-day Canada & the Northwest
Passage voyage.
"Our guests are
curious travelers who are eager to explore new and different regions of the
world, in Viking comfort," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.
"From the time of Leif Eriksson and the original Vikings, Greenland and
the Canadian High Arctic have fascinated intrepid explorers. Today, there is no
better way to experience this pristine area of the world than from the comfort
of our purpose-built expedition ships."
2025 Arctic Voyages:
Viking's new
itineraries in the Arctic include:
NEW Into the Northwest Passage (13
days; Nuuk to Nuuk) – Discover the diverse landscapes and rugged shores of
the world's largest island. Immerse yourself in Inuit traditions as you explore
towns dotted with colorful wooden houses. Head out kayaking on the fjord or
partake in a Zodiac landing and witness stunning displays of nature, from
towering peaks to blue-tinged glaciers. Join Viking on a fascinating voyage
exploring the Canadian High Arctic to undiscovered territories beneath the
skies of the midnight sun. Sailing dates are available from July through September
2025.
NEW Canada & Greenland
Explorer (15 days; between Toronto, Ontario and Nuuk) –
Explore Canada and Greenland's rugged shores on an awe-inspiring
journey through one of the most fascinating corners of the world. Sail amid
floating icebergs as they drift in blue-tinged waters and witness the wonders
of Mother Nature as you immerse yourself in dramatic landscapes. Learn about
the Inuit traditions that still thrive in remote communities and experience the
stark beauty of the Arctic beneath the skies of the midnight sun. Sailing dates
are available in July and September 2025.
NEW Canada & the Northwest
Passage (27 days; between Nuuk and Toronto, Ontario) –
Witness the majesty of floating icebergs and rugged lands as you embark on a
journey to the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland. View towering icebergs,
expansive icefields and deep-blue fjords that are rich in marine life. Get a
glimpse of life in Inuit communities and learn about traditions that have
sustained for generations. Bask beneath the skies of the endless midnight sun
as you join us on a voyage of discovery to far-flung lands. Sailing dates are
available in July and September 2025.
Viking is also
offering world cruises between the Great Lakes and "the end of the
world." The Viking Octantis® will
begin her epic journey from Milwaukee to Ushuaia on the 70-day Longitudinal World Cruise III in September
2023 – offering guests a variety of impressive travel milestones in a
single journey from the heart of North America through engineering
wonders like the Welland and Panama Canals, into the Chilean fjords
and finally to Antarctica. Similarly, the Viking Polaris® will
embark on the 71-day Longitudinal World Cruise II from
Duluth to Ushuaia in September 2023; she will also sail the 62-day Longitudinal World Cruise IV from Milwaukee to
Ushuaia in October 2024. Viking also offers a similar voyage in reverse,
from Buenos Aires to Milwaukee, with the 65-day Longitudinal World Cruise I,
which embarks in February 2024.
Viking Expedition
Ships
The Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host
378 guests in 189 staterooms. The vessels are purpose-built for expeditions, at
an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor
and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as
possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. Highlights include:
The Aula: A
stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo's famed
ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Used for
lectures, daily briefings, documentaries and films, this spectacular venue
features a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts to expose
floor-to-ceiling windows and 270° views.
Finse Terrace: An
outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed seating and lava rock
"firepits," the Finse Terrace was designed to allow guests the
comforts of the ship al fresco while enjoying the dramatic scenery. Named after
the Finse Plateau in Norway, where some of the greatest polar explorers,
including Nansen and Amundsen, did their expedition training in preparation for
their North and South Pole expeditions.
The Hangar: A
state-of-the-art, industry-first in-ship marina providing ease of embarkation
and disembarkation of Special Operations Boats and other equipment while
sheltered from the elements.
The Bow: An
important forward-viewing platform. And in the case of inclement weather, The
Shelter is a comfortable, partially enclosed space for guests to warm up
with a hot drink before going back out into the elements.
The Science Lab: Developed
in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-Niva,
The Science Lab, at 380 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad range of
research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities.
Guests have supervised access to The Science Lab to learn from and participate
with scientists in undertaking meaningful research.
Expedition Central: The
hub for the expedition team to consult with guests on their expedition
activities and share knowledge about the destinations on a one-on-one basis,
with the aid of 3D printed maps, digital screens, and a state-of-the-art
spatial data visualization chart table.
Dining Choices: The
Restaurant offers fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available
classics; the casual World Café offers an open kitchen, bakery, grill and
premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international
flavors; Mamsen's, named for the Hagen family matriarch, serves
Scandinavian-inspired fare; and Manfredi's offers the best of Italian cuisine.
The Nordic Spa: Following
a day of exploration, The Nordic Spa offers guests opportunities to experience
the ultimate healthy Nordic traditions, with an indoor heated pool set against
expansive windows and a badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) that is open
to the outside.
Explorers' Lounge: Located
high on the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Explorers' Lounge provides
guests an ideal space to take in the magnificent scenery, share discoveries
with fellow travelers or to enjoy a drink.
The Living Room: On Viking
Octantis and Viking Polaris, The Living Room is located to maximize
views of the surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows and a library that
informs even the best-read explorers. The Library is curated by acclaimed London bookshop Heywood
Hill, as on all Viking vessels, as well as Cambridge University's Scott
Polar Research Institute.
Nordic Balcony: A
first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms on board Viking's expedition
ships feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco
viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize
binoculars or a camera. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories that
range from 222 sq. ft. to 1,223 sq. ft.—all with a Nordic Balcony, as well as a
king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated
bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. Every stateroom is also equipped with a
unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store
clothing and expedition gear.
Expedition Ship
Suites: Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer Suites (580 sq.
ft.) on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are similar to
those on Viking's fleet of ocean ships, with wood detailing and amenities that
include additional storage and seating, an expanded bathroom with extended
shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, a fully-stocked mini-bar
replenished daily, complimentary laundry, priority restaurant reservations and
more. Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony, and a full
outdoor veranda. Additionally, each ship features one Owner's Suite (1,223 sq.
ft.) that has three rooms –a living room, a board/dining room and a bedroom—as
well as a 792 sq. ft. private deck with a traditional
Norwegian badestamp open to the invigorating outdoors.
Enrichment On Board
and On Shore: Viking has created the world's leading scientific enrichment
environment in an expedition setting. Exclusive partnerships with the Scott
Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University, The Cornell Lab of
Ornithology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—as
well as other prestigious scientific institutions match leading researchers and
educators with each expedition. Thirty-six experts accompany each journey as
part of the Viking Expedition Team, including an Expedition Leader and support
staff, photographer, field research scientists, general naturalists, mountain
guides, kayak guides, submarine pilots and specialists (ornithology, geology,
higher predator biology and history). On board, guests will enjoy daily
briefings and world-class lectures about their destination. On shore, they can
assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities during
landings—such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns;
accompanying scientists to collect samples; or taking their cameras ashore
alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic
landscapes.
Environmentally
Considerate: Viking's expedition ships have set a new standard for
responsible travel with an energy-efficient design that exceeds the Energy
Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements by nearly 38%. In addition to an
integrated bow that creates a longer waterline for the ships, engines with heat
recovery systems and Azipod® Electric Propulsion, Viking Octantis and Viking
Polaris have received one of the industry's first SILENT-E notations—the
highest-level certification for quiet ship propulsion, minimizing underwater
noise pollution.
Image Credit: © Viking
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