Explore Antarctica with Viking Cruises

April 17, 2023

From diving deep beneath a glacier in the Arctic Sea to watching the awing tumultuous waves of the Drake Passage from your elegantly appointed cabin, voyages to Antarctica aboard Viking Cruises offer guests memorable excursions and unparalleled cultural onboard experiences.

True to its Scandinavian roots, Viking Cruises has been inspired by Nordic explorers from its inception. The Vikings, known to have been bold adventurers, explored regions of the world that others had yet to touch. Like its namesake, Viking’s expedition cruises to the “end of the world” keep exploration at the forefront of each sailing.

Why visit Antarctica?

Until 150 years ago, “The Ice,” as Antarctica is affectionately known, was virtually unexplored. The opportunity to unravel the mystery of this frozen wonderland and discover more about its icy waters, as well as both the marine and land life that inhabit it, make it the ideal destination for the most curious travel pioneers.

Being the world’s largest desert and remaining unclaimed by any nation, Antarctica is unlike any other place on Earth. The international treaty that protects this unique place and preserves the landscape to promote scientific learning allows passengers to engage in one-of-a-kind sailings.

What kind of wildlife is Antarctica home to?

Although there are no native mammals here, over 235 distinct species of animals thrive in Antarctica. This wild frontier is home to birds such as gentoo and chinstrap penguins, Arctic terns and albatrosses. Marine life native to the area includes leopard and elephant seals, humpback and minke whales, orcas and giant squid. Guests can explore this region on foot or by Zodiac boat, with expert guides on hand to provide detailed insight and information about the environment and wildlife. Zodiac rides to the snow-covered beach provide unmatched opportunities to observe and photograph animals at sea and on shore.

What educational opportunities can passengers expect?

A visit to Antarctica would not be complete without scientific learning. Each journey includes at least 36 experts. Viking’s Expedition Team consists of marine biologists, experienced staff, submarine pilots, photographers and polar explorers. Resident Scientists are also provided by the cruise line’s partner institutions, which include the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Together, this team of experts will share their expertise and work with guests on ongoing research in the onboard Laboratory to cover topics such as how microplastics impact the ocean.

Viking also works with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) to promote responsible travel, protect the ecosystems and support scientific research.

What types of excursions are offered?

Guests on a Viking Antarctica cruise can count on a fully immersive experience, with a range of activities and excursions that allow them to explore the Final Frontier. These activities include kayaking, snowshoeing and wildlife watching, as well as shore landings.

One of the highlights of a Viking Antarctica sailing is the chance to witness the majestic scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula. This area is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, with towering glaciers, rugged mountains and pristine ice formations.

Another excursion to take advantage of is the extraordinary opportunity to ride in a submarine. Both of Viking’s expedition ships each have two yellow submarines, all of which are named after members of the Beatles. The submarines George and Ringo are on the Polaris, and Paul and John are on the Octantis. On these six-seater vessels, passengers will have awe-inspiring views of icebergs and glaciers from below. Viewing the unique features and wildlife of the underwater world from this vantage point is an adventure sure to create lasting memories.

What are Viking’s ship décor and staterooms like?

Viking is the world’s leading small-ship cruise company, whose fleet of modern, elegant longships provides guests with a luxurious and comfortable experience. Their expedition ships, Polaris and Octantis, were built specifically to venture to the most remote locations on the planet. Both ships hold 378 guests and 256 crew members each.

Polaris and Octantis have several stateroom options available, ranging from cozy Nordic Balcony staterooms to roomy Explorer Suites. All staterooms have ocean views and include a king-size bed (or optional twin beds) with luxury linens, a private bathroom with a heated floor, a private balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass, individual climate control, free Wi-Fi and many other amenities.

Suite rooms also include a welcome bottle of champagne, a personal coffee machine with premium coffee and tea, and complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, pressing and shoeshine services, among other premium offerings. All rooms come with a keepsake Viking jacket and are equipped with the gear needed for excursions.

The ships also offer a range of amenities and activities designed to enhance the journey, from an expansive auditorium to terraces with heated seating and remarkable views. The interiors of the ships are elegantly designed, featuring Scandinavian-inspired décor in the spacious public areas and comfortable staterooms. The ships also offer a variety of dining options, including a main restaurant, a casual café, and specialty restaurants that serve regional cuisine. Polaris and Octantis both feature a Science Center where guests can learn about the destinations they visit, as well as a Nordic-inspired spa and fitness center.

Ready to set sail?

Viking’s Antarctica voyages offer truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A melding of luxurious accommodations with scientific discovery, this journey calls to those who yearn to go beyond a typical vacation and discover the “end of the earth” in a way that was once not considered possible.