Viking Expeditions

About the Cruise Line

Who are Viking Expeditions?

Viking began in 1997 with four river ships in Russia, founded by the Norwegian businessman Torstein Hagen. Today it is one of the world’s largest cruise lines, with a fleet made up entirely of small ships, sailing Europe’s rivers, the world’s oceans and, since 2022, the polar regions with its own purpose built expedition ships. Viking’s approach is simple: no casinos, no children under 18, no inside cabins and no nickel and diming, with flights, excursions, Wi-Fi and drinks with meals all wrapped into one fare.

Its two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, were designed specifically for Antarctica and the Great Lakes, and they carry Viking’s calm Scandinavian style to the end of the Earth. Expect light wood, wool throws and big windows rather than gold leaf, with a strong emphasis on learning. Each ship has a working science laboratory, a team of scientists and naturalists on board, and partnerships with organisations including the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Voyages

Viking Antarctica cruises, 2027 to 2029

Viking sail three Antarctic voyages, all starting with a flight from London to Buenos Aires and a charter flight on to Ushuaia. Every fare includes your flights. Choose a voyage for the full itinerary, departure dates and prices.

Why Choose Viking

What makes a Viking Antarctica cruise different

Flights from the UK are included

This is the big one. Viking fares include return economy flights from London, with regional airports available, plus the charter flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia and all your transfers. When you compare prices with other cruise lines, remember to add the cost of flights to theirs.

The Hangar

Instead of climbing down a gangway to a bobbing Zodiac, you step into your boat inside the ship. The Hangar is an enclosed marina at the waterline, with a slipway for the Zodiacs, kayaks and two Special Operations Boats, as well as the ship’s two six seat submarines.

A ship built for learning

The Aula is a panoramic auditorium with 270° views, where the Expedition Team give their lectures, and The Science Lab is a genuine research laboratory where guests can help with projects on everything from plankton to clouds. There is even a library curated with the Scott Polar Research Institute.

Every stateroom has a view

There are no inside cabins. Every stateroom has a Nordic Balcony, a floor to ceiling window whose upper half lowers to give you a sheltered open air viewing platform, and a heated drying cupboard for your wet expedition gear.

The Ships

Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris

The two sister ships entered service in 2022 and are identical in almost every way. Each carries 378 guests in 189 staterooms and is built to Polar Class 6, strong enough to sail through first year sea ice. They are larger than many expedition ships, which means more space per guest and a steadier ride across the Drake Passage, but at under 500 guests they can still land everyone ashore in Antarctica. Read all about them on our Viking expedition ships page.

Booking with Us

How booking a Viking voyage works

We are Coastal Cruises, a UK travel agency specialising in Antarctica, and we book Viking voyages on your behalf. You pay us, your contract is with Viking, and your flights and holiday are ATOL protected under Viking’s ATOL licence.

Deposit

£500 per person when you book

Balance

Due 150 days before departure

Late bookings

Full payment within 150 days of departure

Insurance

At least £250,000 medical and evacuation cover

Travel insurance is a condition of booking an expedition cruise with Viking, and your cover for emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation must be at least £250,000. Viking may ask to see your policy details well before departure. The key terms are on our Viking booking conditions page, and our how to book guide explains each step.