The Great Explorers · Polar & Beyond

Viking Expeditions

Explore the world’s most extraordinary destinations with purpose-built polar-class ships, enriching onboard science programs, and the refined Scandinavian elegance Viking is known for.

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Expedition Cruising, Elevated

Viking Expeditions brings the same Scandinavian elegance and enrichment-focused philosophy that made Viking the world’s leading river and ocean cruise line to the most remote and extraordinary corners of the planet. With purpose-built polar-class vessels carrying just 378 guests, Viking Expeditions combines the comforts of a premium cruise with the thrill of exploring Antarctica, the Arctic, and beyond — all guided by a world-class expedition team of scientists, naturalists, and researchers.

At a Glance

Cruise Line: Viking Expeditions – Premium Expedition Cruising with Scandinavian Design

Fleet: Purpose-built polar-class expedition ships carrying 378 guests each

Destinations: Antarctica, the Arctic, the Great Lakes, and remote destinations worldwide

Service: Attentive Scandinavian-inspired service with expert expedition teams onboard

Signature Feature: Onboard Science Lab, Zodiac excursions, enrichment lectures, and The Nordic Spa — all included in your fare

  • All shore excursions and expedition landings via Zodiac boats
  • Complimentary use of cold-weather expedition gear (boots and parka)
  • Onboard expedition team including scientists, historians, and naturalists
  • All meals in multiple dining venues including specialty restaurants
  • Complimentary wine, beer, and spirits with lunch and dinner
  • Self-service laundry facilities
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Access to The Nordic Spa thermal suite and snow grotto

Port taxes and fees are included. Airfare packages available for purchase.

  • Purpose-built Polar Class 6 vessels designed for comfort and safety in extreme environments
  • All shore excursions included — no hidden costs for expedition landings or Zodiac cruises
  • Onboard Science Lab developed in partnership with renowned scientific institutions
  • Intimate ship size (378 guests) allows more landing time and fewer crowds at remote destinations

The Restaurant: Elegant main dining with regionally inspired menus

World Café: Casual open-seating venue with international cuisines and live cooking stations

Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant: Fine Italian dining with handmade pastas and premium ingredients

The Chef’s Table: Multi-course tasting menu experience

Mamsen’s: Scandinavian deli with traditional Norwegian recipes

All dining venues are included in your fare — no surcharges, no reservations fees. Room service is available 24 hours.

Viking’s expedition fleet includes the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris — identical sister ships purpose-built with Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hulls. At 378 guests each, they are among the most technically advanced expedition vessels afloat.

Each ship features a hangar for launching Zodiacs and special operations boats, a submarine for undersea exploration, a fleet of kayaks, and The Aula — an innovative lecture hall designed for expedition enrichment. The ships also house a full Science Lab for hands-on research activities.

Both ships were designed by the award-winning SMC Design studio and built at the Vard shipyard in Norway.

At a Glance

Enrichment-Focused

All-Inclusive

Excursions, gear & dining included

  • All shore excursions & Zodiac landings
  • Expedition gear (parka & boots)
  • Onboard Science Lab & lectures
  • Wine, beer & spirits with meals
  • Multiple dining venues, no surcharges
  • The Nordic Spa thermal suite
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Port taxes and fees included

Explore

Discover Viking Expeditions

View from inside a helicopter cockpit with two pilots flying over a snowy mountainous landscape with rocky peaks visible through the windshield.
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Purpose-Built for Exploration

The Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are identical sister ships built from the hull up for expedition cruising. With Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hulls, an enclosed hangar for launching Zodiacs in any weather, a submarine for undersea exploration, and a fleet of special operations boats and kayaks, these ships give you unrivaled access to the planet’s most remote destinations. At just 378 guests, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience with more time ashore — and the refined Scandinavian interiors feel more like a boutique hotel than a traditional expedition vessel.

The Onboard Science Lab

At the heart of every Viking Expeditions voyage is the onboard Science Lab — a state-of-the-art research facility where guests can participate in real scientific activities alongside the expedition team. Developed in partnership with renowned institutions, the lab features microscopes, water sampling equipment, and specimen analysis tools. Whether you’re examining plankton from the Southern Ocean, studying glacial ice cores, or identifying local bird species, the Science Lab transforms every expedition into a hands-on learning experience. It’s Viking’s philosophy of “enrichment, not entertainment” brought to life in the most engaging way possible.

A modern, spacious cruise ship suite with a large angled window offering an expansive ocean view. The room features a plush gray sectional sofa, minimalist furniture, and a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
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A sleek and modern retail space within a cruise ship, featuring merchandise displays with blue and white branding, branded clothing, and souvenirs in glass cabinets with mood lighting.
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Extraordinary Destinations, Up Close

Viking Expeditions takes you to the places that stir the imagination — from the vast ice shelves of Antarctica and the dramatic fjords of the Arctic to the pristine wilderness of the North American Great Lakes. With Zodiac landings, kayaking excursions, and even submarine dives, you’ll experience these extraordinary environments at the closest possible range. Every excursion is led by a team of scientists, naturalists, and historians who bring each destination to life with expert commentary and genuine passion. And because every shore excursion is included in your fare, you can explore freely without worrying about add-on costs.

Experience

The Viking Expeditions Experience

Enrichment, Not Entertainment

Viking’s expedition philosophy centers on learning through experience. With an onboard Science Lab, expert-led lectures in The Aula, and a team of scientists and naturalists, every voyage deepens your understanding of the world.

The Nordic Spa

Inspired by Scandinavian wellness traditions, The Nordic Spa features a thermal suite with a snow grotto, heated loungers, and hydrotherapy pool — all complimentary. After a day exploring polar landscapes, it’s the perfect way to recharge.

Scandinavian Design

Every detail of the expedition ships reflects Viking’s clean, minimalist aesthetic — from the airy public spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows to the elegant staterooms with Nordic-inspired furnishings. Comfort and style, even at the ends of the earth.

Images

Gallery

Machu picchu vacation

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Viking Expeditions combines the comfort and elegance of a premium cruise with genuine expedition capability. Their purpose-built Polar Class 6 ships carry just 378 guests — large enough for excellent onboard amenities like multiple restaurants, a full spa, and a Science Lab, yet small enough for intimate wildlife encounters and efficient Zodiac operations. Unlike some expedition lines, Viking includes all shore excursions, expedition gear, and most beverages in the fare, so you can focus on the experience rather than the extras.

Viking Expeditions fares include all shore excursions and Zodiac landings, complimentary cold-weather expedition gear (parka and boots to keep), all meals across multiple dining venues with no surcharges, wine, beer, and spirits with lunch and dinner, complimentary Wi-Fi, access to The Nordic Spa thermal suite and snow grotto, self-service laundry, and port taxes and fees. When you book through Cruise Help, you also benefit from our exclusive group rates, weekly price monitoring, and no booking fees — ever.

The Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are identical sister ships purpose-built for expedition cruising. Launched in 2022, they feature Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hulls, an enclosed hangar for Zodiac deployment in any conditions, a submarine for undersea exploration, special operations boats, kayaks, and an onboard Science Lab. Each carries 378 guests in all-balcony staterooms and suites. They were designed by SMC Design and built at the Vard shipyard in Norway.

The Science Lab is a state-of-the-art research facility onboard every Viking expedition ship. Developed in partnership with leading scientific institutions, it features microscopes, water sampling equipment, and specimen analysis tools. Guests can participate in real scientific activities — from analyzing plankton samples to studying glacial ice cores — guided by the onboard expedition team. It’s a hands-on way to deepen your understanding of the destinations you visit.

Viking Expeditions sails to some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations including Antarctica, the Arctic (Norway, Svalbard, Iceland), the North American Great Lakes, the British Isles, and select seasonal itineraries. Their polar-class ships are specifically designed to navigate icy waters safely and comfortably, while their Great Lakes itineraries offer a unique freshwater expedition experience through the heart of North America.

Viking Expeditions ships are all-balcony vessels, meaning every stateroom category features a private Nordic Balcony (an enclosed sunroom that converts to an open-air balcony). Categories range from Nordic Balcony staterooms to Nordic Junior Suites, Explorer Suites, and the top-tier Owner’s Suite. All staterooms feature heated bathroom floors, premium bedding, and Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetic.

All dining on Viking Expeditions is included in your fare with no surcharges or reservation fees. Venues include The Restaurant (elegant main dining with regionally inspired menus), World Café (casual international cuisine with live cooking stations), Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant (handmade pastas and fine Italian dining), The Chef’s Table (multi-course tasting menu), and Mamsen’s (a beloved Scandinavian deli serving traditional Norwegian recipes). 24-hour room service is also available.

Viking Expeditions offers a range of activity levels to accommodate different fitness levels. While Zodiac landings do require the ability to step in and out of inflatable boats and navigate uneven terrain, many excursions are moderate in difficulty. The expedition team provides thorough safety briefings and assistance. There are also options to enjoy scenic Zodiac cruises without landing, and the ships themselves offer spectacular wildlife viewing from multiple observation areas and the enclosed promenade.

The Nordic Spa is Viking’s complimentary onboard wellness area, inspired by Scandinavian bathing traditions. It features a thermal suite with a snow grotto (where actual snowflakes fall from the ceiling), heated ceramic loungers, a hydrotherapy pool, and a traditional sauna. There’s also an infinity pool that overlooks the ship’s wake. The full LivNordic Spa also offers optional treatments including massages, facials, and specialty therapies.

Viking provides complimentary cold-weather expedition gear on polar voyages, including a Viking-branded parka and waterproof boots — and the parka is yours to keep as a memento. This means you don’t need to purchase expensive polar gear before your trip. The expedition team also provides detailed packing lists before departure so you know exactly what to bring for layering and personal comfort.

When you book Viking Expeditions through Cruise Help, you get access to exclusive group rates with savings up to 50% off published fares — with just one room. Our team of 23+ expert advisors, many with real cruise ship experience, provides personalized stateroom selection advice, itinerary planning, and loyalty program strategy. We perform weekly price monitoring on every booking and automatically adjust your rate if the price drops. Plus, we never charge booking, consultation, or change fees — ever. With 365-day support, you’re never on your own from the moment you inquire to the moment you disembark.

Get Started

Ready for the Expedition of a Lifetime?

Experience the world’s most extraordinary destinations with the comfort, elegance, and enrichment that only Viking Expeditions delivers. When you’re ready to explore Antarctica, the Arctic, or beyond, speak with our expert advisors at Cruise Help. With exclusive group rates, weekly price monitoring, and no fees — ever — your expedition adventure begins with us!