viking antarctica trip

What It’s Like to Sail to Antarctica on Viking’s Luxe New Expedition Ship

By Megan Spurrell

Just last week I sat in a Norwegian hot tub known as a badestamp, the steam rising to meet the crisp air of Antarctica that flushed my cheeks. As our ship sailed at a leisurely pace past brilliant blue icebergs, I kept an eye out for the occasional crabeater seal—usually perched on ice floes, they’d lazily lift their heads to glance over at us. I lived like that—in this delicate sweet spot where great adventure and comfort meet—for a full eleven days on board the brand-new Viking Octantis .

This is only a sliver of the experience on the ship, which just completed the first four sailings of its shakedown season in Antarctica . Announced in early 2020, the 378-passenger ship—which will also sail around the Great Lakes and South America in the year ahead—is the first in the brand’s new line of expedition ships (the second, Viking Polaris , will begin sailing late this summer).

Many on board had spent the last two years looking forward to the ship's launch, which took place at the start of 2022. The consensus: the experience was well worth the wait.

The ship delivers on Viking trademarks that guests love, with all-new offerings geared toward adventure travel: There are zodiacs and sightseeing boats that can be launched off the back of the ship, a science lab where guests can learn from the marine biologists onboard, and an expedition center where wildlife sightings are charted daily beside interactive maps of the region, to name just a few. And when you need a minute between all that activity? You’ll find that beloved Nordic design Viking is known for, with quiet nooks for reading, comfy chairs with stellar views, and more.

Here's what else you'll find aboard the Viking Octantis . 

A ship designed for learning

Chairman Torstein Hagen often says that Viking is “the thinking person’s cruise.” Make of that what you will, but it’s something I thought of many times on the Octantis .

For starters, take the size of the Living Room, a space filled with leather reading chairs, puzzles , and a wealth of thoughtfully selected books curated by London’s Heywood Hill (purported to be the favorite bookstore of Queen Elizabeth II) and Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute. While it’s not the only area for unwinding, it dwarfs the Explorer’s Lounge, which serves top-shelf cocktails and the sounds of live piano every afternoon, and the chaise-filled Aquavit Terrace pool bar on the back of the ship. (The latter two spaces are also found on other Viking ships.) Though there are always quiet nooks to escape to—the size really is notable—the Living Room hosts a rotation of activities, too, including daily workshops with the resident photographer.

On the back of the ship, a remarkable room called the Aula functions as a lecture hall—if, you know, your college lecture hall had plush pleather seats draped in wool blankets and a help-yourself espresso machine parked outside. Massive windows on three sides make it possible to steal glimpses of the very surroundings a cast of lecturers educate passengers on: Daily talks range from an 45-minute “Diversity of Penguins” seminar from on-board ornithologists, to a discussion on Antarctica’s formation from a geologist. Many evenings, documentaries are played here as well (a favorite featured original footage from Roald Amundsen's 1910 to 1912 South Pole expedition).

Guests have a chance to turn their curiosity into action in The Science Lab, where they can learn about active research projects being conducted onboard (thanks to partnerships with the University of Cambridge and Norwegian research institute Akvaplan-Niva). There’s a citizen science element as well—laymen can sign up for a laboratory experience that involves helping the team count microplastics found in water samples, or preparing bait for an underwater camera that documents local wildlife. (Though, frankly, I felt most helpful taking a tour then leaving them to get back to the real work.)

Outdoor spaces for taking in the destination

With so many great spaces indoors, you might be surprised to learn that the bow was my favorite spot on the entire ship. The wildlife watching, made easy thanks to pro binoculars in every stateroom, was addicting; add in the expedition staff—a mix of marine biologists, cetologists, historians, and adventure tour guides with many years of expertise in the region—and their regular presence on the deck made it hard to step away. What a privilege to be able to point out something moving in the water and have an expert just feet away immediately identify the animal to you, then answer every question you could have about their behavior, lifecycle, and tips for identifying them on your own. Even greater: I found the on-board geologist just as able to answer my questions about Gentoo penguin behavior as a member of the excursion team could pick out humpback whales on the horizon—everyone is an expert in everything, it can seem.

Inside, the scenery still takes the lead

For those less comfortable amid the elements, take comfort in knowing the indoors are designed for appreciating the outdoors. The Shelter is a covered space between the ship and the bow with heated railings to warm cold hands and plush seats. On the back of the ship, the Finse Terrace got a bit less wind, but was also great for bird and whale watching . (It appears a plush set of lounge chairs will fill that area in warmer climes.) And make sure to find secret-spot The Hide before disembarking: Right in the bow of the ship on Deck 1, the speakeasy style enclave has a fireplace and front-row seats to the lashing waves outside, with nightly storytelling hours featuring members of the expedition team. 

As for the staterooms? Nordic balconies, as Viking calls them, ensure everyone can hear the blow of minke whale spouts right from bed—just hit a button and the top half of floor-to-ceiling windows recedes, allowing guests to feel the fresh air from the comfort of their couch. 

Active excursions

While excursions offered on the Octantis will vary by destination, the ship’s hangar full of toys gives passengers a glimpse of what to expect wherever they sail with the ship. It currently houses 16 kayaks, 17 zodiacs, two special operations boats, and two yellow submarines (named John and Paul, as if there were any other option; the Polaris will have George and Ringo).

Jessica Puckett

Lee Marshall

Meaghan Kenny

All of these activities were included in the trip cost, which isn’t always the case on other ships where special experiences like submarine rides can run about $500 a pop. Viking is known for always including one excursion per destination; in Antarctica, landings are guaranteed once per day. Though landing destinations can vary greatly based on conditions, we got to visit an abandoned whaling station at Deception Island, the largest Gentoo penguin colony in the Antarctic Peninsula at Cuverville, and a number of research bases where we could snowshoe to viewpoints (surrounded, of course, by more adorable penguins). 

The Finse Terrace

One big letdown: The submarines weren’t operating for the first three Antarctic sailings due to technical difficulties, and only quietly began running on the last days of the fourth sailing that I was on. Guests were offered a chance to ride on an invitation-basis leaving a good number grumbling about not being asked. (I was among those enviously watching the dozen or so who made the cut.) The submarine did reach depths of over 200 meters—subs on other liners stay closer to 100–where one guest one board said they observed the seabed with a very rare sighting of a 30-foot-long phantom jellyfish. 

It's a reminder that Antarctica requires a high level of flexibility—you might get a day of rough seas on the Drake Passage (we, miraculously, had smooth sailing both ways), weather can lead to canceled landings, sometimes more than once on a single trip, and that submarine just might not work. Consider that when booking, and you'll be in for a better experience over all. 

COVID-19 requirements in place

Like Viking ocean ships, Octantis has an onboard lab that processes over 500 COVID-19 tests daily. At the moment, every day starts with guests leaving a test tube of saliva outside their door for PCR testing, and contact-tracing devices are to be carried or worn throughout the trip. Vaccinations are required, as are masks in indoor areas. Good thing: As I spoke to friends on other Antarctic cruises this season, many smaller than ours across a number of lines, every one reported a few COVID cases on their ship. Not ours; not one.

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Viking Antarctica Cruises: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

Looking to explore Antarctica in the comfort of a floating, amenity-filled hotel? Eager to learn about polar wildlife and important scientific research? If so, one of Viking’s Antarctica-bound cruises should be on your travel wish list. Two good friends, both world travelers and frequent cruisers, recently returned from Viking cruises to Antarctica. This article explores what a Viking cruise to Antarctica is like – the ship and excursions – plus tips to get the most out of the experience. 

My two friends, Ingrid and Irene, take several major trips yearly and treasure wonderful memories of their time exploring Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. After they returned from their Viking Antarctica expedition cruises, I had to know more, so I debriefed them on their adventures. I thank Ingrid and Irene for their insights about their experiences and suggestions for future travelers aboard a Viking expedition ship bound for Antarctica.

Top 5 Reasons to Take a Viking Antarctica Expedition Cruise

• Visit the world’s unique snow and ice-covered continent. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, highest, and brightest continent.
• View wildlife that populates the frozen continental region , including penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, arctic terns — and even tiny krill (a favorite meal for penguins). 
• Learn about the ecosystem and hear from scholars and scientists about their research aboard the ship . Viking has partnered with several global scientific communities, including the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. On each Antarctica cruise, there are dozens of Viking Resident Scientists and Viking Expedition Team members. Soak in all you can from ornithologists, marine biologists, climatologists, geologists, and other specialists. Find out more about their current research and view their work in the onboard laboratory. Become a student at scientist-led lectures in the impressive Aula auditorium with massive floor-to-ceiling windows. 
• Enjoy the ship’s many included (at no extra cost) amenities and comforts , including a fitness center; spa; several dining venues; complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner; and self-serve launderettes. Note that Viking does charge for some extra services, including a Silver Spirits beverage package (for spirits plus specialty wines and beer), some spa services (including massages and facials), and laundry services (if you want to send your clothes out to be washed).
• Meet like-minded adventure travelers. Get to know other guests who share your love of learning more about the planet and experiencing what few others have. 

The Viking Antarctica Expedition Cruise Options

Viking operates two identical state-of-the-art Polar Class 6 Expedition ships, Octantis and Polaris, each carrying 378 guests.  

Three Antarctica-bound cruises vary in length and run from November through February, the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere:

• Antarctic Adventure : 15 days (Days 4-12 explore Antarctica)
• Antarctic Explorer : 13 days (Days 4-10 explore Antarctica)
• Antarctica & South Georgia Island : 19 days (Days 12-16 explore Antarctica)

The cruises originate in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and conclude in Ushuaia, Argentina.

• The Antarctic Adventure and Antarctic Explorer cruises traverse the Drake Passage (the body of water where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans converge between South America and Antarctica) before reaching Antarctica. Guests visit the Melchior Islands, Danco Islands, Damoy Point, Enterprise Island, Mikkelson Harbor, and Elephant Island. Then, the ship sails back over the Drake Passage, with views of Cape Horn.
• The Antarctica & South Georgia Island cruise sails the Atlantic Ocean and visits the Falkland Islands as well as South Georgia Island before continuing to Antarctica. It also sails over the Drake Passage and by Cape Horn before its conclusion.

Pre- and Post-Extensions

Antarctic Expedition cruise guests can add pre- and post-extension trips — like other Viking cruises. The pre-extension options for the Antaractica-bound cruises include visiting Buenos Aires, the Iguazú Falls, the Atacama Desert, or Easter Island. Post-extensions are available in Patagonia.

Viking Polar Expedition Ships

Viking has a long history of providing excellent guest experiences, excursion choices, and highly-rated service, food, and amenities on their river and ocean voyages. The Octanis and Polaris expedition ships are no exception.

Amenities & Common Spaces

Viking is known for its well-designed ships that sport Scandinavian designs with soft colors. The ships’ configurations and artful design elements create a comfortable, relaxing environment. Furthermore, the expedition ships have impressive artwork, including paintings, photography, and sculptures, many celebrating Norwegian culture. You can take a self-guided tour of the specially-curated pieces aboard using the Viking Voyager app (available onboard).

Inside, each ship has a fitness center; a hair salon; an extensive spa with a steam room, a snow grotto, a sauna; and several pools. In addition, there are various common spaces, including a well-curated library, the Living Room, the Hide, and the Explorers’ Lounge. A medical center is also on board.

At the stern of the ship is the cavernous hangar within the ship. This is where the excursion vessels are housed and maintained. Near the hangar is the almost 400-square-foot science laboratory where scientists conduct research. Guests are encouraged to observe happenings in this space.

Outside, the ship has plenty of lounging space, with comfortable seating and firepits, on the deck and the Shelter (a covered outdoor space with seating).

Viking publishes a dress code that suggests casual clothes during the day. Since there are no formal nights aboard Viking ships, guests are encouraged to dress in “elegant casual” attire in the evenings. Dress nicely (sweaters and slacks are fine) and comfortably. Bear in mind that casual dress is always appropriate in the World Café.

You have your choice of dining venues, all provided at no extra charge. The World Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and does not require a reservation.

• The Restaurant offers regional menu items that change daily as well as traditional favorites that are always on the menu. A reservation is required and can be made with the maître d’ once aboard.
• Aquavit Terrace is a casual dining space at the ship’s stern.
• Manfredi’s offers a variety of Italian dishes (and requires a reservation).
• Mamsen’s features Norwegian-inspired items, including soups and open-faced sandwiches.
• World Café is a casual spot with an open kitchen featuring seafood, sushi, and grilled foods like burgers and steaks.
• Room Service is available 24/7.

Onboard Education & Entertainment

In addition to being comfortable passenger cruise ships, Octantis and Polaris are research vessels. As such, scientists and researchers are cruising along with the passengers. This translates to unique opportunities to learn more from the specialists on board through their lectures and scientific work.

Onboard entertainment includes vocalists and instrumentalists who play in the afternoons and evenings in the Explorer Lounge. On some evenings, guest researchers or lecturers share their experiences – or stories – with guests in The Hide, a space near the ship’s aft that features cozy seating and a bar. 

Staterooms 

The Viking polar expedition ship’s staterooms all feature Nordic balconies with unique floor-to-ceiling windows. You can open the top of the window to take in the sights and smells of the outside from the comfort of your room. The Explorer Suite and the Owner’s Suite on the expedition ships also have private outdoor spaces.

Each stateroom comes equipped with good-quality binoculars, a warming closet to dry your clothes post-excursions, heated bathroom floors, plenty of storage space, a mini-bar, a safe, 110V and 220V electrical outlets, USB and USB-C outlets, and other comforts. Sunscreen, hand cream, and chapstick are some amenities in the stateroom. 

Six stateroom categories offer varied square footage and amenities. Advance bookings (number of days before the ship’s departure) for the spa, alternate restaurants, and excursions are dependent on the stateroom category you book.

• 215 square feet
• 11:00 am embarkation; 3:00 pm stateroom access
• Can book expeditions 47 days before departure
• Mini-bar with soft drinks, water, and snacks
• 11:00 am embarkation; 2:00 pm stateroom access
• Can book spa treatments 60 days before departure
• 269 square feet
• 11:00 am embarkation; 1:00 pm stateroom access
• Can book expeditions 57 days before departure
• Can book spa treatments 70 days before departure
• Mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water, and snacks
• Welcome bottle of champagne
• Complimentary ironing and shoe shine service
• 322 square feet
• 11:00 am embarkation; 11:00 am stateroom access
• Can book spa treatments 80 days before departure
• Complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, ironing, and shoe shine service
• 548 square feet
• Can book expeditions 67 days before departure
• Can book spa treatments 90 days before departure
• Complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package 
• Private outdoor space
• 1,238 square feet
• Priority embarkation; 11:00 am stateroom access
• Can book spa treatments 100 days before departure
• Daily personalized tea or pre-dinner cocktail and canapé s
• Dinner and guided tour with the ship’s officers 

Viking Antarctic Expedition Cruise Excursions

Viking guarantees at least one excursion daily, weather permitting. Excursions include scenic outings to view wildlife and scenery; trips to Antarctica, where guests explore the area; submarine trips down to the ocean’s depths; and kayaking. All passengers can enjoy the excursions at no extra charge.

A unique feature of the Viking Expedition ships is the large hangar at the stern (rear of the vessel). It houses the specialty crafts used to transport passengers daily to their scenic destinations.  

The four main vessels passengers can access are the following:

• Special Operation Boats (“Special Ops Boats”) are used to tour bays and view wildlife. Riding in Special Ops boats allows passengers to get a close look at wildlife and the surrounding sea and land — a much closer view than from aboard the ship.
• Zodiacs (rigid, inflatable boats) ferry guests from the ship to shore and back.
• Submarines take guests down in the water about 650 feet to view wildlife below the surface. Two yellow submarines are on each ship, and each sub seats six guests and one pilot. The subs are named after the Beatles, the hugely popular English rock band with the 1964 hit Yellow Submarine . The Viking Octantis ship has John and Paul , and the Viking Polaris ship has George and Ringo . Lest a submarine excursion sounds a bit scary, I should mention that there is a boat with Viking crewmembers on the water’s surface to monitor the sub the whole time it’s submerged.
• Kayaks for experienced kayakers.

Viking Polar Expedition Cruise Packing Tips

Viking provides all outer clothing, boots, and gear you’ll need for excursions. The Viking Expedition jacket you receive (and use while exploring off the ship) will be yours to take home at the end of the trip. What a souvenir!

It’s relatively easy to pack lightly for an expedition cruise. In fact, you may consider packing just a carry-on suitcase and a personal item for this journey. Doing so negates the need to check baggage on your flights, eliminating the chance of the airline misplacing your luggage. And since Viking provides all the outer gear you’ll need, and there’s a free laundrette (washers, dryers, laundry soap, and irons), it’s easy to get by with fewer clothes as you can easily do your wash while aboard. Some stateroom classes – Nordic Junior Suite, Explorer Suite, and Owner’s Suite – provide complimentary laundry services.

Suggested Packing List

Viking provides guests with a suggested packing list before the cruise. The packing list below includes recommendations from my two friends based on their recent Viking Antarctica cruises.

• 2 pairs of socks (designed for outdoor activities like hiking)
• 2 pairs of fleece-lined pants
• 1-2 tops to use as a base layer before getting dressed for excursions
• thermal long pants and top (preferably not cotton; consider Merino wool)
• 1 pair of mittens with a foldover section (so your fingers can be free to operate your camera or other devices)
• 1 fleece neck gaiter (that can be pulled up to your nose for extra warmth)
• 2 pairs of pants while aboard the ship
• 3-4 shirts/blouses for life aboard the ship
• 1 sweater 
• 1 fleece jacket
• 2-3 pairs of undergarments 
• 1 set of pajamas
• camera or smartphone for taking pictures
• swimsuit (to use in the onboard pools and hot tub)
• sneakers with good tread
• sunglasses and/or sun goggles (to keep the wind out of your eyes)
• lanyard for holding your smartphone if planning to take some pictures while in a zodiac or special-ops boat

Viking Polar Expedition Cruise Tips

• Because crossing the Drake Passage can be unsettling for some people prone to seasickness, get some motion sickness prevention patches prescribed by your doctor. They may work better than Dramamine or similar medications.
• In preparation for excursions, give yourself plenty of time to get dressed. There are several layers of clothing and heavy boots to don, which takes time. A life vest over all the layers completes your outfit for activity off the ship.
• Always remember to go to the bathroom before beginning to get dressed. You certainly don’t want to have to peel off all the layers you just put on!
• Stay well hydrated throughout the day. 
• Apply hand cream and chapstick regularly to keep your skin moisturized. 
• If you want a quiet dinner, plan to eat later, like 7:30 or 8:00 pm. Most guests have finished (or are finishing up) their meals at this point.

Related Articles

Viking related articles.

• Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide
• Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions: What You Need to Know
• Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps to Take After Booking a Cruise
• Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
• Best Sights to See on a Viking Grand European Tour Cruise
• Viking Antarctica Cruise: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

General Travel Planning Articles

• Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers
• Travel Lightly: Top Ten Tips for Your Next Trip

Travel Planning Timeline

• Expert Tips for Traveling to Europe for More Fun, Less Stress
• How to Use Google Translate While Traveling

Final Thoughts

Thanks again to Ingrid and Irene for sharing their experiences and suggestions for other travelers. The highlights for them (and other guests) who enjoyed their Viking Antarctica expedition cruises were:

• The ship itself and its many inviting spaces.
• The shipboard experience, including the lectures and the live music performances.
• The majesty of nature viewed from the ship and when in Antarctica.

Ingrid considers her Viking polar cruise a “trip of a lifetime.” That sums up the feelings of other happy adventurers who have explored a unique spot on the earth aboard the Viking Octantis or Polaris. It may just be time to add this journey to my travel plans. 

Have you been on a Viking Antarctica expedition cruise? If so, please share your experiences and/or suggestions for future travelers. Thanks! 🙂

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4 thoughts on “viking antarctica cruises: a complete guide for adventurers”.

Thank you for this excellent post. I’m booked on this exact cruise in 2024 and I have been nervous about what the trip would be like. My mind is not at ease.

I’m so glad that you found the article helpful. I hope you have a wonderful adventure!

This is on my bucket list!!! Thank you for doing a post! I’m tagging this for the future!!

You must have an exciting bucket list, Kay, as Antarctica is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Enjoy your journey to one of the most unique places on the planet!

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• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

Antarctic Adventure

• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing

Antarctic Adventure Map

Discover the “Last Continent”

Celebrate an unforgettable holiday season on this ultimate adventure that features two additional days of discovery on the Antarctic peninsula. Witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, massive icebergs and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing. In the footsteps of explorers such as Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott, you will be one of the few to discover the world’s last truly wild frontier. Each day brings new surprises and the opportunity to change plans to maximize wildlife sightings and adapt to ever-changing weather.

Viking Inclusive Value

We include more features & services than others

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 landing or 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

Kayaks, Zodiacs & Special Operations Boats — A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge

Keepsake Viking expedition jacket (on polar itineraries)

All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

55" OLED flat-screen TV featuring CNN, CBC, MBC2, beIN Sports

Interactive TV with complimentary movies and documentaries, as well as Viking.TV proprietary content, lectures and expert interviews

Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections

Floor-to-ceiling heated drying closets for expeditions gear

Spacious glass-enclosed shower

Heated bathroom floor

Anti-fog mirrors

Premium Freyja® toiletries

110/220 volt outlets & USB ports

Meopta Optika MeoPro 8x42 binoculars

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

Explore more before or after your expedition. Ask your Viking Expert for more information. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Buenos Aires & the Paraná Delta

Pre: Iguazú Falls

Pre: Atacama Desert

Pre: Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Post: Gateway to Patagonia

Post: Buenos Aires

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The 7 top antarctica cruises for 2024 + tips from an expert.

Plan your next epic adventure to the White Continent.

The Top Antarctica Cruises

Yuri Matisse Choufour | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

Experience otherworldly beauty on an Antarctica cruise.

An expedition to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for intrepid travelers who want to explore this remote destination at the bottom of the world. The landscapes are surreal, with eerily blue icebergs, towering ice-capped mountains, dramatic weather conditions that change within seconds and species of wildlife that exist nowhere else on Earth – it's hard to imagine until you've made the long journey yourself.

The fifth-largest continent is home to the largest ice sheet on the planet, the Antarctic Ice Sheet, as well as the Transantarctic Mountains, with peaks soaring more than 14,700 feet into the sky. West Antarctica has volcanoes that are part of a tectonically active area around the Pacific Ocean known as the "Ring of Fire." This incredibly diverse and magical part of the world also has the coldest temperature ever recorded at -135.8 degrees Fahrenheit in 2010.

U.S. News has compiled a selection of seven different Antarctic experiences to help you plan your bucket list adventure to the White Continent.

Book an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: 11-night Ushuaia Roundtrip

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

This 11-night expedition with Atlas is available on several dates in 2024. One highlight of the voyage is crossing the Antarctic Circle, along with four days exploring Antarctica and two days spent in the South Shetland Islands. You'll also have two days en route to Antarctica and two days on the return trip on the famed Drake Passage – also known as the "Drake Lake" (on smooth days) or the "Drake Shake" (when the seas are rough).

During your days at sea, take in all the onboard lectures and films about Antarctica, and head outside on the decks to see petrels and albatrosses soaring overhead. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your photography skills before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula, where you want to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

Atlas' Jan. 14 expedition is on the line's newest ship, World Voyager. The purpose-built yacht-style vessel features a hydro-jet propulsion system that's quieter and less disruptive to the fragile ecosystem. This feature also provides the opportunity for guests to see more wildlife during up-close encounters. Pricing is all-inclusive on board the ship with free open bars; all meals, wines, spirits and craft beers; a stocked in-room minibar; all landings, Zodiac excursions and lectures; the use of kayaks, walking sticks, knee boots and binoculars; and a souvenir Atlas jacket to take home. Fares also include a one-night pre-cruise stay and private charter jet service round-trip from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Aurora Expeditions: Antarctic Peninsula in Depth

Tyson Mayr | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Aurora offers a 14-night Antarctic intensive voyage sailing round-trip from Ushuaia on Nov. 6, 2024, aboard the 132-passenger purpose-built expedition ship Greg Mortimer. This vessel was the first passenger ship to utilize the state-of-the-art Ulstein X-BOW, which provides a smoother, quicker and more efficient transit across the ocean. The ship also incorporates many environmentally conscious features, including low energy consumption and virtual anchoring, which protects the sea floor and minimizes damage caused by traditional anchors.

Guests will find expansive observation decks and hydraulic viewing platforms for optimal wildlife viewing on board. Other highlights of the expedition are nine full days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula in nearly 24 hours of daylight at the peak of summer. During this time, you can expect to see whales arriving to feed on the plentiful krill, fur seal pups and many entertaining penguins.

Prices are mostly all-inclusive, with a one-night hotel stay before boarding the ship; all meals, snacks and complimentary nonalcoholic beverages; beer and house wine at lunch and dinner; the use of Muck Boots for the expedition; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; educational lectures; and more. Adventurous explorers can add on activities (at an additional cost) such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, and skiing or snowboarding. The line also offers longer 20- to 24-day expeditions that include South Georgia Island.

Read: Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress

Hurtigruten Expeditions: Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords Expedition

Dan Avila | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

For an extended adventure that includes crossing the Drake Passage twice, spending up to five days in Antarctica and then landing on Cape Horn in Chile (weather permitting), consider the 25-night grand expedition cruise aboard the Hutrigruten Expeditions' MS Roald Amundsen. Additional highlights are scenic cruising in Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park to see the Garibaldi Glacier; visiting the town of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park ; and seeing the longest Southern Hemisphere glacier outside of Antarctica (which grows by as much as 150 feet a day), the Pio XI Glacier in Bernado O'Higgins National Park. This epic adventure begins March 9, 2024, in Buenos Aires and ends in Valparaíso, Chile.

The ship for the voyage, MS Roald Amundsen, is a hybrid vessel that reduces CO2 emissions by using electrical propulsion – and it's designed specifically for use in polar waters. The vessel carries just 500 guests (to adhere to regulations for visiting Antarctica) and features all exterior cabins with Scandinavian inspired decor. Guests will also find an Explorer lounge and bar, three dining venues, the Science Center, a sauna and spa, and other amenities. Fares are mostly all-inclusive, covering a complimentary expedition jacket; the use of expedition equipment like boots and trekking poles; landing activities; most dining options; and wine, beer and soft drinks at meals.

Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic: Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent

Ralph Lee Hopkins | Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions was the first company to bring citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, pioneering travel to this remote destination. The line's 13-night expedition to Antarctica is offered nearly 20 times throughout the summer season in 2024 on one of three ships. Depending on the ship, guests will have one evening in either Buenos Aires or Santiago, Chile , before flying to Ushuaia the next morning to embark the vessel.

With about five days to explore Antarctica, you'll have time to take in the awe-inspiring landscapes and look for seals and blue-eyed shags up close from Zodiacs. On land, watch thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins as they playfully slide down the snow-covered hills on their bellies – one right after the other – diving headfirst into the icy waters. After the adventure, a private charter flight will return you to either Buenos Aires or Santiago before your return flight home.

The line's newest expedition vessel, National Geographic Resolution, accommodates just 138 guests – and there are two new cabins for solo cruisers . Guests on the Polar Class 5 vessel will have a National Geographic photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic-certified photo instructor and video chronicler documenting the trip. Onboard amenities include a yoga studio, a wellness specialist, infinity-style hot tubs, two restaurants and a chef's table, and plenty of indoor and outdoor viewing areas. This ship also carries an ROV (a remotely operated vehicle) for underwater exploration and other high-tech video gear.

You can even book an overnight stay in an igloo (on a first-come, first-served basis) and spend the evening under the polar sky. Fares are mostly all-inclusive and include all onboard meals and most meals ashore; nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages; transfers; excursions; a complimentary jacket; and more.

Silversea: King George Island to King George Island (Antarctica Bridge)

Courtesy of Silversea

Silversea's six-night Antarctica Bridge expedition takes guests round-trip by a business class flight directly to the Antarctica Peninsula, flying into King George Island from Punta Arenas, Chile. This itinerary is offered several times throughout the season for guests who don't have extensive time to travel – or are nervous about sailing the Drake Passage. Silversea 's pricing is all-inclusive, and guests can choose between door-to-door or port-to-port fares.

While the weather determines the specific itinerary in Antarctica, guests can expect to have several excursions in the Antarctic Sound and as many as nine excursions on the Antarctic Peninsula that include hiking, kayaking and scenic Zodiac cruises with the expedition team. There's also one excursion in the South Shetland Islands, where you can look for massive elephant seals. There will be an abundance of bird and animal viewing on wildlife-rich King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, which is home to Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins as well as Weddell and leopard seals.

Oceanwide Expeditions and Swoop Antarctica: Quest for the Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island

Getty Images

Swoop Antarctica's 10-night adventure-filled journey takes wildlife and history enthusiasts into the ice-choked waters of the Weddell Sea, past towering tabular icebergs, in search of the emperor penguin's rookery on Snow Hill: one of the most remote penguin rookeries on the planet. The incredible itinerary also sails through the same waters where famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, sank in 1915 – and to the rarely seen west slopes of the Antarctic Sound.

Other highlights include Zodiac and helicopter landings (weather permitting) to additional remote locales, including Seymour Island, where the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901 to 1904 spent a winter season; Brown Bluff, one of the most scenic places on the northern tip of the Antarctic Continent and home to a large Adélie penguin rookery; and the volcanic crater of Deception Island.

There are two sailings in November 2024 on board the 1A-class, ice-strengthened Oceanwide Expeditions' Ortelius: a 108-passenger former Russian research vessel. Fares includes all meals and nonalcoholic beverages, all Zodiac and shore excursions, educational lectures, helicopter transfers, and group transfers. Optional adventure activities, alcoholic beverages and other personal expenses are at an additional cost.

The onboard helicopter pad is one of the features of the vessel and is used on select expeditions in the Weddell and Ross seas. It's important to note that very few companies offer expeditions to the Weddell Sea that include Snow Hill Island. While Ortelius is not a luxury vessel like other ships mentioned in this list, it is a stable expedition-style ship built for these icy – and at times treacherous – waters and weather conditions.

Viking: Antarctica & South Georgia Island

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 18-night Antarctica and South Georgia Island expedition begins with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires followed by a flight the next morning to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The first two stops on the expedition are in the Falkland Islands, where you'll find beautiful scenery with imposing cliffs, many types of marine birds and five species of penguins. In South Georgia, watch for king penguins and seals. Then, it's on to Antarctica for days 12 through 16. Guests will have the option to reserve a spot on the Viking DNV-classed submarine for a thrilling journey into the depths of the frigid waters in Antarctica. The return sailing, by way of the Drake Passage, disembarks in Ushuaia.

In 2024, this itinerary is available Jan. 31 and again Dec. 15 on Viking Octantis. The purpose-built Polar Class 6 vessel accommodates up to 378 guests and offers many of the same venues found on Viking's ocean ships, including the Explorers' Lounge, World Café, Mamsen's, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and the Nordic Spa. There are also expedition-specific features, such as Expedition Central, the Science Lab and – for educational lectures and briefings – the Aula theater. Viking's fares are mostly all-inclusive, with all meals and wine and beer served with lunch and dinner; 24-hour specialty teas, coffees and nonalcoholic beverages; a keepsake Viking jacket; complimentary use of the excursion gear; and more.

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Expert tips on Antarctica expeditions

There are many factors to consider when planning an Antarctica expedition, including where you want to travel to, the length of the trip and whether you want to sail the famed Drake Passage twice.

To provide helpful insights and information to plan your trip, U.S. News reached out to an expert in the region, Aurora Expeditions' expedition leader, Ashley Perrin , for tips on planning your adventure to the White Continent. Perrin has degrees in both geography and oceanography from the University of Southampton. She was appointed as the first woman boating officer in Antarctica by the British Antarctic Survey in 2009, and has led multiple expeditions to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands.

Which month is best (in your opinion) to travel to Antarctica and why? 

Perrin: "My favorite time to travel to Antarctica is the end of December or beginning of January, because the penguin chicks are starting to come out and you get the most wildlife spotting opportunities, with marine mammals, penguins and albatross – on top of the spectacular scenery."

What length of trip do you recommend for first-time visitors?

Perrin: "The 10- to 12-day Spirit of Antarctica or Antarctic Explorer (with Aurora Expeditions) is a fantastic introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula. If you had the additional time and opportunity, ideally you would also opt for a voyage that visits South Georgia. For many travelers, this is really the jewel in the crown of the Antarctic experience because of the incredible wildlife opportunities here."

What should you look for in an expedition ship/tour when planning a trip to Antarctica?

Perrin: "Travelers should look for a high-quality educational experience, including lectures and opportunities for Citizen Science. This is such a fascinating and important destination, and you want to ensure you can learn and take as much in as you can. A pivotal factor in this is also choosing a company that offers low passenger numbers.

"Travelers don't have enough of an understanding of the impact of this on their voyage. In the Antarctic Peninsula only 100 people are allowed on land at one time, while at some sites it is 30 to 50 people. Having smaller groups enables passengers to have more time off ship exploring and connecting with nature, and this has such a significant impact on your experience.

"If you like to be a little more active, I would also highly recommend an operator that offers activities, such as kayaking in Antarctica. This allows you to see Antarctica from a different viewpoint and the silence is amazing. You still have opportunities to do landings as well, so I think it's the best of both worlds."

Do you prefer the combination fly/sail for the Drake Passage or sailing the Drake Passage both ways?

Perrin: "I prefer to sail both ways as it's how you earn your right to get to Antarctica! You also get more opportunities to see wildlife like seabirds, and it gives you extra time to prepare for the Antarctic experience through pre-lectures and education. Travelers arrive with more of an understanding of what to expect."

Any other tips, advice or comments you'd like to share?

Perrin: "Do your research into the operator you are choosing and their different offerings – things like passenger numbers, expedition team experience and off ship activities – as these can all have a significant impact on the travel experience. There is also a big difference between traditional cruise operators and expedition operators and what travelers can expect. We ensure that our passengers are exploring and getting off the ship as much as possible.

"I would also add that it's important to do your research into the areas that you're most interested in. For example, it could be history, exploration and walking in someone's footsteps (such as Sir Ernest Shackleton), or the types of wildlife you might see. Having a deeper understanding of the history and the region really does enhance the experience once you are there."

Frequently Asked Questions

An expedition where you get off the ship and make landings on the Antarctic peninsula typically costs about $10,000 per person for a 10-night voyage. However, depending on the cruise line, the ship and dates of travel – and whether you sail or fly the Drake Passage – you could spend as much as $29,000 per person for a 12-night expedition or more. There are slightly lower prices for some expeditions, such as a few with Hurtigruten Expeditions, and you can find reduced fares and deals with lines like Atlas Ocean Voyages and Quark Expeditions. In addition, there are extended polar expeditions that range from a 14-night trip to the 94-night Pole-to-Pole Ultimate Bucket List Expedition Cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions, which is priced at close to $48,000.

If you're not interested in getting off the ship in Antarctica to see penguins and seals up close (but no closer than 15 feet, according to the Antarctic Treaty), you can opt for a voyage on a large cruise ship that sails around the continent for a much lower cost. Just know that you won't be able to disembark at any point in Antarctica. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has a 14-night Antarctica and South America voyage that makes a round trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina, for as low as $999 per person. You may be able to find even cheaper fares from lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Princess Cruises.

It's important to note that by the rules set forth in the Antarctic Treaty, only ships carrying 500 or less passengers are permitted to make landings on the Antarctica peninsula. The Antarctic Treaty, along with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, has strict conservation protocols and regulates that no more than 100 passengers are allowed to go ashore at one time. The IAATO works with more than 100 Antarctica outfitters to create the guidelines and safety procedures to protect the fragile environment and wildlife in this remote part of the world.

The following cruise lines offer small ship expeditions in Antarctica with no more than 500 passengers. You can also look at tour companies – such as Abercrombie & Kent, G Adventures, Adventure Life and Swoop Antarctica – that exclusively charter ships or help navigate the decision-making process for their clients and book individual expeditions with the cruise lines.

• Atlas Ocean Voyages
• Aurora Expeditions
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
• Hurtigruten Expeditions
• Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic
• Quark Expeditions
• Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Seabourn Cruise Line

These larger cruise lines offer sailings around the Antarctic Peninsula, which may include scenic cruising in and around the Gerlache Strait, Elephant Island, Paradise Bay and Schollart Channel.

• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International

The answer depends on the expedition. The majority of passengers will depart from South America in either Ushuaia, Argentina – which is also known as the "End of the World" – or Punta Arenas, Chile. Then it will take approximately two days to cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Some lines also offer chartered flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, which only take about two hours. Some passengers who have taken the flight say it can be as unnerving as sailing the Drake Passage, since weather conditions can delay the flight for up to several days where you could potentially miss the trip.

Cruises on larger ships that only sail around the Antarctic Peninsula may embark in Buenos Aires; Santiago, Chile; Puerto Williams, Chile; Rio de Janeiro; ports in Florida or New Zealand; or even the South Shetland Islands.

The expedition and cruise season to Antarctica extends from November to March, which is during the austral summer in the Southern Hemisphere. But Antarctica is still the windiest, coldest and driest continent on Earth, so weather conditions are unpredictable and can change quickly – even during the summertime. One minute the sun may be out, and the next minute it can be snowing and extremely windy and cloudy.

Visitors in November can expect temperatures between a low of 25 degrees to a high of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest temperatures are typically in January, when you'll find days ranging between 33 to 36 degrees before they start to drop again in February.

Most expedition companies provide jackets that you can take home, so you won't need to bring a heavy parka if it's given to you on board. They may also provide waterproof boots that you'll need to use for wet landings. It's best to check with your expedition line to see what's available on the ship, what you can rent or buy, and what you'll need to pack and bring with you. Due to the unpredictable weather, it's advisable to bring different types of layers.

Here are some of the items you'll want to pack:

Layers: Pack at least two top and two bottom quick-drying base layers (or more, depending on the length of your expedition) that wick moisture, such as those made of silk, wool or bamboo. It does get toasty when you're layered up and moving around ashore, so choose lightweight options that will layer easily under the rest of your clothing and keep you warm and dry. For your mid-layer top, go with a lightweight polar fleece or vest; for the bottom, quick-drying warm tights or fleece pants are a good option.

You'll also want to layer what's on your feet, starting with a wicking pair of socks made from silk or synthetic polypropylene, followed by a good pair of merino wool socks from a brand like Smartwool. Glove liners are another must, especially if your hands tend to get cold. If you can, buy insulated waterproof gloves with removable liners to save packing an extra item. You may also want to toss a few hand and foot warmers in the suitcase in case you need extra warmth. Bring a lighter pair of insulated gloves for warmer days off the ship.

And don't forget a lined wool beanie, a set of earmuffs, and a balaclava or fleece neck gaiter to keep your ears and face warm and your nose and mouth protected from the cold air and wind.

Waterproof gear: The parka and tall waterproof boots may be provided on the ship, but if they're not, you'll need to bring your own. You'll also need wind- and waterproof pants to go over your base layer and mid-layers. If they're tapered at the bottom, you should be able to tuck them into your boots. Perrin says this is one of the most important items you should purchase and pack for your expedition.

Comfy clothes ­and shoes for around the ship: Most people dress casual on Antarctica cruises, so bring clothes that will be comfortable for days and evenings around the ship. It can get rough when crossing the Drake Passage, so you'll want flat or low-heeled shoes for those days at sea.

Other items you'll want to pack:

• Waterproof dry pack
• Sea-Bands and medications for motion sickness
• Camera and accessories with a waterproof cover
• Hiking poles (unless the ship has them available)
• Swimsuit (you may want to take the polar plunge!)
• Other necessary medications
• Hydrating lip balm and a good protective moisturizer
• Polarized sunglasses
• Books on the history of early exploration in Antarctica and the incredible wildlife

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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Travel | Viking returns to Antarctica, adds 87-day…

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Travel | viking returns to antarctica, adds 87-day expedition from the arctic to antarctica.

To meet strong demand for Antarctica voyages, Viking has also announced the 2025-2026 season is now open for booking, including its new 87-day expedition from the Arctic to Antarctica, sailing from Nuuk, Greenland to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Departing in September 2025, this epic journey will allow guests to explore the natural beauty and historic waterways of the Canadian High Arctic before traveling down the east coast of North and South America, calling on ports in the Caribbean, Peru and exploring the Chilean glaciers before continuing to Antarctica.

“As we welcome guests back for a third season in Antarctica, we are pleased to introduce even more opportunities for the curious traveler to experience this phenomenal region in Viking comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.

“Our guests are able to explore some of the most pristine destinations on Earth in the most responsible way possible, while also participating in meaningful scientific discoveries,” he added.

The Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. Vessels are built specifically for expeditions, at an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, passengers are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth.

Highlights include:

The Aula – a stunning panoramic auditorium featuring a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts exposing floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views.

Finse Terrace – an outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed seating allowing guests to enjoy the dramatic scenery.

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.

The Bow – a forward-viewing partially enclosed platform.

The Science Lab – where guests have supervised access to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking meaningful research.

Expedition central – the hub for the expedition team to consult with guests on expedition activities and share knowledge about destinations on a one-on-one basis with 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 casual World Café includes a bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi. Mamsen’s serves Scandinavian-inspired fare and Manfredi’s offers Italian cuisine.

The Nordic Spa – offers ultimate healthy Nordic traditions, with an indoor heated pool set against expansive windows and a badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) open to the outside.

Explorers’ Lounge – an ideal space to take in the magnificent scenery and share discoveries with fellow travelers.

The Living Room – with floor-to-ceiling windows and a library.

Nordic Balcony – a first for polar expedition vessels, staterooms feature a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf to stabilize binoculars or a camera.

Expedition Ship Suites – include Nordic Junior Suites and Explorer Suites similar to those on Viking’s ocean ships. Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. The Owner’s Suite has three rooms, a private deck and a traditional Norwegian badestamp.

Environmentally Considerate – Viking’s expedition ships have set a new standard for responsible travel with an energy-efficient design exceeding the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements by nearly 38 percent, and more.

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Specialty tours & events, viking polaris antarctica review.

by Jillian Dara

© Jillian Dara

eFlyer Reviews

“If you wouldn’t mind only wearing this hat around the boat, that would be much appreciated,” a Viking expedition team member politely requested as she handed back my faux-fur lined trapper hat with a smile. “Real fur is even more discouraged for landings as scientists are like ‘ why are we finding rabbit fur here? ’”

It was my first day aboard the 378-passenger Viking Polaris — Viking Cruises’ second expedition ship launched in September 2022 —  on a 10-day sailing to Antarctica. I was on Deck A in the embarkation wing clearing my outerwear with Viking’s biosecurity, a measure in place due to the destination’s fragile environment. This is when I realized how Viking’s attention to detail exceeded the elements of its luxurious standard to the practical details and committed responsibilities as a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

I initially boarded the Polar Class 6 ship (meaning it can sail through ice thickness up to 2.2 feet) in Ushuaia, Argentina.

On board, I settled into my 269-square-foot Nordic Penthouse — one of six room categories on board — outfitted with a king bed, Nordic balcony, heated bathroom floors, ample storage space and a cozy seating nook complete with a bookshelf displaying titles of famed explorers. There were also destination-specific necessities: a dry closet to quickly evaporate moisture from your gear in between expeditions, binoculars, lip balm, hand lotion and sunscreen. It was sizable, comfortable and surprisingly warm given the floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass, so I thought I’d spend ample time in my room. Yet, there was so much to do on the boat in between excursions I only used the space for showering and sleeping.

Expeditions & Science I’ve been on both ocean liners and river cruises before, but this was my first expedition trip. One detail guests are regularly reminded from the moment of booking is how dependent activities are on weather conditions. This became apparent as soon as Polaris reached the Antarctic Peninsula and we were caught in a blizzard that washed out our first day. Even though they’d prepared us for this, the crew still profusely apologized. The rest of the days we were privileged to experience the destination via the ship’s impressive collection of “toys” as Viking refers to them — 12 zodiacs, two special operations boats, eight kayaks and two submarines.

Jillian Dara

Zodiacs zipped us to shore for hour-long landings or through glaciers for dedicated scenic cruising, and submarines brought guests some 700 feet down to the Southern Ocean seabed and, if lucky, eye-to-tentacle with the Viking jellyfish — a 30-foot scyphozoan known as the giant phantom jellyfish Viking first encountered in 2022 during its inaugural season in Antarctica. It was spotted by one sub group during our sailing.

Perhaps my favorite experience was kayaking. What I thought sounded intimidating was a nice paddle in the calm inlets towered by glacial peaks for a humbling reality of the land’s rugged vastness. Without motors, I felt the stillness and heard the hush of the untouched land.

Leisure & Science In between activities, panoramic windows permitted unparalleled views from reading nooks in The Living Room to the barstools at the bow-located Explorers’ Lounge and the caldarium (warm plunge pool). Guests could also use downtime to learn more about Antarctica by interacting with on-board scientists at Expedition Central or attending educational lectures at The Aula. I loved learning how the leisure ship doubles as a research vessel; throughout our 10 days of active sailing, Viking scientists were busy collecting samples of phytoplankton as indicators of glacier melt impact, observing microplastics and transmitting weather balloon data in collaboration with their esteemed list of scientific partners including NOAA, NASA and University of Cambridge.

Wellness I was thoroughly dazzled by the state-of-the-art Nordic Spa and fitness center on Deck 2, where I spent at least an hour a day. The unisex facilities are inspired by Viking’s Scandinavian roots, with a thermal pool enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring you never miss a wildlife viewing (I witnessed a family of humpback whales breaching one afternoon), as well as a series of hot and cold therapies: a badestamp (hot tub), sauna, steam room, snow grotto and cold bucket shower. I enjoyed performing the circuit daily and it never felt overcrowded.

Cuisine I was nervous that after day 10 I’d have food fatigue given guests eat all their meals on board. However, this was certainly not the case. The buffet-style World Café acted as the main eating hall of the ship, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. There was a constant rotation of dishes along with signature concessions, like the grill, sushi bar and salad station. I was particularly excited about the themed days, like a Mexican-inspired lunch with quesadillas and guacamole, and an Asian takeover, featuring a bounty of curries, stir fry and dumplings. Another way Viking Polaris provides culinary variety is with its two standalone venues: The Restaurant offers an upscale menu with regional flair while Manfredi’s serves traditional Italian.

I know they say Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but I’d jump at another opportunity to return to the White Continent with Viking in the future.

Viking Polaris Antarctica

tel 800 381 4596

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• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
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Antarctica & South Georgia Island

• From £15,995
• 3 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026

Antarctica & South Georgia Island Map

Explore uncharted territory

Set sail from Ushuaia to the Falkland Islands, renowned for their spectacular landscapes with rugged coves and white-sand beaches. Call at South Georgia, one of the least visited places on Earth, and witness towering glaciers and magnificent icebergs of the “Last Continent.” Explore the untamed beauty of Antarctica on board Viking’s state-of-the-art expedition vessel and experience a journey like no other to one of the world’s last unexplored territories.

ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED

Viking Inclusive Value

We include more features & services than others

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

Return flights from London and selected regional airports

One complimentary landing or 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

Kayaks, Zodiacs & Special Operations Boats — A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge

Keepsake Viking expedition jacket (on polar itineraries)

All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

55" OLED flat-screen TV featuring CNN, CBC, MBC2, beIN Sports

Interactive TV with complimentary movies and documentaries, as well as Viking.TV proprietary content, lectures and expert interviews

Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections

Floor-to-ceiling heated drying closets for expeditions gear

Spacious glass-enclosed shower

Heated bathroom floor

Anti-fog mirrors

Premium Freyja® toiletries

110/220 volt outlets & USB ports

Meopta Optika MeoPro 8x42 binoculars

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Maximize the value of your overseas flight and 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.

Pre: Buenos Aires & the Paraná Delta

From £1,599 | 3 Nights

Pre: Iguazú Falls

From £3,999 | 4 Nights

Pre: Atacama Desert

From £3,699 | 5 Nights

Pre: Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Post: Gateway to Patagonia

From £3,999 | 5 Nights

Post: The Best of Peru

From £4,799 | 5 Nights

Post: Buenos Aires

From £199 | 1 Nights

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• Expeditions
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Antarctic Explorer

• From $18,295
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026

Antarctic Explorer Map

Discover the “Last Continent”

This ultimate adventure takes you to the Antarctic peninsula, where you will witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, immense icebergs and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing. In the footsteps of explorers such as Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott, you will be one of the few to discover the world’s last truly wild frontier. Each day brings new surprises and the opportunity to change plans to maximize wildlife sightings and adapt to ever-changing weather.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

We include more features & services than others

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 landing or 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

Kayaks, Zodiacs & Special Operations Boats — A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge

Keepsake Viking expedition jacket (on polar itineraries)

All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

55" OLED flat-screen TV featuring CNN, CBC, MBC2, beIN Sports

Interactive TV with complimentary movies and documentaries, as well as Viking.TV proprietary content, lectures and expert interviews

Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections

Floor-to-ceiling heated drying closets for expeditions gear

Spacious glass-enclosed shower

Heated bathroom floor

Anti-fog mirrors

Premium Freyja® toiletries

110/220 volt outlets & USB ports

Meopta Optika MeoPro 8x42 binoculars

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Maximize the value of your overseas flight and 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.

Pre: Buenos Aires & the Paraná Delta

From $2,599 | 3 Nights

Pre: Iguazú Falls

From $6,499 | 4 Nights

Pre: Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

From $5,999 | 4 Nights

Pre: Atacama Desert

From $5,999 | 5 Nights

Post: Gateway to Patagonia

From $5,899 | 5 Nights

Post: Buenos Aires

From $299 | 1 Nights

Post: The Best of Peru

From $7,299 | 5 Nights

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The Meandering Traveler

A Travel Blog with Travel Tips and Interesting Facts

Be a True Explorer! Discover Antarctica Penguins with Viking

It’s one thing to go on an expedition cruise. It’s yet another to qualify as a true explorer. But guests and Viking ‘s expedition team sailing on one Viking Octantis Antarctica voyage in January 2024 certainly did both. They helped discover a new colony of chinstrap Antarctica penguins not previously known to science!

That occurred on the white continent’s Diaz Rock, near Astrolabe Island. At the time, Viking’s  expedition vessel was visiting that three-mile-long island in the Bransfield Strait along the Trinity Peninsula.

While Astrolabe Island is already home to a colony of chinstrap penguins, that colony hadn’t been scientifically surveyed since 1987. So, during the Viking Octantis’ visit, Viking ’s scientific partner,  Oceanites , a field research entity specializing in Antarctic penguin monitoring, conducted the first visual and thermal aerial survey in almost 40 years.

(Shown above are chinstrap penguins in Antarctica. Photo by Dr. Grant Humphries.)

Antarctica Penguins: Newly Discovered Colony

And then it happened! Presto, in that process, the survey discovered the separate, previously unknown colony on Diaz Rock. Thus, guests seeing these penguins weren’t simply Antarctica tourists.

Instead, they truly envisioned themselves as polar explorers akin to Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott!

“It is not often we find a new penguin colony,” acknowledges Dr. Grant Humphries, director of science at O ceanites, speaking about the recent discovery at Diaz Rock. “This work will allow us to get a better understanding of how Antarctica’s penguin population dynamics are shifting in an ever-changing world.”

Viking believes that every expedition voyage should provide opportunities for meaningful scientific discovery. “With our third season in Antarctica underway, we are pleased to have supported another significant scientific development that will allow for further understanding of the region,” says Torstein Hagen , Viking’s chairman.

Up Close to Wildlife

Certainly, Antarctica penguins are a big draw for eco-minded g uests eager to see wildli fe up close. Many travelers are looking to visit Antarctica in 2024 or beyond via the 378-passenger Viking  Octantis or identical sister Viking Polaris .

Viking’s Antarctic voyages of exploration and discovery are offered November through February. What’s the big draw? Travelers will gaze at dramatic, ice-and-snow scenery, multiple species of penguins, many birds, and whales and other marine life.

In addition, while accompanied by members of the ship’s 36-person expedition team, expedition cruise guests will head out on Zodiac rides, beach walks and hikes.

That said, Viking’s two expedition ships also offer more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than mos t expedition vessels. So, guests don’t e ven have to leave the ship for stellar views.

Antarctica Penguins: Cute Black-and-White Waddlers

It’s a fact. Travelers absolutely love seeing and taking selfies with penguins of multiple species in Antarctica. At times, these cute black-and-white birds are spotted waddling up a hillside on a penguin trail.

Travelers — per Antarctica’s strict wildlife regulations — must step out of the way to allow penguins “first dibs” on that trail. At other times, guests taking a Zodiac ride might view the cute, black-and-white fuzzy birds resting on an iceberg.

There’s no touching the cute penguins, though. Regulations require viewing them in a quiet, respectful manner. Of course, selfies are permitted at a bit of a distance.

Personally, when The Meandering Traveler visited Antarctica on a late 2022 expedition cruise , we most loved watching chinstrap penguins in the ocean. As accomplished swimmers, they’re speed demons at up to 18 mph in the water.

Suddenly, they leap from the water, soar for a second or so and then quickly hit the water again. On land, though, think of them as tobogganers. They lie on their stomachs and push themselves along on the icy terrain with their flippers.

More Factoids about Antarctica Penguins

Here are a few other fun factoids about chinstrap penguins. First, their colonies can be very large. In fact, some contain more than 100,000 pairs of adults.

Size-wise, they’re about 25 inches to 30 inches tall, and they weigh up to 11 pounds.  They sport a black back, flippers, bill and cap on their head, plus a black strap that runs under their chin.

When they get the munchies, chinstraps love going into the water. The quest is for seafood — fish, shrimp, squid and krill. But the penguins themselves have to be watchful. Orcas and leopard seals consider them tasty prey.

Generally, chinstrap penguins are monogamous, returning to the same mate every year. And they can live 20 years or so.

Most notably, they’re also called “stonebreaker penguins.” No, they don’t collect stones for their nests.

Instead, they simply have a big mouth! Their screeching is so loud and piercing that people say it’s enough to break stones.

Viking’s “Antarctica Explorer” Itinerary

So, how can you too be an explorer, see thousands of penguins of all types and explore the farthest reaches of Earth? “An expedition cruise is the ticket,” emphasizes Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel .

“In late 2024 as well as January, February, November and December of 2025 and 2026, Viking sets sail with an incredible, 13-day “ Antarctica Explorer ” itinerary,” she adds. “And timing is flexible as a sizable number of departure dates are offered throughout each winter season.”

The “Antarctica Explorer” itinerary begins in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and then guests take a flight to Ushuaia at the end of southern Patagonia. There, guests embark their Viking expedition ship.

Sailing southward, the ship spends a day at sea crossing the Drake Passage. Once in Antarctica, guests are blessed with seven full days of exploration time. Then, the ship begins its journey back to Ushuaia across the Drake Passage.

A bonus? The ship also offers guests a day of scenic sailing in the Cape Horn area.

At press time, fares began at $11, 995 per person, double occupancy. But talk to your personal travel advisor about any unadvertised discounts, promotions or incentives.

Viking Expedition Team and Scientific Partners

During each Viking expedition, visiting researchers from partner institutions are part of the ship’s multidisciplinary expedition team. They lead guests through scientific research, guide shore trips, provide lectures and more.

In addition to Oceanites ,  Viking partners with many other scientific groups aboard its two expedition vessels. That facilitates helpful polar research and also guarantees a unique, authentic Antarctica experience for guests.

Those partners range from the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Norwegian Polar Institute , among others.

For more information on Viking’s polar itinerary options, visit the line’s Antarctica website page . For questions about a potential Antarctica cruise and to discuss accommodations or itineraries, call your personal travel planner today. 

After all, the penguins await!

Important Notes from  Pavlus Travel

• For information about the best deals, sign up for Pavlus’ email newsletter, which  spotlights terrific pricing  on a multitude of cruise and travel options. Readers can simply add their email to the sign-up box on the top right corner of the  Pavlus Travel website .
• If anything tweaks your interest in this blog above, and you DO have questions about specific pricing, brochures, savings, accommodations, accessible options and so on, please contact us at   800-528-9300. 
• Or  visit us online at Pavlus Travel’s official agency Web site;  t here you can “live chat” with us online too!
• This blog site provides “basic, general information” about travel. It’s not staffed by travel advisors.
• Any price examples and included vacation features in blogs are subject to change. They also don’t represent the full range of options; a travel advisor can assist with additional information.
• Please don’t use the Reply Section below if you are asking for pricing, travel dates, accommodations, brochures or other specific requests. Please use the 800 number or online link. 

Susan J. Young

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The Return of Viking Cruises to Antarctica

Viking Cruises announces the commencement of its third Antarctic expedition cruise season aboard the Viking Octantis and its sister ship, the Viking Polaris .

Both ships will spend the southern summer in Antarctica before returning to the Great Lakes of North America for voyages in spring, summer, and early autumn.

To meet the strong demand for Antarctic travel, Viking has opened reservations for the 2025-2026 season, including a new 87-day expedition cruise departing in September 2025. The itinerary starts from Nuuk , Greenland, and concludes in Ushuaia , Argentina, allowing guests to explore the natural beauty and historical waterways of the Canadian High Arctic. They will then sail along the eastern coasts of North and South America, stopping in Caribbean ports and Peru, exploring Chilean glaciers before heading to Antarctica.

CC_OCTANTIS_Antarctica_Midnight_Sky_

Gentoo penguins in Antarctica

“ As we welcome guests for the third season in Antarctica, we are pleased to introduce even more opportunities for curious travelers to experience this phenomenal region in the comfort of Viking ,” said Torstein Hagen , President of Viking. “ By creating expeditions for our ideal traveler, whom we call ‘The Thinking Person,’ our guests can explore some of the Earth’s most pristine destinations in the most responsible way possible, also participating in significant scientific discoveries. During my journey to Antarctica, I witnessed firsthand the incredible landscapes and wildlife that this fascinating continent has to offer. In my opinion, everyone should make a trip to Antarctica at least once in their lifetime .”

guest Viking Octantis in Antarctica.

Viking Octantis in Antarctica.

Hagen recently met with the award-winning British photographer Alastair Miller , engaging in a pleasant conversation about his journey in the “White Continent” aboard the Viking Polaris . They discussed the intriguing story of how Hagen’s passion for travel and interest in remote destinations began during his childhood when he sent a letter to Ushuaia from his home in Norway.

The arrival of Viking expedition ships in Antarctica also marks the completion of two inaugural cruises circumnavigating the globe from North to South: the 71-day Longitudinal World Cruise II from Duluth to Ushuaia and the 70-day Longitudinal World Cruise III from Milwaukee to Ushuaia.

skiing near Paradise Bay, Antarctica.

onshore in Antarctica.

These highly acclaimed Grand Voyages offer guests a variety of destinations in a single itinerary, sailing from the heart of North America through engineering marvels like the Welland and Panama Canals , to the fjords of Chile, and finally to Antarctica. Following the upcoming third season of Viking in the Great Lakes, the Viking Polaris will embark on the Longitudinal World Cruise IV from Milwaukee to Ushuaia in October 2024, and the Viking Octantis will embark on another itinerary of Longitudinal World Cruise II.

Viking , a global leader in scientific enrichment on expeditions, collaborates with prestigious academic institutions such as the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology , and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

CC_OCTANTIS_Laboratory_Science_Lab

Researchers visiting from partner institutions are part of the Viking Expedition Team , comprising 36 experts who guide guests through significant scientific work, providing explanations during land excursions, as well as world-class lectures onboard.

Viking Octantis in Antarctica

In early 2023, the Viking Expedition Team published the company’s first scientific article following observations of the rarely encountered giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea). Sightings took place during submarine dives in the coastal waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in early 2022. Written by two of Viking’s leading scientists, the article was published in Polar Research , the scientific journal of the Norwegian Polar Institute.

Viking-Octantis-in-Antarctica-Aerials

Viking Expedition Ships

The vessels of the Polar Class, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris , accommodate 378 guests in 189 cabins. Specifically designed for expeditions, they boast ideal dimensions for safety, ensuring comfort even in remote destinations. With more internal and external observation areas than other expedition ships, guests are as close as possible to Earth’s most magnificent landscapes.

Highlights of these two ships include The Aula , a splendid panoramic auditorium inspired by the famous ceremonial hall at the University of Oslo, formerly the venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Used for lectures, daily briefings, documentaries, and films, this spectacular venue features a retractable 4K laser-projected screen that unveils floor-to-ceiling windows and 270° views.

CC_OCTANTIS_Aula_Stage_Ocean_View

The Finse Terrace is an outdoor lounge just above sea level with recessed seating, designed to provide guests with the same comfort as inside the ship while enjoying the spectacular scenery. Named after the Finse plateau in Norway, where some of the greatest polar explorers, including Nansen and Amundsen, trained for their expeditions to the North and South Poles.

The Hangar is an innovative docking point, the first of its kind, facilitating the embarkation and disembarkation of boats for special operations and other equipment, keeping guests and crew protected from marine elements.

Viking_Octantis_Finse_Terrace

Viking_Octantis_2022_The_Hangar

The Bow is a significant platform at the bow with a view, while in inclement weather, The Shelter is a comfortable, partially enclosed space where guests can warm up with a hot beverage before returning outdoors.

Onboard, there is also The Science Lab , a large space developed in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-Niva. It is designed to support a wide range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities. Guests have access to the Science Lab to experiment and learn with scientists how to undertake meaningful research.

CC_OCTANTIS_Shelter_Seating

Expedition Central is the place where the expedition team can consult with guests on expedition activities and share knowledge about destinations, using 3D-printed maps, digital screens, and an advanced cartographic table for spatial data visualization.

Speaking of dining, the Dining Choices restaurant offers refined cuisine with typical regional dishes and classics always available, while the casual World Café offers an open kitchen, a bakery, premium fish grilling, and sushi, along with a wide range of international flavors. Mamsen’s , named after the matriarch of the Hagen family, is the restaurant serving Scandinavian-inspired dishes, while Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine.

CC_OCTANTIS_Antarctica_Restaurant_Tables

CC_OCTANTIS_Manfredis_Corner

CC_OCTANTIS_Mamsens_Table_Skis

After a day of exploration, The Nordic Spa offers guests the opportunity to experience the latest healthy Nordic traditions, with a heated indoor pool with large windows and a badestamp, the typical outdoor hot tub.

The Explorers’ Lounge is located on the highest deck of the ship, with floor-to-ceiling windows: from here, you can admire the magnificent scenery, share discoveries with fellow travelers, or enjoy a drink.

CC_OCTANTIS_Spa_Pool_Heated

CC_OCTANTIS_Explorer_Suite_Living_Area

The Living Room on the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris is the ideal lounge to admire the view, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. Here, you will also find the library, which, like on all Viking ships, is curated by the acclaimed Heywood Hill bookstore in London and the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge.

The Nordic Balcony is a novelty for this class of Viking expedition ships: all cabins are equipped with a Nordic Balcony, a veranda that transforms into an outdoor panoramic platform with an elbow-height observation shelf to stabilize binoculars or a camera.

Guests can choose from six cabin categories, ranging in size from 20 sqm to 114 sqm; all these cabins feature a Nordic balcony, a king-size bed, and a spacious bathroom with a glass shower, heated floor, and anti-fog mirror. Each cabin also has an exclusive drying closet where warm air circulates to dry clothing and expedition equipment.

CC_OCTANTIS_Antarctica_Nordic_Jr_Suite

Viking Octantis.

The Expedition Ship Suites , namely the 30 sqm Nordic Junior Suite and the 54 sqm Explorer Suite on the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are similar to the other suites in the Viking fleet. They have wooden details and amenities that include larger spaces and additional seating, an expanded bathroom with a large shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, a well-stocked minibar replenished daily, free laundry, restaurant priority reservations, and more.

CC_OCTANTIS_Library_Bookshelves

Viking_Octantis_2022_Living_Room

CC_OCTANTIS_Antarctica_Coastline_Ops_Boat

The Explorer Suites have two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony, and an external veranda. Additionally, each ship has an Owner’s Suite of 114 sqm consisting of three rooms: a living room, a dining/meeting room, and a bedroom, as well as a private balcony of 73 sqm where the traditional Norwegian badestamp, i.e., the hot tub, is located.

Viking expedition ships have set a new standard for responsible travel, with a high-energy efficiency design exceeding the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEDI) requirements by almost 38%. In addition to an integrated bow creating a longer waterline, engines with heat recovery systems, and Azipod electric propulsion, the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris have received one of the industry’s first SILENT-E certifications: the highest level of certification for silent ship propulsion, minimizing underwater noise pollution.

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Viking Octantis – An Expedition in Antarctica 

Last Updated on April 4, 2024

Estimated reading time: 28 minutes

By Jim Ferri and Marjorie Kean

This is not your typical cruise.

But then, the Octantis is not your typical ship.

In fact, Octantis differs radically from all other cruise ships.

First and foremost, it’s not full of kids, since all guests must be 18 years and older. Also, there is no casino or formal nights. And it’s not a party ship where you can sunbathe by the pool (although there are pools on Octantis). Or order drinks with colorful little umbrellas.

As for its cabins, they are all exterior with an ocean view. And they all have free Wi-Fi and TV.

Then there’s its size. Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas carries almost 7,000 passengers. Its Harmony of the Seas , 6,687. Viking’s Octantis maxes out at 378, which makes it nice and cozy.

But the final differentiator is that a sail on the Viking Octantis is not just a cruise vacation. Instead, it’s a “thinking person’s adventure,” an expedition in Antarctica aboard a five-star ship built for five-star adventures. During the northern summer, Viking Octantis also cruises on the Great Lakes between the U.S. and Canada .

An Expedition in Antarctica: A Cruise Unlike Any Other

Two weeks ago, we returned from a expedition cruise in Antarctica aboard the Octantis. It was a cruise unlike any we’ve ever experienced, on a ship built for adventure…to the world’s last truly wild frontier.

Our adventure began in Buenos Aires , where we joined our fellow cruisers at the Buenos Aires Hilton. The following morning, we all flew to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost town in the world, to board our ship.

If this is your first trip to Argentina, it’s well worth spending a few days pre-trip in Buenos Aires, a beautiful city. It will also help you avoid the pressure of any potential flight cancellations.

Viking handled all the logistics of our excursion exceptionally well. On our trip to the ship and back home, many Viking representatives ushered us on every step along the way. Everything is done with military precision.

The only issue for us was that we would have liked to explore Ushuaia a bit, but we just didn’t have the time.

“Welcome to the Continent of Antarctica”

For many, it’s quite an adventure to visit the 7th Continent. In fact, on our expedition cruise, some people were posing for photos holding a banner celebrating their arrival in Antarctica.

But I guess because we travel so much, I hadn’t considered how momentous it was to be here.

That was until I stepped ashore for the first time, and a guide shook my hand and said, “Welcome to the Continent of Antarctica. You’re now standing on the actual Continent.” Later, Viking gave all of us certificates attesting to the event. It makes you realize you’ve entered a whole new world.

It’s quite a voyage of adventure discovering this new world. And truthfully, it’s pretty exciting. But as one might expect, there are rules you must follow. That’s not just for safety’s sake, but also to prevent tourists and tour companies from ruining the place as they have in many areas of the world.

(As a side note, seven countries – Argentina , Australia , Chile, France , New Zealand , Norway , and the United Kingdom – have made territorial claims in Antarctica, although no government recognizes the claim of any other country.)

Viking is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). Thankfully, the association brings some level of protection to the fragile environment by setting landing regulations and bio-security standards for the sensitive environment.

These regulations for expeditions in Antarctica include limiting the size of ships and where and when they can disembark. It also forbids picking up anything or leaving anything behind. But, most importantly, it forbids visitors from approaching or touching any animals or birds.

Setting Off On An Adventure

Although you need special clothes for an Antarctica expedition (see What Clothing You Need to Wear in Antarctica ), Viking provides you with an excellent heavy-duty outer jacket. It’s yours to keep, so leave room in your luggage.

Viking also loans you waterproof pants and boots to use on excursions ashore. The boots are a bit cumbersome and clunky and take some getting-use-to. And whenever you return to the ship, the crew hoses down and sterilizes them. Make certain that you put your boots and other clothes you wore on the expedition into your cabin drying closet each day.

No Polar Bears On An Antarctica Expedition

Don’t expect to see polar bears on an expedition cruise, since they only exist in the Arctic in the north, not in Antarctica. What you find in Antarctica, however, are penguins, seals, whales, birds, and more.

Three vehicles are in use when you set off on any Antarctica adventure.

The first is the Zodiacs, heavy-duty, reinforced inflatable rafts that carry 10-12 people. Developed for expeditions, they are incredibly safe and are the only vehicles used for landings.

The second is Octantis’ Special Operation Boats (SOBs), rugged military-grade boats constructed with ice-strengthened aluminum and powered by two 450-horsepower, water-jet propulsion engines. They have 12 individually suspended seats, making for a smooth and fast ride, no matter the sea conditions.

The SOBs are used only to nature-watch along the shore and are powerful enough to get you where you want to go fast when the opportunity arises. While cruising about on an SOB, we saw whales spouting in the distance and were quickly off for a closer look.

The third is 2-seater kayaks. Easy to operate, the kayaks have a pedal system that lets kayakers glide through the water hands-free or use a paddle if preferred.

Experiencing the Wilderness

On its Antarctica expeditions the focus of the ship’s daily itineraries is the nature all around you. Some of the Zodiac excursions brought us to beautiful areas of the snowy wilderness.

Before we even set foot on land on these trips, however, we were humbled by the incredible landscape of beautiful blue icebergs (yes, they are blue), immense glaciers, snow-covered hills, and mountains, all picture-perfect below a stunning blue sky.

We had never seen a sky so blue and clear as we did here, likely due to the lack of pollution. And it all was so quiet. You heard nothing but the sounds of nature…a glacier calving, the squawk of penguins in the distance, and the crunch of snow beneath your boots.

The crew would go out earlier everywhere we went, in order to prepare for our arrival. Even so it was amazing when we arrived on Cuverville Island to see that the team had used shovels to carve steps in the snow up an embankment from our Zodiac landing site.

They had also trampled paths to provide a more solid surface on which we could walk since the snow was still several feet deep. Upright poles had been put in place to show where we could walk. Crossed poles signified off-limits areas. It’s a sound system that ensures your safety and protects wildlife.

“Stay on the paths we’ve made since you can sink into the snow,” we were advised. Nevertheless, on a few occasions, I found myself hip-deep in the stuff before a fellow guest would help me get back on my feet.

On this Antarctica expedition nothing was left to chance. There were helping hands everywhere.

Penguin Heaven on an Antarctica Expedition

Cuverville Island turned out to be penguin heaven. It’s home to more than 13,000 Gentoo penguins, all dressed in little tuxedos. It’s the largest Gentoo colony in the world, and the air is always full with the racket of their continual squabbling.

However, they weren’t all together in one group but in several large groups on the shore and mountainside.

In our shipboard briefings on our Antarctica expedition, we were advised that penguins and other wildlife have the right of way while ashore. For example, if a penguin approaches, you stop and let it pass by. Also, we were warned to avoid penguin poop. It’s incredibly stinky, and the smell is nearly impossible to remove from your clothes.

It was good to know since, lacking any fear of man, they seemed as inquisitive of us as we were of them. One or two would often wander over within 10 feet or so of us.

Aside from the penguin and birds on Cuverville, the only mammal we encountered was a seal lying in the snow.

There were two other interesting discoveries on the island, both off-limits to us. One was a red, wood survival hut on the end of the island.

The other was another part of the Gentoo colony. It was a separate neighborhood of sorts, being studied by scientists.

A Ship Built For Exploration and Luxury

The design of Octantis is that of an exploration ship built for luxury adventure. It is named after Sigma Octantis, the southern star (also known as Polaris Australis) that hovers over the South Pole. (Its sister ship Polaris is named for the North Star).

Octantis sails to Antarctica during winter in the Northern Hemisphere (the Southern Hemisphere’s summer) and the Great Lakes of the US and Canada in the northern summer months. To access the Great Lakes beyond Lake Ontario, Viking had to adjust the ship’s specifications to squeeze through the Welland canal near Niagara Falls.

The ship’ primary mission, however, is to take cruisers to the most remote areas of the world, including expeditions in Antarctica. So it has a reinforced bow that lets it operate in harsh polar regions. And also all the hi-tech stuff, such as stabilizers to smooth out the ride, allowing it to operate safely and comfortably even in extreme conditions.

It also has a Dynamic Positioning System, which uses GPS to maintain or change its position. While in Antarctica, we never dropped an anchor, instead using Dynamic Positioning to continually fine-tune the ship’s position and keep it stationary where it was meant to be. It’s the same system in use by oil rigs.

Understated Elegance on An Antarctica Expedition

Octantis’ interior has a Scandinavian design with understated elegance and an extraordinary amount of open space. In fact, you could be in many different areas of the ship and feel that you had the place all to yourself.

Everywhere about the ship, we found little nooks to relax in and other surprising touches. Its elevator doors, for example, have etchings of great global navigational routes. In the hallway leading to the Spa, we found names of world cities set in brass on the floor. Some hallway walls have incredible archival photographs of past Arctic expeditions.

The “Living Room,” a place we visited many times, is a large space with leather chairs, puzzles, and Microsoft high-tech game tables (which you had to yourself). Located high on the ship to maximize views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, there you’ll find live classical music or a soothing piano sonata, something we didn’t expect on an expedition in Antarctica. With Nordic furnishings, relevant and engaging books, and a wall mural of a variety of whales represented to scale, it’s both comfortable and enriching.

Relax in The Living Room

We also enjoyed just relaxing on one of the Living Room’s comfortable couches, enjoying a glass of wine while viewing a visual presentation of the art collections on different Viking ships.

Tucked in it is The Library, a literary traveler’s dream. Its contents have been selected from a broad range of titles from world histories to biographies – all curated explicitly for these journeys by London’s Heywood Hill, for years Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite bookseller.

In addition to the bar in The Library and the popular Explorer Lounge, there’s also The Hide, a secret speakeasy. It’s intentionally a word-of-mouth hideaway not advertised to cruise guests to let people “discover” it for themselves. It’s a cozy bar in the ship’s prow and usually not crowded until after dinner, around 9:30-10pm.

Nordic Spa and Fitness Center

While relaxing in the Nordic Spa, you can view the scenery from the pool through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Following Nordic tradition, Octantis also has a badestamp , a traditional wooden-sided hot tub, and is an excellent place to relax. But be aware of the Scandinavian practice of alternating between hot and cold when relaxing in a spa or sauna. It also offers the typical spa services such as massages, etc.

Octantis’ Fitness Center provides treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, and weight machines. You can also enjoy the sauna, Snow Grotto, and warming cave.

On Deck 5 at the stern of the ship you’ll find the Aquavit Terrace, a bar and pool area that has a retracting roof. But it’s not just one pool here. There are three.

You can access the Tepidarium infinity pool (take notice of the prefix “tepid”), from both inside and outside. The hot-water  Caldarium and cold-water Frigidarium are only accessible from outside. You can, however, climb pool ladders between the three.

Spacious Cabins

All cabins on the Viking Octantis are surprisingly spacious and provide extensive storage. In addition, each has a heated drying cabinet for your boots, jackets, and clothes when you return from an expedition.

The cabins have the feel of a five-star hotel, starting with a king-size bed, which the crew can convert into two twins. There’s also a couch (excellent for reading or snoozing), a mini-bar, a Nespresso machine, and more.

The bathroom is also a good size, with fog-free mirrors, an ample-size shower, and a heated floor and heated towel rack.

Each cabin also has a 55″ TV, which, unfortunately, has limited commercial stations. So instead, their primary use is for accessing information you’ll need onboard (including schedules, etc.).

Nordic Balconies, Not Balconies

Except for the highest-level suites, there are no actual balconies in Octantis cabins. Instead, each stateroom has a “Nordic balcony,” a two-part floor-to-ceiling window. The top half lowers into the bottom half at the touch of a button, providing a railing and open-air view (it also has a built-in black-out curtain, also button operated). We found the balconies perfect for this expedition in Antarctica.

The Nordic Balcony is also a great place to view wildlife with the exceptional professional binoculars you’ll find in each cabin, even if you’re still in your pajamas. For example, one day, I saw two whales swim up to the ship right below our cabin before they dove. A few minutes later the Captain made an announcement of two wales frolicking at our stern.

As for the position of the cabins, you’ll want to avoid any at the very front or rear of the ship since these are where you’ll feel the most movement. This is especially relevant on ships sailing to the Antarctic through the Drake Passage.

The Drake Passage is the body of water between South America’s Cape Horn, Chile, and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It’s the place where the Pacific Ocean meets the Atlantic. Since its currents meet no land mass, waves can reach heights higher than 40 feet (12m), making it one of the earth’s most treacherous bodies of water. It’s so legendary among mariners that Viking gives you a certificate certifying that you’ve crossed the passage.

Four Exceptional Restaurants

Octantis dining is like a five-star restaurant experience in a major city, and all meals are included in the cost of your voyage.

There are four restaurants on the ship, two of which, Mandfredi’s and The Restaurant , require reservations (which are free), and there are no additional charges unless you order special wines. Also, jeans are not allowed in these two restaurants.

Mandfredi’s serves delicious pasta and other Italian fares, including Tuscan steaks.

The Restaurant , the other of Octantis’ upscale dining establishments, has a changing menu. It offers some traditional dishes from Norway (a nod towards Viking’s country of origin) and always-available classics. It’s the busiest restaurant at dinnertime.

The World Café

Although there are only four restaurants, you do feel that there are more due to the size of the third restaurant, the World Café . It’s popular and feels more like an upscale food hall at London’s Harrods, with views of the ocean and snow-covered mountains. With live cooking, an open kitchen, premium seafood/sushi choices, and a grill, the casual World Café provides a delicious experience with a wide range of international flavors, including made-to-order pizzas.

At “The Grill” in the Café, you can order burgers, steaks, and seafood, all cooked to order. The Café also has a Sushi Bar (with premium choices), a salad bar, and much more. This is also the place everyone frequents for breakfast (if you haven’t ordered room service). You’ll find just about anything you might like at breakfast…there’s everything for any taste or nationality.

There is no charge for anything at the Café, including wine and beer.

The fourth restaurant is Mamsen’s , for those looking for a snack between meals. Located on Deck 5 near the World Café , it’s named for the owner’s family matriarch. It offers Norwegian specialties, including waffles (from his mother’s original recipe), open-faced sandwiches, and split pea soup.

Submarines on An Antarctica Expedition

In addition to the wildlife viewing, Octantis’ small yellow submarines are possibly the most talked-about elements of the ship. There are two on the ship and another two on Polaris.

Considering their color, Octantis’ submarines have been given the names John and Paul. Those on Polaris, as you may have guessed…are George and Ringo. Each is capable of carrying only six passengers simultaneously, in addition to the pilot. Passengers must squeeze together, three on each side, inside two large bubble-like appendages on the vessel’s sides.

We were given an overview of the submarines at our orientation in the Aula Theater. The theater itself is incredible, with Edvard Munch masterpieces on its window blinds, which retract and provide a 270° view of the landscape surrounding the ship.

Unfortunately, there we were told that the reservation system for booking the subs had gone awry. We were assured that although the technical problems would be fixed, guests would have to be randomly chosen on this trip since there was more demand than available space.

Although there is often a hefty fee for submarine excursions on other cruise lines, on Viking’s expeditions in Antarctica, the submarine excursions are free to guests.

Limitations For Submariners

There are also limitations to taking a trip on the submarines. In the Aula, we were told that anyone with claustrophobia, a medical condition, or an implanted medical device was not allowed. In addition to signing the necessary waivers, one also had to bring their essential medications to survive 94 hours in case of an emergency.

It was at this point that approximately 60% of the audience left. Among those that remained, I later learned I was one of the chosen for one of the several sub rides scheduled during the next few days.

On my submarine excursion the following morning, there were several surprises. The first was that all our bright-red Viking jackets (ours to keep as a memory of our expedition in Antarctica) slowly turned to maroon as we slipped deeper into the ocean, resulting from the blue sea filtering the wavelengths of light. Secondly, there was no pressure change, even though we were diving to 300-400 feet.

Most surprising, however, was that we saw no fish or other marine life except tiny krill. Even at the bottom, vegetation was extremely scarce. Finally, there was some sand and rock; the latter was so flat and rectangular that it looked as if they were stones from an old Roman ruin.

On a previous submarine cruise, just a few weeks earlier, however, there was a very rare sighting of a 30-foot-long phantom jellyfish. In the history of the world, it was only the 115th sighting of such a creature.

However, what we all found interesting was the submarine’s technology. Our young, amiable female pilot was happy to tell us about it and answer our questions.

An Antarctica Expedition Designed for Science

Octantis is a scientific research vessel and is still a working research ship. In fact, it has partnerships with several institutions including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, among others. In fact, its onboard expedition team typically includes a biologist, botanist, geologist, glaciologist, and ornithologist.

The first place most Antarctica cruisers get their first taste of the ship’s science component is when talking with a team member in Expedition Central on Deck 2, right outside the elevators.

Here guests speak one-on-one with expedition group members about their upcoming activities. Often they’ll use 3D printed maps, digital screens, and a state-of-the-art spatial data visualization chart table to provide a more consumer-oriented view of things.

Octantis also has a fully equipped onboard science laboratory, and its resident and visiting scientists share their research and expertise with you during talks and tours of the lab. 

Indeed, take the tour. You’ll learn about active research projects they’re conducting on board and have all your questions answered. It’s quite fascinating.

Across from Expedition Central is The Studio, which includes a display of birds and some penguins you’ll be see on the cruise. Made of felt, each is full-size and and is anatomically exact.

In addition, usually once a week, the scientists release a weather balloon to provide information to NOAA. The Octantis is one of 103 weather-balloon launch stations worldwide and the first to do so as a civilian ship. It’s very popular to watch and attracts many passengers to its 7am launch. Unfortunately, the launch was canceled on our cruise because of inclement weather.

Special Operations Boats

After we spent several days skirting about on Zodiacs, we boarded one of Octantis’ two military-grade Special Operations Boats. Sleek and fast, they hold 12 passengers in individual seats, which you don’t have on the Zodiacs. Making them even more remarkable is that each seat has a shock absorber, which makes for a very comfortable ride, even at high speed.

We spent about an hour cruising along the shoreline, absorbing the beautiful scenery and searching for wildlife. At one point on our expedition, we visited the hulk of an old whaling ship that had caught fire and sank in Antarctica in the early 20th century (luckily, the crew was rescued).

Soon after, our driver spotted whales spouting in the distance and we were off at full speed for a better up-close look.

Unlike the Zodiacs, you board the SOBs from inside the ship in an area called The Hanger. The crew then winches the boats down a ramp into the sea. This means there’s no need to board a boat tossing about in a choppy sea as you do for the Zodiacs. You board the Zodiacs through an access door in the ship’s hull.

You can see the SOBs and all of the Octantis’ equipment, including the scientific paraphernalia, in the Hangar’s “open house” later in the voyage.

Health Considerations

When you book a expedition to Antarctica on Octantis, you must submit a medical questionnaire which must be signed by your physician. Only after approval of the questionnaire by Viking are you accepted for the cruise.

When you board, you’ll find that while using face masks is not required on the cruise, all onboard are required to have a daily Covid test. Octantis has a medical lab that can perform up to 500 Covid tests daily.

The test is non-invasive. Each morning, before brushing one’s teeth, all guests must submit a saliva sample in a test tube left in their cabin the prior evening. You leave the test tube outside your cabin door for collection.

I was told that a few people did test positive on our cruise, and were moved to special cabins in a quarantined area of the ship.

As expected, there is always a doctor and a nurse onboard Octantis. However, there is only one shop onboard, which only sells clothes and gifts. Since it doesn’t sell any medications, even aspirin, you must bring everything you might need. Many people on our trip brought Dramamine in case of sea sickness.

Antarctica Expedition Cost

The cost of an Antarctica expedition cruise aboard the Octantis begins at $15,395 per person. That cost, however, includes things that may incur additional charges on other cruise lines.

Included in the fee are:

• Free airfare and ground transfers
• Hotel in Buenos Aires
• All crew gratuities (excluding the bar where a 15% gratuity is added to the bill)
• Kayaks, Zodiacs, Special Operations Boats & submarine excursions (where available)
• Keepsake Viking expedition jacket and under-jacket
• Self-service launderettes
• 24-hour room service
• All Viking excursion gear needed
• One complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call
• Port taxes & fees

See the entire list at Viking Cruises .

January 4, 2023 at 12:29 pm

Many thanks for the excellent and very informative report on your trip to Antarctica! We have had a number of great travel experiences with Viking and would love to add this trip to the list. I was especially taken with the amazing colors and contrasts your pictures revealed, and the trip in the submarine must have been a hoot. Great article! Thanks. Tom

January 4, 2023 at 12:53 pm

Thank you Tom. And yes, the submarine was a hoot, as is the entire ship. Jim

January 4, 2023 at 2:17 pm

We leave tomorrow for our cruise on the Polaris. Thanks for the information.

January 6, 2023 at 7:59 am

Have a great trip Jen. I’m certain you’ll love it. Jim

January 8, 2023 at 10:51 am

Wow, it sounded like an amazing trip. I hope one day I’ll be able to see and enjoy it too.

January 12, 2023 at 3:15 pm

Hi Suzie, Yes it was an amazing trip. I hope you’ll be able to see it one day also. Jim

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I found Goldilocks in Antarctica with this big little ship that’s just right

Editor's Note

Sweating it out in the dry heat of my cruise ship's Scandinavian-style sauna, I happily watched multiple groups of whales play hide-and-seek among the icebergs of Meusnier Point, Antarctica.

I'd already spent plenty of time whale watching in more typical polar fashion: shivering on Viking Polaris' bow with my bundled-up, binoculared shipmates and zipping about in rigid inflatable Zodiac boats in our matching bright red waterproof jackets.

Still, I couldn't resist continuing my "Where's Whale-do?" games from inside the ship's gorgeous (and complimentary) Nordic spa.

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My travel companion, Emily, is not a fan of extreme temperatures, so she chose to float in the spa's heated pool, complete with bubbles at one end. She also had a jaw-dropping view from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows lining one edge of the pool.

I, on the other hand, had come to the spa not for whales, but to try the Nordic bathing ritual of alternating between heated rooms like the sauna or steam room and cooling experiences like a cold water bucket dump and a snow room. It wasn't so different from the rest of my day, moving from the comfort of my cozy cabin to the extreme outdoors of the Antarctic Peninsula and now to this steamy spa.

My favorite therapies were the sauna and the badestamp (a hot tub with an open window for simultaneous hot and cold sensations). I liked them as much for their physical benefits as for their picture windows showcasing the icy scene outside.

Perhaps the experience should have been jarring — dripping sweat in a swimsuit while gazing at one of the harshest climates on the planet — but cozy comfort in the midst of a rugged adventure is the calling card of Viking Polaris.

The 378-passenger expedition-style cruise ship — from every "Downton Abbey"-loving baby boomer's favorite ocean/river/expedition cruise line Viking — is like the Goldilocks of the South Pole. It's not so big that it can't let guests disembark onto Antarctica's snow-covered shores, nor is it so small that it can't offer creature comforts like spacious cabins, multiple dining venues and that expansive spa.

Its interior spaces are well designed, friendly and inviting, while its rugged exterior and ice-strengthened hull enable it to cruise the icy seas at the ends of the earth.

In essence, it's "just right."

Inviting spaces

On an Antarctica cruise, you spend a perhaps surprising amount of time on your cruise ship. It takes nearly two days each way to wend your way through the Beagle Channel and sail through the rocking and rolling Drake Passage between Ushuaia, Argentina, and the Antarctic peninsula with no stops. Once alongside the White Continent, the captain prefers to sail the ship during daylight hours, so mornings are often spent making your way to the landing site and waiting for the expedition crew to set up.

You need a vessel you enjoy spending time on. Viking Polaris is that ship.

The ship has three main lounge areas — the midship The Living Room; the forward-facing, two-deck Explorers' Lounge; and the low-level, speak-easy-style The Hide — and all are designed to feel like inviting hangouts in your stylish home.

In The Living Room, friends of ours would often hang out in "business class" — oversized leather chairs with footstools — scrolling through photos while sipping a glass of Champagne or an Irish coffee from the nearby bar. A dedicated group would gather on the couches and easy chairs for daily trivia at noon; other passengers saved their competitive spirit for mahjong and Scrabble at the game tables by the windowed exterior walls.

It was easy to strike up conversations with other guests in the Explorers' Lounge, even when we were all facing forward along the curved windows to take in the view. Fani at the bar would bring us nearly any drink we could dream up — a lemon drop or ironically tropical mai tai for me, a Pimm's Cup for Emily — and always stopped to chat.

The few times I stopped by The Hide during the day, I would collapse into an oversized chair, put my feet up below the slanted windows and immediately start to doze off, lulled by the rocking of the ship. In the evenings, we'd grab a double shot of Baileys at the speak-easy-style bar (all the booze, minimal mixers) and listen to the expedition crew members tell tales of their adventurous exploits, like a bedtime story for grown-ups.

Related: Best Antarctica cruise ships

Big-ship choices

"We're always so busy," I complained to Emily around the halfway mark of our two-week trip. "There's too much to do on this ship!"

I was frustrated because I'd gone to hear a talk by one of the expedition crew members and missed an orca whale sighting. I was constantly torn between attending all the events in the Viking Daily newsletter I'd starred, spending time outside with my binoculars hoping for serendipitous animal sightings, or participating in multiple off-ship activities (landings, Zodiac cruises, kayak tours).

It was a good problem to have.

Viking Polaris is not a big ship but it has so much to offer, with choices at every turn.

For its not quite 400 guests, the ship has four restaurants, plus room service. For example, each morning, I'd make my way upstairs to the World Cafe buffet for breakfast, where I'd debate whether I should pillage the fruit and yogurt bar or ask one of the chefs for a made-to-order omelet.

If I wanted a cheat day, I could turn right instead of left and duck into Mamsen's, where a Scandinavian-style waffle topped with chocolate sauce or Norwegian brown cheese was always an alluring option. Or, on a truly lazy morning, I could order a full hot breakfast to my room, no extra charge.

For dinner, I could also make reservations at The Restaurant for a big-ship-style three-course meal with waiter service. For a date night or a group celebration, or just Thursday, Manfredi's wowed with its housemade pasta and Italian specialties. Shackleton could have survived for days on a plate of the restaurant's droolworthy gorgonzola gnocchi.

I had even more choices of how to spend my time on board. I could attend a workshop in Expedition Central about knot tying or identifying bird feathers, pop into The Aula (the ship's auditorium inspired by the Great Hall in Oslo where the Nobel Prizes used to be presented) for a documentary screening or a presentation on whale sex or Neanderthal DNA, or join a gin tasting or mate workshop.

I wanted to do it all — but I also wanted to linger on the aft Finse Terrace with its sunken fire pit seating and gaze out to sea, or walk laps along the outer promenade in the hopes of spotting whales or seabirds. Or, perhaps I just wanted to be lazy and spend more time in the Nordic Spa's gorgeous pool or reading a breezy novel, curled up on a sofa in The Living Room.

Related: Antarctica reading list: These 8 books are must-reads before a trip to the White Continent

Cozy cabins, built for expeditions

"Pass me more chocolate from the magic drawer," I said to Emily one afternoon after we'd shrugged out of our multiple thermal layers and collapsed on our beds in our fleece pullovers and leggings. She handed over a small bar of Norwegian milk chocolate, as well as a bottle of soda water from our minifridge, which our room stewards topped up every day to keep us in a never-ending supply of treats.

I used to think of expedition ship cabins as bare-bones affairs, with fixed twin beds, tiny bathrooms with the shower practically on top of the toilet and no design aesthetic whatsoever. On older ships, that portrait might be accurate, but on Viking Polaris, my room was cleverly designed and full of creature comforts.

Every room on the ship is classified as a balcony cabin or suite, but a true balcony is useless in Antarctica, where you're not going to sit and watch the waves at frigid temperatures for long. Instead, the outer wall of my room was made from two panes of glass. At the touch of a button, I could roll down the top pane like a car window, allowing some fresh air in and enabling me to take photos without glass in the way.

It was a perfect compromise between an exterior veranda and a picture window that does not open. Plus, the huge window filled my cabin with light (blackout shades can also be deployed with a button for light sleepers).

I loved the L-shaped leather seating nook by the window, where I could curl up with a book or a room service meal. (The fried chicken on the in-cabin dining menu is divine!) I used the desk to charge my laptop, but a handy hidden drawer beneath the desktop is the perfect spot to hide your jewelry, should you use the mirror for dolling up for dinner.

On the far side of the cozy beds (twins that can be pushed together into a queen), extra space is devoted to getting dressed because it's a tad more complicated on an expedition cruise. An L-shaped wardrobe has plenty of hanging space and drawers for all the hats, gloves, warm jackets and base layers I brought to handle the polar chill, not to mention the pharmacy of seasickness medication and remedies Emily and I brought to survive the Drake Passage. The extra floor space is needed for pulling on boots and wiggling into life jackets.

Related: Antarctica gear guide: What you need to pack for a trip to the White Continent

But the real genius of this dressing area is the heated drying closet found in every cabin. It's got a rack with hangers for your waterproof jacket and pants and hooks for your life jackets and ship-provided boots. We used it not only for our expedition gear, but to hang up laundry we didn't want to subject to the ship's dryers.

Also heated: the bathroom floors. They felt amazing on my cold bare feet in the mornings but also helped us dry gloves and swimsuits when the drying closet was overfull.

No tiny nautical "heads" for Viking! In addition to the heated floor, my cabin's spacious bathroom had a large shower with a long shelf for toiletries, his and hers drawers, shelving and a selection of complimentary bath products, including sunscreen, hand lotion and separate body lotion and lip balm with SPF protection. In short, everything I needed to combat the harsh sun and dry air of Antarctica.

Accessible adventures

The ease and comfort of Viking Polaris' onboard persona also extend to its offshore adventures. You might have to endure some wind and rain and freezing temperatures, but Viking is going to do everything possible to make sure its guests are able to access all Antarctica has to offer.

It all starts with The Hangar, which is part water-level boat storage, part comfortable passenger loading zone. The expedition crew members can launch 16 Zodiacs, two special operations boats (affectionately called SOBs), two yellow submersibles named George and Ringo with their patrol boat, and eight double kayaks (plus two single guide kayaks) in under an hour, partly because they don't have to lower boats from the top deck of the ship, as is the case with many expedition vessels.

For their part, guests don't need to navigate gangways or crowd a floating marina when they're ready for their playtime. The Hangar has multiple waiting areas — a main space for the Zodiac queue with bench seating, a gear-up zone for kayakers and a seating area (with snacks and hot beverages) for guests going on a kayak or submersible ride.

These are all separate from the boarding zone, where groups are invited to go only when they're about to board their ride. And it's all accessible from the ship's main elevators.

The first time I arrived at The Hangar, it was crowded with people clomping around in the ship-loaned heavy boots and bulky outer layers. But Polaris' expert crew kept everything orderly and moving. They even helped me put on my Zodiac life jacket, which I swear to you is not as simple as putting on a backpack, and directed me to the correct waiting area.

The crew also demonstrated how to stomp through a boot-washing machine (imagine a car wash, with soap and spinning bristles, for your shoes), the latest in biosafety technology, before escorting me to a Zodiac. Here, two crew members helped me into the boat like I was royalty alighting from my carriage — one handing me down from the ship into the waiting grasp of another crew member standing in the Zodiac.

Once in the Zodiac, we'd race to shore for a landing, cruise the sea looking for whales or transfer into kayaks (my favorite) for a quiet paddle. The transfer from the Zodiac to the kayak and back again is not exactly a graceful endeavor, but anyone who wants to paddle must prove their agility in an on-ship trial before being allowed to take their skills to the water.

It's worth it, and easier than it looks. On my first kayak outing in Damoy Point, I watched our first penguins of the trip cavorting on the rocky shores and occasionally diving smoothly into the sea. We did more floating than paddling, but I still enjoyed playing penguin paparazzi from the sea.

On the second outing, my group paddled all the way around a small island in Mikkelsen Harbor, where we admired a seal preening on the rocks and penguins soaring in and out of the waves (a swimming style called porpoising). Being part of a small group on the water amid the dramatic backdrop of Antarctica's mountains and never-ending sky was a quiet thrill — but no less incredible.

Related: I just went kayaking in Antarctica — and it was the most calm I've felt all year

If you're willing to pay several hundred dollars, you can also book an adventure in one of the ship's two six-seater submersibles. Always up for an adventure, I fought my fear of being completely surrounded by water as the driver took us 425 feet below the water's surface to gaze upon exotic starfish and coral. I didn't see the giant phantom jellyfish spotted earlier in the cruise — and about which Viking's expedition team published a paper in the scientific journal "Polar Research" — but I enjoyed the novel approach to sightseeing in Antarctica ... after I stopped hyperventilating, that is.

Viking is also unique in that its ship carries two special operations boats. These speed boats were designed with accessibility in mind — they can be boarded more easily than Zodiacs and have comfortable, individual bucket seats with armrests and hand grips.

I'm sure the intention is to take guests, especially folks not up for daily Zodiac rides, on scenic cruises to follow whale families and iceberg views. But sometimes the drivers get a little naughty.

On one SOB ride, the driver gunned the engine to careen around floating ice on our way back to the ship. Emily and I shrieked and squealed with laughter as water sprayed our faces and drenched our waterproof outerwear as if we were in some sort of water park attraction. As we disembarked, the other passengers thanked us for taking the two seats in the back — the ones most likely to get drenched.

Education as entertainment

The biggest social event on a Viking Polaris Antarctica cruise is not necessarily the first glimpse of the continent's towering icebergs and snow-covered mountains. It's the weather balloon launch.

All week, our shipmates asked the expedition team, "When will you launch the weather balloon?" When the auspicious date was finally announced, we all set our phone alarms so as not to miss the big morning event.

On the day, I climbed up to Deck 7 (usually off-limits to guests) to find not only a crowd of passengers, but the dining team handing out cups of coffee spiked with Amarula liqueur.

The atmosphere was festive as Meghan, the chief scientist, explained how weather balloons worked, and we all excitedly counted down to the release as if it were New Year's Eve. Afterward, the nerdiest of us crowded around a projection screen in Expedition Central to watch as the balloon's recording device reported back on air temperature, pressure and humidity at different elevations.

Viking Polaris has no activities team, as its officers are quick to tell you, because Antarctica provides the entertainment. But aboard the ship, education takes center stage in most of the activities.

The ship's 22-person-strong expedition team is made up of mountain and kayak guides, but also naturalists, biologists and other experts. They lead the daily briefings with information about landings and itinerary changes, but they also host presentations on topics ranging from penguins and sea birds to glaciers and global warming, often with some cheeky humor and cartoons thrown in to keep topics from getting too dry.

And while every expedition ship in Antarctica sets sail with an expedition team, only Viking employs a full-time crew of scientists who record actual data on board and send it off to the line's research partners to analyze.

A chief scientist and two assistants live aboard the ship and collect water samples to study microplastics and phytoplankton, take video of sea life for polar species studies and send up weather balloons to contribute data to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Their partners include the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the University of Western Australia and the University of Cambridge's Scott Polar Research Institute.

The ship's working lab is off-limits to passengers except for a few times during a cruise when they're welcomed in to look at microplastic samples or phytoplankton under microscopes. These events were always well attended, so much so that sometimes it was hard to get a good view of the scientists.

Some of us might have been a tad disappointed that guests couldn't participate in most of the real data collection on board. The consolation is knowing that your vacation dollars are doing more than putting money in the pockets of travel company owners — they're funding actual scientific research, as well.

Adventure for everyone

Halfway through our cruise, after yet another day spent riding in Zodiacs and grinning like dorks at the adorable antics of gentoo penguins, Emily decided to video chat with her parents in Australia. (Let that sink in for a moment — video chatting from Antarctica to Australia on a cruise ship.)

"I'm so jealous of your adventure," her mom said on the call. "I'm too old to do that now."

My friend — and Viking and its entire expedition department — begged to differ.

I don't know who Emily's parents thought were cruising with us aboard our ship, but it was certainly not overrun with sporty tech bros or outdoors enthusiasts accustomed to roughing it in the wilderness.

Instead, our shipmates on this no-kids-allowed ship were mainly retired couples with the occasional family group of older parents with adult (30-plus) children looking to visit a bucket list destination in safety and comfort.

Essentially, our ship was filled with people just like Emily's parents: well-traveled, active folks who are curious about the world and want to experience it all. But now, instead of settling for the old, renovated Russian ice-breakers or bare-bones expedition vessels that used to be the only options for exploring remote destinations, they can choose a more comfortable option. Our shipmates preferred Viking's thoughtfully designed and spacious accommodations, choice of elevated dining options and inviting onboard spaces over the experience found on many other, especially older, expedition ships.

The younger travelers on the ship appreciated the spacious gym, opportunities to kayak and late-night bars with a welcoming vibe. Older guests appreciated the opportunities for waiter-served, sit-down meals; the way the ship and crew made getting on and off the ship for landing opportunities easier; and the flexible nature of the daily schedule. (You could race from event to event or enjoy a leisurely afternoon reading in The Living Room.)

When we finally had a landing on the Antarctica peninsula proper, the expedition leader announced that his team would do everything they could to make sure every passenger had the chance to at least set foot on land, even if they weren't up for a walk through the snow.

The only folks Viking Polaris can't accommodate are extra-adventurous travelers who are looking for multiple landings a day, polar plunges, the option to camp out on the peninsula or more active hikes, kayaks or snowshoe adventures.

Also, rules for cruise ship visits to the Antarctic peninsula state that only 100 passengers (plus expedition staff members) can be ashore at any given landing at a time, and ships carrying more than 200 passengers can only land at specific locations. The result is that Viking Polaris does not have full access to all the landing sites on the peninsula and also that guests have limited time ashore to make sure everyone on board can rotate through, 100 people at a time.

Friendly atmosphere

At the World Cafe, our waitress Celeste approached our table with a sly smile and presented Emily with a dish of coconut gelato she hadn't ordered.

Emily had asked the previous day if any coconut gelato was available, and Celeste had gone down into the galley and fetched her some, even though it wasn't on the day's ice cream rotation. Emily had been so happy about the treat that Celeste took it upon herself to repeat the experience the following day.

Celeste was not the only crew member to go above and beyond to make our stay on Viking Polaris memorable. I don't think I've chatted as much with my room stewards on other ships as I did with Rico and Joko, who were always in our hallway and would come out of whichever room they were cleaning to greet us and ask us how our day was.

Grace at Manfredi's moved mountains (or maybe just tables) to accommodate our requests for group dinners, and Santosh at the World Cafe made us vegetarian chickpea curry on request and fetched me chile oil from below decks to spice up my eggs at breakfast. The expedition team members were always happy to take our photos, point out whales or chat with us out on deck.

The friendly ethos of the crew quickly spread to the guests — or maybe Viking passengers self-select for congeniality. Every time we got a drink in the Explorers' Lounge, Emily and I would find ourselves in conversation with whoever was seated next to us. The folks we shared a submersible ride with or the folks who always worked out in the fitness center at the same time as me would greet us when we met in the buffet or in line at The Hangar.

(The only exception to this rule was in the ship's self-serve launderettes. Like the wilds of Antarctica, those were a penguin-eats-penguin, survival-of-the-fittest, lawless outland — and you'd better watch your back ... and your wet clothing.)

I admit I was nervous about spending 11 nights on a cruise ship in the middle of nowhere, but by the time we disembarked in Ushuaia, I found I was a bit teary about leaving. The ship had quickly become my home, and the crew and my shipmates my family, and I knew I would miss them all.

I didn't have the luxury of trying multiple ships sailing expeditions to Antarctica, but it didn't matter. The first one was a hit, and my shipmates and I discovered that for a comfortable adventure to the ends of the earth, Viking Polaris was "just right."

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Matador Original Series

This 87-Day Arctic to Antarctica Luxury Cruise Stops in 12 Countries Along the Way

I f you can’t choose between an Arctic cruise and an Antartica cruise , there’s an obvious solution to your dilmema: Viking’s From the Arctic to Antarctica voyage.

Luxury cruise line Viking might be better known for its river cruises, especially in Europe, but it’s not a one-trick pony. Viking actually sails on just about every single body of water out there (rivers, oceans, America’s Great Lakes), in just about every destination imaginable, including both ends of the world: the Arctic and Antarctica. But these extreme destinations are never usually combined in one long and extraordinary cruise — until now.

Viking’s From the Arctic to Antarctica cruise is a 87-day journey that includes stops in 12 countries across three continents. The sailing will start in the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, on September 3, 2025, and includes 10 days of exploration in and around the world’s largest island, interrupted by several days in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago where the ship will visit some of the earth’s most remote corners. Wildlife abounds in this part of the world, and lucky passengers, armed with patience and binoculars, will be rewarded with the sights of polar bears, bowhead whales, beluga whales, and a large variety of birds among other fascinating creatures. From the very top of the world, the Viking Octantis will reach the east coast of North America and sail south on the Atlantic Ocean, stopping in over a dozen destinations in Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and Mexico, before crossing the Caribbean Sea and finally the Panama Canal. After reaching the Pacific Ocean via the world’s most famous canal, the expedition ship will make its way along the coast of South America, stopping in Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, before going all the way around Cape Horn to Ushuaia and through the infamous Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. The cruise ends in Ushuaia where a chartered flight takes travelers to Buenos Aires, Argentina, from where they can fly back home.

Photo: Viking

As if this trip wasn’t packed with enough outstanding stops and hard-to-reach places, while in South America, passengers will be offered the chance to visit some bucket-list destinations, namely the Galápagos Islands to see unique wildlife and flora, and the 15th-century Inca citadel that is Machu Picchu.

The Viking Octantis is only one of two expedition ships owned by the cruise line, the other one being the Viking Polaris. Built in 2022, it is a modern and luxurious vessel designed to access remote destinations. It can accommodate a maximum of 378 guests and 256 crew members for an intimate and pampered experience. All 189 staterooms have balconies so even if you can only afford the cheapest room, you’ll have a grand view. Being an expedition ship, the Viking Octantis is equipped with kayaks, motorboats, and Zodiacs to take passengers on excursions, as well as two yellow submarines, and a science lab which guests can access. Take a virtual tour of the ship to see what awaits you if you book this trip.

The Viking Octantis in Antarctica. Photo: Viking

Of course, none of this comes cheap, starting at $104,995 per person; however there is a way to soften the blow a little. Travelers who make their mind fast and book this cruise before March 31, 2024, can benefit from an exclusive offer worth up to $40,000 per couple, including:

• Free business-class airfare and transfers
• $1,000 shore excursions credit
• $1,000 onboard credit
• All onboard gratuities and service fees
• Free visa services so you don’t have to handle any paperwork
• WiFi package
• Silver Spirits beverage package (covers any drinks, excluding champagne, up to $18, including premium wines by the glass, cocktails, all house pouring wines, champagnes, beers, liquors, well drinks, mixers/long drinks and soft drinks throughout the day)

Despite the price, the From the Arctic to Antarctica voyage must be a popular one since a September 2026 sailing, this time onboard Viking’s second expedition ship, the Viking Polaris, is already scheduled.

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