Viking Octantis
*The Viking Octantis is a Polar Class 6 expedition cruise ship built specifically for exploring remote polar and wilderness destinations, accommodating up to 378 guests and 256 crew members.[1] Launched in 2022 by Viking Expeditions—a division of Viking Cruises—the 665-foot-long vessel features advanced hull design for ice navigation and emphasizes immersive, destination-focused travel with luxurious amenities tailored to expedition cruising.[1][2] Constructed by VARD at its Tulcea Shipyard in Romania, the ship entered service following its completion in December 2021 and was christened on September 30, 2022, during a ceremony marking Viking's 25th anniversary.[2][3] Key features of the Viking Octantis include spacious Nordic Balcony staterooms with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that convert into verandas, as well as premium suites like the 1,238-square-foot Owner’s Suite and Explorer Suites with private outdoor viewing areas.[1] The ship offers expedition-specific facilities such as The Aula—a panoramic lecture hall with 270-degree views—alongside dining venues like the World Café for global cuisine and the Aquavit Terrace for al fresco meals.[1] Additional amenities encompass a state-of-the-art science center for educational programs, a Nordic spa with thermal treatments, infinity pools, and advanced technology including free Wi-Fi throughout and 55-inch OLED televisions in all accommodations.[1][4] The Viking Octantis sails a variety of itineraries focused on natural wonders, including 13-day voyages to Antarctica from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Great Lakes expeditions from Toronto to Milwaukee, and longer journeys through the Northwest Passage or along South America's coasts to remote fjords and glaciers.[1] These routes highlight Viking's commitment to small-ship expedition cruising, with low passenger-to-space ratios ensuring intimate access to pristine environments while prioritizing sustainability through energy-efficient design and eco-friendly operations.[1][4] As the first of Viking's polar vessels—followed by its sister ship, the Viking Polaris—it represents an expansion of the line's portfolio into high-latitude adventures, blending luxury with authentic exploration.[3]Design and construction
Design features
The Viking Octantis features an exterior and public space design by SMC Design of London, while the interiors were crafted by Rottet Studio of Los Angeles, emphasizing a cohesive Scandinavian aesthetic.[5][6] This design philosophy incorporates light-filled spaces and expansive viewing areas to enhance immersion in natural scenery, drawing on Nordic minimalism with clean lines, neutral palettes, and functional elegance throughout the ship's public areas.[1][7] The ship's hull incorporates a straight bow configuration, which optimizes fuel efficiency by reducing drag and enhances stability in polar conditions, allowing smoother navigation through ice and rough seas.[8] This design choice also ensures compatibility with specific inland waterways, with a maximum beam of 23.5 meters tailored to transit the Welland Canal.[9] For stability during expeditions, the Viking Octantis is equipped with U-tank stabilizers, a passive system that uses fluid dynamics to counteract rolling motions, complemented by fin stabilizers for active control in varying sea states.[10] These features are particularly suited to polar operations, minimizing passenger discomfort and enabling precise positioning without anchors.[11] The layout integrates dedicated research-oriented spaces, including a 430-square-foot laboratory on a glass-enclosed mezzanine above the hangar for scientific analysis and guest participation in environmental studies.[8] Additional observation platforms and equipment storage areas facilitate onboard monitoring of wildlife and ecosystems, supporting the ship's role in expeditionary science.[12]Construction timeline
In April 2018, Viking Cruises signed a letter of intent with VARD, a subsidiary of Fincantieri, for the design and construction of two advanced expedition cruise vessels as part of the company's expansion into polar exploration itineraries.[13] The contracts became firm in July 2018, with an estimated total value of approximately NOK 5 billion (about $611 million USD) for both ships, incorporating specifications for Polar Class 6 compliance to enable operations in remote Arctic and Antarctic regions.[14] Construction of Viking Octantis began with hull fabrication at VARD's Tulcea shipyard in Romania. The keel was laid on December 16, 2019, marking the formal start of assembly.[15] The vessel reached a major milestone with its float-out ceremony on December 22, 2020, at the same Romanian facility, after which it was towed to VARD's Søviknes yard in Norway for final outfitting, including installation of expedition-specific features and interior completions.[16] The ship arrived at Søviknes in July 2021 to undergo these advanced stages.[17] Viking Octantis was delivered to Viking Expeditions on December 22, 2021, at the Søviknes shipyard, ahead of its scheduled Q2 2021 timeline due to efficient progress despite global supply challenges.[18] This handover completed the initial phase of Viking's expedition fleet buildup, with the sister ship Viking Polaris following in 2022.[19]Technical specifications
General characteristics
Viking Octantis is a purpose-built expedition cruise ship operated by Viking Cruises, with a gross tonnage of 30,150 GT.[9] The vessel measures 205 meters in length overall, has a beam of 23.5 meters, and a draught of 6 meters, allowing it to navigate both open oceans and restricted polar passages.[9] The ship holds a Polar Class 6 ice class certification from DNV, enabling operations in light ice conditions typical of polar regions such as Antarctica and the Arctic.[1] It accommodates up to 378 passengers in 189 all-balcony staterooms, supported by a crew of 256 members, maintaining a high staff-to-guest ratio for personalized service.[1] The vessel features 7 decks.[2] Registered in Bergen, Norway, under the Norwegian flag, Viking Octantis is owned by Viking Expeditions Ltd., a subsidiary of Viking Cruises.[20] Its service speed is 16.5 knots.[9]| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 30,150 GT |
| Length Overall | 205 m |
| Beam | 23.5 m |
| Draught | 6 m |
| Ice Class | Polar Class 6 (DNV) |
| Passenger Capacity | 378 (189 all-balcony staterooms) |
| Crew Capacity | 256 |
| Decks | 7 |
| Registry | Bergen, Norway |
| Owner/Operator | Viking Expeditions Ltd. / Viking Cruises |
| Service Speed | 16.5 knots |