The ship would share a similar design to the company's existing oceangoing vessels. And if youre a foodie, have no fear! Other reports stated that, according to Hungarian prosecutors he was, in fact, the captain of the Idun during the incident near Terneuzen. The vessels, built and chartered by Edison Chouest, would be designed five stories tall and accommodate around 400 passengers, at $90 million to $100 million each. [50], On 29 May 2019, Viking Sigyn, during a sightseeing tour on the Danube, collided with a small tour boat, the Hableny, in Budapest, Hungary. The lines first endeavor, Viking Octantis, is a 30K gross ton vessel accommodating up to 378 passengers. From the same group that explores the rivers of Europe in luxurious fashion and takes you all over the world on their impeccable ocean ships comes Viking Expeditions, taking you on journeys to extraordinary destinations all over the world. Glaciers, Great Lakes and everything in between is on the table with a Viking Expedition cruise. Earlier this year, Viking launched a brand-new class of ships. Five passengers were slightly injured; one crew member was taken to hospital. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Conditions. Along with familiar public venues like the Aquavit Terrace and the Explorers Lounge, you will find the cruise lines award-winning service and hospitality. From the southernmost tip of Argentina in Ushuaia to the gateway to the North Pole in Norway, these ports are so much more than just a place of embarkation. While your experience onshore will be adventurous, rest assured your time onboard will be spent in the lap of luxury Viking is known for. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. Perhaps the most stunning addition to Viking Octantis is the Finse Terrace. Your email address will not be published. Shore excursions may require the ability to traverse cobblestones or go up and down stairs. Scheduled to begin operating its first vessel in January 2022, named Viking Octantis, and its second in August, named Viking Polaris, Viking Expeditions will also partner with scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct research along with its own expedition team. This venue has a swanky, early 20th century vibe and feels akin to a speakeasy. The Aula is home to documentaries, port talks, and other edutainment. Conditions. In fact, the buffet on this ship is larger than its counterpart on Vikings ocean ships. Viking welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize that there are inherent risks associated with traveling on board ships that are unique to cruise travel. On 27 March, Viking Sky arrived at a shipyard in Kristiansund for repairs. With Viking Expeditions, the onboard experience on. This new expedition ship seamlessly blends elements of both river cruising and ocean cruising. [6][2] Also that year, the company partnered with sales agents in the UK, and the US, and opened its own sales office in California. Plus, view a list of Viking Expeditions cruising awards. The lack of frills, like gyms and pools, and the fleet's standardization also maximized the number of people the ships could accommodate and consequently, Viking's profit. [32], Viking's itineraries feature travel in Northern Europe, the Baltic, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The vessel was attached to a tugboat as the anchors were inoperable. An hour or two, usually. nnovative, light-filled spaces where comfort meets discovery. grenadines Of course, you can also book up-charge spa sessions like massages or facials. But these are just a few of the ports from which your Viking Expeditions cruise might begin. We were able to test out the special operations boat and submarine, and all we can say is wow! All staterooms are accessible by elevator. Are you ready to embark on your journey to sea the world, one port at a time? To learn more about Viking Expeditions and to start planning your own adventure of a lifetime, call our cruise experts at 1-800-377-9383! Home to museums aplenty, including the pictured Milwaukee Art Museum and the Harlet Davidson motorcycle museum, Milwaukee is a hidden gem in the Midwestern United States. [18], Since 2011, Viking has sponsored programming on PBS's Masterpiece Theatre, including Downton Abbey, Sherlock and Poldark,[4][2][47] and is a sponsor of National Geographic's Genius, a scripted series about the life of Albert Einstein. [26] Their ships spend more time in port than is common at other ocean lines, emphasizing a focus on the culture of their destinations. Here you will find a sizeable viewing platform ideal for watching sail-in to ports. We are sailing on Viking's newest expedition ship, Viking Octantis, and want to share our first impressions of Viking Expedition Cruises. Phone: 1.800.377.9383 International: 001.240.487.0155 Fax: 1.240.487.0154. [19], Viking River Cruises offers cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt,[20] with plans to expand into the United States of America along the Mississippi River in 2022. Drop us an anchor below to share your Viking cruise reviews. [25] Viking Sea joined the fleet in 2016;[4] and its third and fourth ships, Viking Sky and Viking Sun, were added in 2017. Unlike the river and ocean ships however, reservations for the Restaurant are required. Explore Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Great Lakes on our new purpose-built expedition ships. The repair was expected to take two to three weeks to complete. There is also a small Nordic shop on Deck 3. [2] It hired its first marketing firm the next year, focusing on North America. Explore the options onboard with Viking Expeditions to relax, indulge and treat yourself during your expedition cruise. The company was established by Torstein Hagen in St. Petersburg, Russia as Viking River Cruises in 1997. Of course they did. The ships were expected to be expedition vessels. [34] In May 2018, Viking Cruises announced its intention to launch a new package called Ultimate World Cruise, which it claimed to be the longest continuous world cruise itinerary in history. [3] That same year, Viking also announced the launch of Viking Expeditions with a planned January 2022 debut. The Explorers Lounge is located on Decks 4 and 5. Breakfast is served usually between 8:30 am to 10:30 am, with lunch from 11 am to 2 pm, and snacks from 3 pm to 5 pm. Embarkation ports like Rio de Janeiro and New York City are destinations in themselves (perhaps you need a few days before your cruise to explore) and offer Viking guests experiences of a lifetime. Each evening, Viking Expedition Cruises offer a three-course meal in the Restaurant on Deck 1 with a rotating menu. Tucked away all the way forward on Deck 1, you will find a new and rather hidden space, The Hide. While he may be obsessed with doing extensive amounts of research on ships and all elements of a cruise, Don enjoys sharing his new found knowledge with fellow cruisers. Even if that means delivering a bottle of caramel syrup to our stateroom for the wifes morning latte! The brave ones did the quick Polar Plunge (nope!). Call us at 1-800-377-9383 to reserve your spot onboard. [51] On 11 June 2019, the boat was recovered from the riverbed and deposited on a barge by a floating crane. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. ft. with a 792 sq. Its most expensive package will cover 245 days on Viking Sun and will stop at 59 countries and 113 ports. offers three Stateroom and 3 Viking Suite styles to suit your individual tastes. [2] In 2009, Viking started to use ships with hybrid diesel-electric engines that the company claims use an estimated 20% less fuel than conventional engines. Learn about your destination from our Viking Resident Scientists and enrichment program, developed with Cambridge University and other leading academic institutions, and explore onshore and by sea with our fleet of small expedition vessels. Again, reservations are required for Manfredis. I, At least one complimentary excursion in every port of call/landing site,Kayaks, and zodiacs (where available)*, A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge, All Viking Excursion Gear needed for any relevant excursions, Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge, Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water, Access to top-rated spa & state-of-the-art fitness center, Largest suite on board: 1,223 sq. We loved the decor and attention to details, as usual. That year, Viking Cruises announced it was working on its debut in the North American river cruising market after first suggesting the possibility in 2013. Guests must be able to independently move around the ship in case of an emergency or rough seas, cope with the lack of immediate access to medical services in certain parts of the world and acknowledge that access to some areas of the ship and ports of call may be limited or impossible. [57] According to Viking Cruises, Chaplinsky was also aboard the Viking Idun at the time of 1 April 2019 incident but was not acting as captain of that vessel at the time it collided with the oil tanker. As one of our favorite specialty restaurants of any cruise ship, this venue features the popular Bistecca Fiorentina, along with homemade pasta and a variety of other Italian classics. Your email address will not be published. This spacious and luxurious room provided all the comforts of home (and even more space than we needed for the week). Although news reports stated that he was not to "blame" for the crash, Captain Chaplinsky remained under pre-trial arrest as a suspect in "endangering water transport resulting in a fatal mass catastrophe and of failing to offer aid at the time of the crash", according to CBS News. [35][36], In April 2018, Viking Cruises and VARD announced Viking had signed a contract to order two "special" cruise ships from VARD that are expected to enter service in 2021 and 2022, with an option for two more. This stateroom features plenty of closet space including a drying rack for those Antarctica expeditions as well as a rather large sitting area and desk. [64]. Along with dozens of kayaks and zodiac boats, this vessel is home to two special operation boats and two submarines that will get you up-close and personal with your destinations. As of February 2020, it operates a fleet of 76 river vessels and six ocean ships, offering cruises along the rivers and oceans of North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, and Southeast Asia. The Captain had stated that he "simply did not notice" the tour boat. hebrides hopping Breakfast and lunch are available in the casual eateries (or room service which is always complimentary). Continue below to learn more about the various destinations within reach when you choose to cruise with Viking Expeditions: Explore the ice continent in luxurious comfort with Viking Expedition cruises to Antarctica. 8614 Westwood Center Drive, Suite 800, Tysons, VA 22182 Overall, with superb attention to detail, thoughtful design, and Viking inclusions, Viking Octantis ensured we were able to explore the Caribbean in comfort. [8], In 2011, the company planned a new phase of growth, started sponsoring PBS's Masterpiece Theatre, and made plans to add 40 ships of a new "longship" design to its fleet over a five-year period. This luxury cruise line which is known for both its river cruises and ocean cruises has now entered the expedition cruise market. Both of these sit-down restaurants are available for dinner only. Call today and experience a World of Choices Made Easy! Required fields are marked *. Would you enjoy cruising on an expedition vessel? With ships designed to explore the roads less travelled, Viking Expeditions takes guests from the Arctic, to the Great Lakes and all the way South to Antarctica all without sacrificing the luxury her sister brands are known for. [17], In January 2020, the company shortened its name to Viking, citing the brand's added emphasis on destination-oriented enrichment and experiences. Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, Monograms Pre- & Post-Cruise Land Packages. That's the plan at Viking", "Viking Venus is named during English Channel festivities", "Fincantieri | "VIKING VENUS" DELIVERED IN ANCONA", https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/24791-fincantieri-delivers-new-viking-venus.htm, "Viking Names Next Newbuild Saturn, Set for 2023 Debut", "Viking Orders Two 'Special' Vessels from VARD", "Is Viking about to get into expedition cruising, too? It is an ideal area to relax after a long day ashore. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Six of Norways fourteen rescue helicopters were sent to the scene, and 460 passengers were evacuated before the ship travelled to Molde under her own power. After the impact, the lock could not be properly closed. While we loved the adventures offered during our Viking Octantis trip, past guests should be aware that this is a more active cruise. BOOK NOW: Viking Expedition Cruises Now on Sale! [44], In October 2019, it was first reported that Viking Cruises was planning to launch Viking Expeditions, the expeditions arm to the business, in early 2020, with initial itineraries focusing on the polar regions of the Arctic Circle and Antarctica. Not to mention, this Viking Expedition Cruises stateroom has a Nordic balcony, which is similar to the infinite verandas found on Celebrity Cruises Edge Class of ships. Again, to our surprise, the buffet was self-service. Explore the tropical Caribbean in style with Viking Expeditions, designed for intimate ports and adventure at every turn. So, make sure to book those as soon as possible. We reserve the right to determine whether a guest is fit to travel and to deny boarding in the event that a guest represents a risk to themselves or to the safety and well-being of those on board the ship. This two-story observational space also features live music in the evenings from a piano player and a musical duo. We did not utilize the Aquavit area at all. With ships designed to explore the roads less travelled, Viking Expeditions takes guests from the Arctic, to the Great Lakes and all the way South to Antarctica all without sacrificing the luxury her sister brands are known for. [18] It also finalized its river cruising business' expansion plans into the United States with the announcement of the first vessel's debut in August 2022 on the Mississippi River. Right next door to the spa is the fitness center. antarctic cruisingholidays shortlist Finally, the Living Room is also located on Deck 5 featuring a quiet space to read, relax, or play interactive table games. For our cruise on Viking Octantis, we were assigned a Nordic Junior Suite. Don Bucolo, or DB, loves everything about cruising- the ocean, the food, and the atmosphere. The bar in the Living Room was open from 10 am to 9 pm daily serving up the cruise lines standard drink menu. On Deck 4 of the Explorers Lounge, you will find another bar which is open from about 12 pm to 10 pm daily. Did you find our first impressions of Viking Expedition Cruises helpful? Given we are just sailing the Caribbean, we can only imagine what it would be like to be able to explore Antarctica onboard either vessel. For dinner, I was a fan of the sushi and seafood bar, aft on the portside. Cruises would travel between New Orleans and Memphis, and between St. Louis and Saint Paul. At six decks tall, 665 feet long, and a beam of 77 feet, Viking Octantis feels like a smaller version of the lines ocean cruise ships. In the early evening, port talks regularly occurred in the Aula. Handicap cabins available upon request. At the completely other end of the ship, there is the Shelter and the Bow on Deck 3. Learn more about how Viking Expeditions matches the incredible service guests have come to expect of the Viking brand. Mamsens, Vikings traditional Scandinavian deli, is open for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. G. The VIKING EXPEDITION shore landings invite guests to engage on a deeper level by assisting in fieldwork or interacting in experiential activities. We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. Expedition trips would be performed on smaller vessels designed to navigate through smaller waterways while also being capable of travelling through sea, and reach destinations such as polar regions and North Americas Great Lakes. The Nordic Spa is located on Deck 2 as well. With itineraries and ships designed to take guests to exclusive ports for Viking-only experiences, a cruise with Viking Expeditions is truly a treat that you deserve. 1997-2022 Viking | All Rights Reserved. Every detail is designed to appeal to the thinking traveler. Learn whether Viking Expeditions is an option for multi-generational travel, family cruising and onboard programs for children. [6], In 2000, Viking purchased KD River Cruises of Europe, which brought Viking's fleet total to 26, making it the largest river cruising fleet in the world. Cruisers can also take a stroll on the open Promenade on Deck 5 to admire the surrounding landscapes. [52] The captain of the Viking Sigyn, identified as Yuriy C. and later as Yuriy Chaplinsky from Odessa, Ukraine,[53][54][55][56] was arrested and held in custody on suspicion of endangering water transport and causing a mass-casualty incident. * The shore activities are currently in the planning stages and are subject to change. Likewise, you will find both indoor and outdoor loungers in the Aquavit Terrace. So, we dive into it all in our Viking Expedition Cruises first impressions. Learn more about the onboard entertainment when you sail the destinations-less-traveled with Viking Expeditions. When he is not sailing the high seas, he does whatever his wife tells him to do-it only took 10 years to realize this. Featured below are the luxurious expedition ships, featuring Polar Class 6 hulls, in Viking Expeditionsfleet: Browse our Viking Expeditions photo gallery for an idea of exactly what its like onboard a luxurious expedition ship. The staff truly go out of their way to make guests happy. Preview the luxurious suites onboard with Viking Expeditions. [62][63] Witnesses later indicated the vessel involved in that incident was actually Viking Tir. Staterooms include: A Nordic Balcony. Indulge in the gold coast of Brazil and even into the Amazon on a Viking Expeditions cruise exploring the wonders of South America. You can even visit the Great Lakes with Viking Expeditions! For people who are ill or have a mental or physical disability or impairment, the risks can be more significant. Learn about handicap accessible expedition cruises with Viking Expeditions and ADA-compliant staterooms onboard each ship. In addition, it provides a warm aft-viewing area which is perfect for itineraries in the polar regions. [60], On the evening of 5 June 2019, a Viking ship, initially said to be the Viking Var,[61] damaged the lock of Riedenburg, in the RhineMainDanube Canal. [23] As of 2019, Viking River Cruises operated a fleet of 76 owned and charted vessels. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We were on the 2/14 Antarctica expedition. For warmer climates, this is a quiet spot to catch some rays. There are four additional bars onboard this expedition vessel as well. [21] Viking's European ships have an average capacity of 190 passengers;[13][9] its Russian ships' capacity averages just over 200[22] and its China ship carries up to 256. Like Viking ocean ships, there is one alternative restaurant, Manfredis, on Deck 1. Explore the plentiful activities available onboard with Viking Expeditions, from adventurous watersports to relaxing sea days in the spa. Now, experience all the comfort and elegance of their award-winning fleet with an expedition ship built specifically to explore the world's most remote destinations, immersing yourself in each and every region.