Viking Octantis

The Viking Octantis is a luxury‑expedition vessel that seamlessly blends Scandinavian elegance with scientific adventure. With just 378 guests and a crew of around 260, it offers highly personalized service and immersive itineraries to polar regions, and remote wildernesses. Guests enjoy curated onboard programs alongside advanced scientific facilities, intimate Nordic‑style public spaces, and a refined ambiance throughout. Viking Octantis invites travelers to experience enriching journeys in comfort, discovery, and sophistication.

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Ship Statistics

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2010

Launch Year

10944

Gross Tonnes

142

Length

18

Width

EUR

Currency

14

Max Speed (Knots)

264

Capacity

145

Crew

132

Cabins

Facilities

Accommodation

The onboard accommodation emphasizes refined comfort in a clean Scandinavian aesthetic, with expansive views and thoughtful in‑room amenities. Most staterooms offer “Nordic Balcony” viewing windows, and select suites include expanded indoor/outdoor spaces and enhanced services.

Suite and Stateroom Categories

  • Owner’s Suite (≈ 115 m² / 1,238 ft²) — A multi‑room, forward‑position suite with private lounge, dining area, large terrace and premium expedition amenities.
  • Explorer Suite (≈ 51 m² / 548 ft²) — A two‑room suite with separate living space, private Nordic balcony, and a full veranda; elevated comfort for longer voyages.
  • Nordic Junior Suite (≈ 30 m² / 322 ft²) — Spacious stateroom with a Nordic balcony, enhanced storage and seating, perfect for extended stays.
  • Nordic Penthouse (≈ 25 m² / 269 ft²) — Stylish suite with floor‑to‑ceiling glass doors and an enlarged windowed balcony space.
  • Deluxe Nordic Balcony (≈ 21 m² / 222 ft²) — Upgraded version of the standard Nordic Balcony with premium finishes and improved amenities.
  • Nordic Balcony (≈ 21 m² / 222 ft²) — Entry‑level cabin featuring floor‑to‑ceiling drop‑down windows (Nordic balcony), ideal for wildlife viewing in comfort.

Dining

Culinary Philosophy

Dining aboard Viking Octantis celebrates destination‑driven menus with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, balanced with international flair. The culinary philosophy focuses on high quality, allergen‑friendly options, and sustainable practices throughout.

Onboard Restaurants & Bars

  • World Café: A food‑hall style venue offering buffet and made‑to‑order stations such as The Grill and Sushi Bar, available all day.
  • The Restaurant: Elegant main dining room offering seasonally inspired à la carte menus and specialty cuisine.
  • Manfredi’s: Specialty Italian venue serving pastas and aged bisteccas in refined surroundings.
  • Mamsen’s: Casual café serving Nordic‑inspired snacks, sandwiches, and pastries.
  • The Hide: Industrial‑styled bar/lounge at water level for cocktails and ocean views.

Onboard Facilities

Viking Octantis offers intimate, thoughtfully designed public areas that blend Scandinavian simplicity with expedition functionality, all optimized for observation, education, and relaxation.

Indoor & Outdoor Common Areas

  • The Aula: Two‑deck auditorium with panoramic views for lectures, films, and presentations.
  • Expedition Central: The mission control for daily briefings, citizen‑science programs, and guest learning.
  • The Hangar: Aft bay storing Zodiacs, kayaks, and submersibles for protected boarding.
  • The Lab: Wet and dry scientific labs enabling real‑time environmental and DNA research.
  • Finse Terrace, The Bow & The Shelter: Heated outdoor observation areas ideal for wildlife spotting with blankets and binoculars.
  • The Nordic Spa: Sauna, ice room, thermal decks, hot tubs, and cold plunge showers designed for relaxation.
  • The Living Room & The Library Bar: Quiet lounges furnished with curated books and panoramic sea views.

Deck Plans

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More Information About Viking Octantis

Brand Heritage

Viking Cruises, celebrated for its ocean and river voyages, entered expedition cruising in late 2021 with Viking Octantis as its first Polar Class 6 vessel. Since its maiden voyage in early 2022, the ship has set a new benchmark for luxury expedition travel, combining educational programming, scientific collaboration, and refined hospitality. It is joined by its sister, Viking Polaris.

Design Description

Designed by VARD and styled in Viking’s signature Scandinavian minimalism, Octantis features a sleek, straight bow for fuel efficiency and U‑tank stabilizers for exceptional steadiness. Interiors feature pale teak woods, soft lighting, and spacious lounges with panoramic windows—a modern fusion of expedition readiness and boutique comfort.

Unique Features

  • Polar Class 6 Ice‑Strengthened Hull for safe polar navigation.
  • Two six‑passenger Submersibles (named “John” and “George”) for select underwater excursions primarily in Antarctica.
  • Special Operations Boats offering stable, larger‑scale excursion support.
  • Real‑time Science Lab & Citizen‑Science Programming in collaboration with research institutions.
  • Extensive Outdoor Viewing Platforms like Finse Terrace and The Bow for wildlife watching.

Viking Octantis´s itineraries

Emblematic Antarctica

Discover the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula on this 10-night luxury expedition aboard L’Boreal.