Expedition Itinerary: South America & Antarctic Discovery

Embark on a journey of extremes from tropical Rio to icy Antarctica. Experience the cultural treasures of South America’s fabled cities, venture to the Falkland Islands, and explore the pristine “Last Continent” and Ushuaia, the word’s southernmost city.

Viking: 25 Years of Exploration

In celebration of our 25th anniversary, learn more about Viking’s history and some of the key partners who have contributed to our success.

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Viking Octantis & Viking Polaris Naming Ceremony

On September 30, 2022, we marked our 25th anniversary and named our expedition ships, the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris, with a historic celebration in Amsterdam. The ceremonial godmothers of the ships, renowned explorers and educators, Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft, named their ships and offered a blessing for good fortune and safe sailing. The event also closed with another milestone—for the first time ever, three classes of Viking ships met and sailed in a special convoy.

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Viking’s 25th Anniversary

Chairman Torstein Hagen marks Viking’s 25th anniversary and reflects on key milestones since the company was founded on August 5, 1997.

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Named #1 for Both Rivers & Oceans

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen thanks our extended Viking family of guests and colleagues, following the July 12, 2022 announcement that Viking has been voted the world’s #1 for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure as well as Condé Nast Traveler. Where do we go next? Onwards.

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Discover Our Expedition Ships

Small enough to navigate remote polar regions, yet large enough to provide superior handling and stability, our right-sized, purpose-built expedition vessels are designed for profound voyages of discovery.

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Guest Reviews: Antarctica Expeditions

Hear from guests who have explored Antarctica with Viking and praised it as one of their best-ever travel experiences.

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Introducing Viking Expeditions

Introducing Viking Expeditions: thoughtfully curated, refreshing innovative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the wilds of Antarctica and the Great Lakes, nestled in the heart of North America. With extensive programs both on board and on shore, Viking guests enjoy an unprecedented immersion in these majestic regions.

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Onwards

Viking has been voted the world’s #1 for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure as well as Condé Nast Traveler. Our newest national television commercial, “Onwards,” celebrates these prestigious awards.

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Be Curious

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen shares three things his family encouraged while growing up in Norway-kindness, honesty, and hard work. And the fourth that he has come to add over time: be curious.

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Welcome Back to the World

We invite you to reawaken your spirit of discovery and celebrate our return to sailing. Join us in exploring the world in comfort…once again.

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Chairman Torstein Hagen’s Presentation

On January 15, 2020, Chairman Torstein Hagen provided an update on our river and ocean cruise business before officially unveiling the details of Viking Expeditions and our new journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to home.

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Expedition Perspectives: Jørn Henriksen

Jørn Henriksen, Director of Expedition Operations, relates his passion for the landscape and wildlife of the Arctic and why our subject matter experts are uniquely positioned to lead Viking guests in the polar regions both on shore and on board.

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Expedition Perspectives: Damon Stanwell-Smith

Dr. Damon Stanwell-Smith, Science and Sustainability Manager of Expedition Operations, describes the transformative power of the polar expedition experience and the enrichment provided by Viking partnerships with the world’s leading academic and scientific institutions.

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Curated Libraries & Recommended Reading

We are pleased to partner with the iconic London bookshop Heywood Hill in the creation of our onboard libraries and Expeditions Recommended Reading lists. Chairman Nicky Dunne explains the history of this literary institution and the value of reading carefully selected books before embarking on your journey.

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Jørn Henriksen: Recommended Reading

Jørn Henriksen, Director of Expedition Operations, shares his favorite book selections related to Svalbard and our Arctic itineraries.

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Damon Stanwell-Smith: Recommended Reading

Damon Stanwell-Smith, Science and Sustainability Manager of Expedition Operations, shares his favorite book selections related to our Antarctic itineraries.

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Our Expedition Vessels

To explore the world’s most remote regions, we have introduced two specifically built, cutting-edge expedition class small ships: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.

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Expeditions Ship Design

To optimize guest safety and comfort, Chairman Torstein Hagen called upon the expertise and collaboration of Viking teams, including maritime architects, interior designers, and nautical and technical staff. After the traditional steel cutting, the ceremonial keel laying ushered in the next milestone of the ship construction process.

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The Aula & Finse Terrace

The world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea, The Aula is a stunning panoramic auditorium. Inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall where the Nobel Peace Prize was historically awarded, The Aula will offer a dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment, with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views. Adjacent to The Aula through sliding glass walls is the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge area with comfortable couches and warming lava rock “firepits”—perfect for panoramic views of the surroundings. Together the two spaces can be combined to create an unmatched indoor-outdoor al fresco experience for guests to be immersed in nature.

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The Hangar

An industry first, The Hangar brings true comfort to expedition cruising. This enclosed, in-ship marina permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s multiple shell doors. The Hangar’s most innovative feature is an 85 ft. slipway that allows guests to embark on Special Operations Boats from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded from wind and waves.

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Antarctic & Arctic Fauna

In Antarctica, spot humpback whales, leopard seals, and Adélie and emperor penguins; in the Arctic, discover polar bears, walruses, Svalbard reindeer, and the Arctic tern—a tiny, ambitious creature that migrates between the poles.

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Arctic & Antarctic Flora

From the delicate Svalbard poppy and varieties of Saxifraga to myriad Antarctic lichen and moss, gain a glimpse of nature’s precious treasures.

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Celebrating 24 Years of Exploration

In 1997, we began with four river ships in Russia. Today, as our fleet of river, ocean and expedition ships expands across the globe, we remain committed to exploring the world in comfort.

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Discover Norway's Mountain Code

Join members of our Viking Expeditions team as they share Norway’s mountain code, the Fjellvettreglene. To aid hikers, these nine safety rules are written inside the wrappers of Kvikk Lunsj chocolate bars, a traditional Norwegian treat.

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Expedition Itinerary: Antarctic Adventure

Explore the “Last Continent” on a 15-day expedition that features two additional days of discovery on the Antarctic Peninsula, where you will witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes and impromptu wildlife encounters.

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Expedition Itinerary: Antarctic Explorer

Explore the “Last Continent” on a 13-day expedition along the Antarctic Peninsula, where you will witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes and impromptu wildlife encounters.

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Expedition Itinerary: Canadian Discovery

Explore the remote wilds of eastern Canada, admiring the unparalleled beauty of the Canadian Maritimes, the vast St. Lawrence River and the dramatic cliffs of Saguenay Fjord.

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Expedition Itinerary: Great Lakes Explorer

Discover the granite islands of Georgian Bay, experience Mackinac Island’s charm, venture into boreal forests of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and explore coastal wetlands.

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Expedition Itinerary: Niagara & the Great Lakes

From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover North America’s wilderness at Niagara Falls, Point Pelee and Alpena, as well as the timeless charm of Mackinac Island.

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Expedition Itinerary: South America & Antarctic Discovery

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Expedition Itinerary: Undiscovered Great Lakes

Cross the width of Lake Superior from Duluth to the Soo Locks, exploring the ecosystems of wilderness islands, quaint streets of Mackinac Island and maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.

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Going Ashore in Antarctica

This short briefing was created by the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) for visitors traveling on ships who will make landings in Antarctica and surrounding islands.

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Great Explorers: Roald Amundsen

On December 14, 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the South Pole and secured his place in history as one of the great explorers.

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Journey to Finse Plateau

Join the Viking Expeditions Team as they explore Norway’s Finse Plateau to train for polar explorations, just as some of the most famous explorers did in the early 20th century.

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Journeys to the Extraordinary

“Our expeditions reveal a breathtaking view of the planet in its purest state, and take you to pristine landscapes to witness wildlife in its natural habitat.”
—Torstein Hagen, Chairman

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The Story Behind Finse Terrace

Join Karine as she shares the story of her connection to Finse Plateau.

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Videos

Videos

Expedition Itinerary: South America & Antarctic Discovery

Related Itineraries

Antarctic Explorer

NEW! Antarctica & the Americas Sojourn

Antarctic Adventure

Viking: 25 Years of Exploration

Viking Octantis & Viking Polaris Naming Ceremony

Viking’s 25th Anniversary

Named #1 for Both Rivers & Oceans

Discover Our Expedition Ships

Guest Reviews: Antarctica Expeditions

Introducing Viking Expeditions

Onwards

Be Curious

Welcome Back to the World

Chairman Torstein Hagen’s Presentation

Expedition Perspectives: Jørn Henriksen

Expedition Perspectives: Damon Stanwell-Smith

Curated Libraries & Recommended Reading

Jørn Henriksen: Recommended Reading

Damon Stanwell-Smith: Recommended Reading

Our Expedition Vessels

Expeditions Ship Design

The Aula & Finse Terrace

The Hangar

Antarctic & Arctic Fauna

Arctic & Antarctic Flora

Celebrating 24 Years of Exploration

Discover Norway's Mountain Code

Expedition Itinerary: Antarctic Adventure

Expedition Itinerary: Antarctic Explorer

Expedition Itinerary: Canadian Discovery

Expedition Itinerary: Great Lakes Explorer

Expedition Itinerary: Niagara & the Great Lakes

Expedition Itinerary: South America & Antarctic Discovery

Expedition Itinerary: Undiscovered Great Lakes

Going Ashore in Antarctica

Great Explorers: Roald Amundsen

Journey to Finse Plateau

Journeys to the Extraordinary

The Story Behind Finse Terrace