Viking Announces Launch Of New Expedition Voyages

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking (www.viking.com) today announced the expansion of its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of new expedition voyages. Viking Expeditions will begin sailing in January 2022 with its first vessel, Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages to Antarctica and North America's Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic. Viking's arrival to the Great Lakes will bring the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America and will mark a major commitment to local tourism and economic development for the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario. As part of an exclusive preview, past Viking guests have been able to book select Viking Expeditions polar itineraries since October 9. Starting today, January 15, all expedition voyages - including the new Great Lakes itineraries - are available to the public for booking.

"We invented the concept of modern river cruising when we launched in 1997; then we reinvented ocean cruises and became the 'World's Best Ocean Cruise Line' in our first year of operation, as well as every year since then. Now, in creating 'the thinking person's expedition,' we are perfecting polar expedition cruising, and we will usher in a new era of comfortable exploration in the heart of North America," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "Our guests are curious explorers. They want to continue traveling with us to familiar and iconic destinations, but they would also like to travel further. We began as Viking River Cruises; then we evolved into Viking Cruises with the addition of ocean cruises; today we stand singularly as Viking, offering destination-focused voyages on more than 20 rivers, five oceans and five Great Lakes, visiting 403 ports in 95 countries and on all seven continents."

To develop the new expedition voyages, Viking has partnered with some of the world's most prestigious scientific institutions. The lead partner is the University of Cambridge's Scott Polar Research Institute. This relationship is underpinned by a major Viking endowment for scientific research into the polar regions, The Viking Chair of Polar Marine Geoscience, a Cambridge University full professorship based at the Scott Polar Research Institute, as well as a sponsorship fund supporting the Institute's graduate students. As part of this endowment, the Institute's scientists will undertake fieldwork on board Viking's expedition vessels and join voyages to share their expertise with guests. Viking has also partnered with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a globally recognized bird research facility, whose ornithologists will regularly be on board the expedition ships, providing guest advice and interaction. Additionally, Viking has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), whose scientists will join expeditions in the Great Lakes to conduct research focused on changes in the region's weather, climate and ecosystems. NOAA scientists may also offer lectures about the Great Lakes' unique environment to Viking guests during these voyages.

Details of Viking's plans were unveiled by Chairman Hagen this evening during a celebratory launch event in Beverly Hills, Calif. Hagen also announced that famed adventurers and educators Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft will be honored as ceremonial godmothers to Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, respectively. Arnesen, a native Norwegian, became the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 1994. Bancroft is the first woman to successfully ski to both poles. Arnesen and Bancroft also became the first women to ski across Antarctica in 2001. Together they co-founded Bancroft Arnesen Explore / Access Water, an initiative that aims to engage and empower more than 60 million minds to create a sustainable tomorrow. Arnesen will also periodically serve as a member of the Viking Expedition Team.

During this evening's event, attendees were treated to a performance by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world's leading crossover sopranos and ceremonial godmother to Viking Jupiter, the newest ship in Viking's ocean fleet. Before her performance, Sissel officially "named" Viking Jupiter as the ship sailed between the Falkland Islands and Cape Horn. As part of the naming, Sissel offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship - a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years - and then instructed crew members currently on the ship to break a bottle of Norwegian aquavit on the ship's hull.

As she introduced Sissel on stage, Viking Executive Vice President Karine Hagen spoke about Sissel's close relationship with Viking. "We are grateful for our longstanding friendship with Sissel, who is responsible for many of Norway's most treasured musical memories. Sissel was my grandmother 'Mamsen's' favorite singer - and she has been part of the Viking family since we launched our first ocean ship, Viking Star. We are honored to have Sissel as the godmother of Viking Jupiter," said Hagen. "Viking Jupiter's location tonight, near Ushuaia, Argentina, is particularly significant. Ushuaia is the southernmost port our ocean ships currently visit, but with today's announcement of Viking Expeditions, it will also serve as the launch port for our guests to explore the Antarctic region in Viking comfort."

Today's announcement is the most recent development as Viking continues to increase its award-winning presence in the travel industry; in the last eight years alone, the company has introduced more than 60 new river cruise ships and six ocean cruise ships to become the largest small ship cruise line with a current fleet of 79 river and ocean vessels around the world. In 2020, Viking will launch seven new river ships. Six more ocean sister ships are on order, with options for four additional ships. These options could bring Viking's total ocean fleet to 16 ships by 2027.

Viking Expedition Ships

The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms; both ships are currently under construction and will be delivered in Norway by Fincantieri's VARD. Designed by the same experienced nautical architects and engineers that designed Viking ocean ships, the ships are optimally sized and built for expeditions - small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability in the roughest seas. The ships will feature public spaces that are familiar to Viking's ocean cruise guests but that have been reimagined for expeditions, as well as new public spaces created specifically for expeditions. Straight bows, longer hulls and state-of-the-art fin stabilizers will allow the ships to glide over the waves for the calmest possible journey; ice-strengthened Polar Class 6 hulls will provide the safest way to explore; and U-tank stabilizers will significantly decrease rolling by up to 50 percent when the ships are stationary. Viking's expedition ships will feature modern Scandinavian design with elegant touches, intimate spaces and attention to detail. Highlights include:

    --  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 RIBs from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded
        from wind and waves. There is also a FerryBox, a set of instruments
        continuously collecting and displaying data on water quality, oxygen
        content, plankton composition and more.
    --  The Laboratory: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, while hosting
        guests, will also be working research vessels with an onboard team of
        Viking Resident Scientists working on a variety of studies. Developed in
        consultation with Cambridge University and Viking's other academic
        partners, The Laboratory, at 430 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad
        range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory
        facilities, a sample processing area, fume cupboard, freezer and cool
        storage, comprehensive microscope optics and extensive bench space for
        analysis-specific instruments. Guests will have supervised access to The
        Laboratory, which is located in a glass-enclosed mezzanine above The
        Hangar, to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking
        primary research, an experience unique to Viking.
    --  Expedition Equipment: Viking will offer a variety of ways for guests to
        experience their destination, according to their interests and activity
        level, at no extra charge. With a robust program of complimentary
        experiences, expedition equipment available for guests on Viking
        Octantis and Viking Polaris will include a fleet of military pro zodiacs
        designed for professional use in the harshest of environments; a fleet
        of two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks; and two 12-seater convertible RIBs.
        Each ship will also feature two six-guest submarines that feature
        revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows for an incomparable
        undersea experience. Everything guests need will be provided: a Viking
        Expedition Kit will contain items like boots, binoculars and waterproof
        pants; each excursion will carry a full range of Safety Equipment, such
        as satellite phones, VHF radios, ropes, life jackets and a comprehensive
        shore survival kit; and all guests will receive complimentary use of
        Viking Excursion Gear, which includes specialty items like trekking
        poles, snowshoes and skis.
    --  The Aula & Finse Terrace: Viking has created the world's most advanced
        venue for learning at sea with The Aula, a stunning panoramic auditorium
        at the stern. 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.
    --  Nordic Balcony: A first for polar expedition cruise vessels, all
        staterooms on board Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris feature a Nordic
        Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform.
        Harnessing the Norwegian reverence for light and to create the optimal
        wildlife observatory at sea, the Nordic Balcony's floor-to-ceiling,
        distortion-free glass at the very edge of the ship lets guests take the
        views in, while keeping the elements out. Should guests wish to feel
        even closer to nature, the top of the panoramic glass lowers to
        transform the stateroom into a sheltered lookout, with an observation
        shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Guests can
        choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft to 1,223
        sq. ft: Nordic Balcony, Deluxe Nordic Balcony, Nordic Penthouse, Nordic
        Junior Suite, Explorer Suite and Owner's Suite. All staterooms feature a
        Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with
        spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog
        mirror. Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling
        drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and
        expedition gear.
    --  Expedition Ship Suites: Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer
        Suites (580 sq. ft) on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris rival those on
        Viking's fleet of ocean ships, with abundant wood detailing and
        amenities that include additional storage and seating, an expanded
        bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, a
        fully-stocked mini-bar replenished daily, complimentary laundry and
        shoeshine services, priority restaurant reservations and more. Explorer
        Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor
        veranda. Additionally, each ship features one Owner's Suite, which at
        1,223 sq. ft, is twice the size of the Explorer Suites. With the most
        exclusive accommodations and amenities on board, it features two
        separate rooms - a living room with six-seat dining table and a bedroom
        - as well as a 792 sq. ft. private garden with a traditional Norwegian
        badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) and outdoor dining table.
    --  Aquavit Terrace & Pools: Located at the stern and featuring a
        retractable glass dome, this indoor-outdoor heated sanctuary will allow
        guests to be surrounded by their destination as they swim and lounge in
        three different temperature-controlled pools, including an "inside-out"
        swimming experience.
    --  The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center: In keeping with Viking's Nordic
        heritage, The Nordic Spa on board is designed with the holistic wellness
        philosophy of Scandinavia in mind - with a thermal suite that features a
        Sauna, Snow Grotto and chaise lounges, as well as a warm hydrotherapy
        pool and badestamp (hot tub), surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. A
        state-of-the-art Fitness Center will also provide the latest equipment
        and workout gear.
    --  Explorers' Lounge: Similar to Viking's ocean ships, Viking Octantis and
        Viking Polaris have a two-deck Explorers' Lounge at the bow of the ship,
        offering the perfect spot for taking in stunning scenery through
        double-height windows over a mug of mulled wine or glass of Norwegian
        aquavit.
    --  Dining Choices: Viking's expedition ships will offer an array of dining
        options that build on the successful venues from Viking's ocean ships,
        but which have been redesigned for expeditions. The Restaurant will
        offer fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available
        classics; the casual World Café will be a new "market" concept that
        offers live cooking, an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood
        and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors;
        Mamsen's, named for "Mamsen," the Hagen family matriarch, serves
        Scandinavian-inspired fare; Manfredi's offers the best of Italian
        cuisine; and 24-hour room service will be complimentary for all guests.
    --  Enrichment On Board and On Shore: Connecting guests to their
        destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking creating
        "the thinking person's expedition." As part of that commitment to
        destination-focused learning, Viking's exclusive partnerships with the
        Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and The Cornell
        Lab of Ornithology will match leading researchers and educators with
        each expedition. The onboard expedition program is designed to prepare
        guests for their onshore experiences, with more than 25 experts
        accompanying each journey - the Viking Expedition Team (expedition
        leader and staff, photographer and submarine pilots) and Viking Resident
        Scientists (biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists,
        oceanographers, ornithologists, polar experts and researchers). On
        board, guests will enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about
        their destination - and engage with working scientists from renowned
        academic institutions in The Laboratory or participate directly in
        citizen science programs. On shore, guests can assist in fieldwork or
        interact through experiential activities during landings - such as
        monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns; accompanying
        scientists to collect samples; or taking their cameras ashore alongside
        a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic
        landscapes.
    --  Sustainable Features: Compliant to all guidelines and regulatory
        requirements from AECO, IAATO, the Antarctic Treaty System and the
        Governor of Svalbard, Viking's expedition ships minimize environmental
        impact and meet the most stringent emissions and biosecurity standards.
        Additionally, the straight bow reduces fuel consumption, and a dynamic
        positioning system enables the ship to hover over the seabed without
        anchoring, allowing access to pristine environments without damage.
    --  Viking Inclusive Value: Every Viking Expeditions cruise fare includes a
        Nordic Balcony stateroom or suite, virtually all shore excursions, all
        onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Just as with
        Viking's ocean cruises, guests will also enjoy many complimentary
        amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and
        dinner service; premium dining reservations; lectures; Wi-Fi;
        self-service laundry; access to The Nordic Spa; and 24-hour room
        service. As part of their fare, Viking Expeditions guests will also
        receive charter flights for hard-to-reach locales and the use of Viking
        Expedition Gear specialty equipment for land and sea excursions. On
        polar itineraries, guests also receive their own Viking Expedition Kit,
        which includes everything needed to be comfortable - as well as a Viking
        Expeditions Jacket to keep.

2022-2023 Viking Expedition Inaugural Voyages

    --  Antarctic Explorer (13 days; Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) - This ultimate
        adventure takes you into the heart of the Antarctic peninsula, where you
        will see where penguins and seals compress the cycle of life into a
        short season; hike on "The Last Continent" with your expedition leader
        for insight into the extreme geology of the dramatic landscape; and
        watch whales breach and glaciers calve into the sea from the comfort of
        your ship. Multiple sailing dates in January, February, November and
        December 2022; January and February 2023. Inaugural pricing starts at
        $14,995 per person, with discounted airfare from $999 per person.
    --  Antarctic & South America Discovery (19 days; Buenos Aires to Rio de
        Janeiro) - Embark on a journey of extremes, taking you from icy
        Antarctica to tropical Rio. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, covered in
        ice and teeming with penguins, seals, whales and other wildlife; witness
        one of the thriving penguin populations of the Falkland Islands; and
        discover the cultural treasures of Montevideo, Buenos Aires and
        Paranaguá. Multiple sailing dates in March, October and November 2022.
        Inaugural pricing starts at $19,995 per person, with discounted airfare
        from $999 per person.
    --  Arctic Adventure (13 days; Roundtrip Tromsø) - Experience the Arctic
        summer on this expedition, centered on Norway's Svalbard archipelago.
        Discover dramatic landscapes far north of the Arctic Circle, where deep
        fjords give way to glaciers; and look out for polar bears and seals from
        a RIB. Multiple sailing dates in August and September 2022. Inaugural
        pricing starts at $13,395 per person, with discounted airfare from $999
        per person.
    --  From the Arctic to the Antarctic (44 days; Tromsø to Ushuaia) -
        Traverse the globe from the far north to the extreme south on this
        ultimate journey. Start in Norway's northernmost town above the Arctic
        Circle and continue past rugged peaks and fishing villages to the
        rolling landscapes of the Shetland Islands and Ireland's green shores.
        Next, cross the equator on your trans-Atlantic sailing to arrive in Rio
        de Janeiro, then further on to Buenos Aires and finally--to the "Last
        Continent"--to be amazed by the otherworldly scenery, pristine nature
        and abundant penguins, seals and other wildlife few will ever see.
        Sailing date: September 21, 2022. Introductory pricing starts at $33,995
        per person, with discounted airfare from $999 per person.
    --  Undiscovered Great Lakes (8 days; Thunder Bay, Ontario to Milwaukee) -
        From Northern forests to pristine lagoons, encounter the natural
        splendor of the Great Lakes. Visit bald eagle and bear habitats that
        abut charming frontier towns in this remote region of North America; and
        pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron via the impressive Soo Locks.
        Multiple sailing dates between May and September 2022. Inaugural pricing
        starts at $6,695 per person, with free airfare within North America.
    --  Great Lakes Explorer (8 days; Milwaukee to Thunder Bay, Ontario) -
        Embark on a true expedition along "the nation's fourth seacoast," from
        Georgian Bay's granite islands to Thunder Bay's towering cliffs.
        Experience the car-free idyllic Mackinac Island, and learn about
        indigenous cultures and frontier life along the way. Multiple sailing
        dates between May and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $6,495
        per person, with free airfare within North America.
    --  Niagara & The Great Lakes (8 days; Toronto to Milwaukee) - From urban
        skylines to uninhabited islands, discover the wilderness nestled in the
        interior of North America alongside world-class cultural attractions in
        Detroit, Toronto and Milwaukee. Witness the majesty of Niagara Falls,
        and enjoy scenic cruising past North America's busiest border as you
        cross Lake Huron. Multiple sailing dates in April, May, June, July and
        September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $5,995 per person, with free
        airfare within North America.
    --  Canadian Discovery (13 days; New York to Toronto) - Cruise from Canada's
        southeast coast to the St. Lawrence River, where you will learn about
        the region's rich past amid stunning natural settings and celebrated
        cities. Sail along the coasts of New England and Nova Scotia; discover
        the remote reaches and locally sourced seafood of Prince Edward Island;
        explore the Saguenay Fjord, home to seals, whales and other sea mammals;
        and go salmon fishing in Quebec's Moisie River. Sailing dates in April
        and October 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $8,995 per person, with
        free airfare within North America.

Booking Details

Beginning January 15, 2020 through February 29, 2020, U.S. residents can take advantage of an Inaugural Offer on 2022 & 2023 Viking Expedition itineraries. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com.

About Viking Cruises

Viking was founded in 1997 with the purchase of four ships in Russia. Designed for discerning travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests "the thinking person's cruise" in contrast to mainstream cruises. In its first four years of operation, Viking has been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure's 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 "World's Best" Awards. Viking currently operates a fleet of 79 vessels (in 2020), offering scenic cruising on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. In addition to the Travel + Leisure honors, Viking has also been honored multiple times on Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List" as well as recognized by Cruise Critic as "Best Overall" Small-Mid size ship in the 2018 Cruisers' Choice Awards, "Best River Cruise Line" and "Best River Itineraries," with the entire Viking Longships® fleet being named "Best New River Ships" in the website's Editors' Picks Awards. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com.

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