Last week, my husband Tony and I had the honor of attending the Beverly Hills gala announcing the naming of Viking’s newest ocean ship, the Viking Jupiter. But that wasn’t all that was celebrated that night.
Torstein Hagen, Founder and Chairman of Viking, announced the unveiling of Viking Expeditions, which will begin sailing in January 2022 with its first vessel, Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes (Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes will bring the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America). A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic.
The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms; both ships are currently under construction. 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.
An unforgettable view from our Viking cruise balcony on the mesmerizing midnight sun as we sailed up the coast of Norway. Click on image to see our USATODAY gallery on this oh-so-memorable experience.
© Joanne DiBona Photography
Excitement was high during the presentation, and no wonder. As seasoned cruise ship travel journalists, Tony and I can personally attest to the exceptional quality of every cruise we’ve experienced on board a Viking ship.
For a first hand look on board our experiences on Viking cruises, please click on the two images at the right and below to be directed to the USA TODAY 10Best galleries of these cruises.
A visit to Prague was one of our many highlights on our Paris to Prague Viking Adventure. Click on photo fo see our USATODAY photo gallery on this incredible travel experience.
© Tony DiBona Photography
There’s no question Viking is a major force in the cruise ship 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.
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.
Viva Viking!