Viking Octantis

The World Cafe

With live cooking, an open kitchen and premium seafood/sushi choices and a grill, the casual World Café provides a vibrant interactive experience and a wide range of international flavors.

Mamsen’s

Named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, this venue offers Norwegian specialties including waffles according to Mamsen’s original recipe, open-faced sandwiches and split pea soup.

The Restaurant

Our elegant dining venue, The Restaurant offers our ultimate onboard dining experience. Regional cuisine and always-available classics are served surrounded by sweeping views.

Manfredi’s

Inspired by Italy’s beloved trattorias, Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine as well as a private dining room—a perfect opportunity to have an intimate meal with family or friends.

24-Hour Options

Our bakery offers a variety of delicious breads and pastries at any hour. Or enjoy many of our signature dishes in the comfort of your stateroom with 24-hour room service.

Explorers’ Lounge

A favorite location on our ocean ships, the Explorers’ Lounge is inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Two levels high and surrounded by panoramic windows, this inviting space is the perfect place to relax with friends, while taking in the scenery.

The Pools

This trio of pools, each at different temperatures, including an indoor-outdoor pass-through swimming experience. The heated main pool is a calming oasis in any weather, protected by a retractable roof for year-round use.

Aquavit Terrace

Settle in to the Aquavit Bar and share stories with fellow travelers while enjoying an Irish coffee or ship-matured aquavit surrounded by “trees” inspired by Yggdrasil, Norse mythology’s tree of life. The al fresco Aquavit Terrace is directly beyond, surrounding The Pools in the aft of the ship and boasts outstanding views.

The Living Room

Located high on the ship to maximize views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, here guests can listen to classical music or a soothing piano sonata. With Nordic furnishings, relevant and engaging books, and a wall mural of a variety of whales represented to scale, guests will find both comfort and enrichment.

The Library

Tucked in a private alcove of The Living Room, the Library is a literary traveler’s dream. Select from a broad range of titles from world histories to biographies—all curated specifically for these journeys by legendary bookseller, London’s Heywood Hill.

Finse Terrace

Named after the village high on the mountain plateau of Hardangervidda, Norway, here you will find an outdoor paradise with comfortable seating, 270° views of nature around you, and two heated lava stone “firepits” to keep you warm.

Nordic Spa

Relax and take in the scenery from our spa pool, gazing out of floor-to-ceiling windows. Work out in the Fitness Center on a choice of treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes or weight machines. Or, enjoy the sauna, Snow Grotto with its “snow-on-demand” or warming cave.

Badestamp

Following Nordic tradition, our onboard badestamp, located in the Nordic Spa, is a traditional wooden-sided hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. Try the longstanding Scandinavian practice of alternating between hot and cold when bathing to relax and rejuvenate.

Embarkation

More information coming soon.

Shore Excursions

Viking offers a variety of excursions, virtually all included in your cruise fare, from RIB sailings and zodiac landings to tranquil kayak outings and underwater submarine dives. Hike through magnificent landscapes and access remote areas, all led by an experienced team of experts skilled in operating in rugged and polar environments. Or try a unique experience with one of our exclusive, limited-capacity optional excursions.

Encounter some of nature’s most fascinating wildlife north of the Arctic Circle, from polar bears to walruses, whales, ringed seals and Svalbard reindeer. In Antarctica, guests are likely to see seals and whales, as well as a variety of penguin and migratory bird species. The Great Lakes also house abundant wildlife diversity: moose, black bears, beavers, grey wolves, bald eagles, and a wide range of bird species can be commonly found.

Expedition Central

Manned by our Expedition Team, Expedition Central is a key onboard area for guests at which they can plan and book their excursions, verify landing and “go to gate” times or get answers to questions about upcoming excursions and landings. Guests can also learn more about their destination by viewing a real-time ship tracker, examining the chart table highlighting the areas through which we sail, and reviewing AECO and IAATO information about landing regulations and biosecurity standards for the sensitive environments to which we sail.

The Laboratory

This well-appointed laboratory, developed in consultation with Cambridge University and other academic partners, supports a range of research activities and is equipped with wet-dry laboratory facilities, a sample-processing area, comprehensive microscope optics, and space for analysis-specific instruments. Guests will receive supervised access to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research, an experience unique to Viking.

Explorers’ Desk

More information coming soon.

Submarines

On board expedition ships sailing our polar, Great Lakes and Grand Journeys itineraries are two 6-seater submarines custom-designed to explore underwater in various regions. Trips are approximately 1 hour in total length (30 minutes underwater, plus time to embark and disembark). Submarines may not be available or allowed to be deployed on all itineraries. Learn more about our expedition equipment.

Kayaks

We do on board expedition ships sailing our polar, Great Lakes and Grand Journeys itineraries. We have a fleet of custom designed, easy to operate 2-seater kayaks that feature a pedal system which lets you glide through the water hands-free, maximizing your photo opportunities. (Optional paddles are available, and the seat can be removed and reconfigured for a single guest if requested.)

Zodiacs

We have a fleet of military Pro zodiacs on board our expedition ships sailing polar, Great Lakes and Grand Journeys itineraries.

The Aula

The world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea, The Aula is a stunning panoramic al fresco auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. Used for lectures, daily briefings, and films, this unique space features an 8k laser-projected panoramic screen which can retract to expose floor-to ceiling windows and 270° views. In addition, the large bottom windows of the stage wall slide open, providing al fresco access and an indoor-outdoor experience with nature taking center stage.

The Studio

This onboard area offers a multipurpose space facilitating enrichment experiences with the Viking Resident Scientists. On the wall are felt replicas of the primary avian species that inhabit or migrate to the locations we visit. Here, guests can learn to identify different birds, practice photography techniques, or learn more about their various habits with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s ornithologists—part of our Viking Resident Scientists program.

Viking Resident Photographer

Part of our Viking Expedition team, our onboard photographer will accompany shore landings and RIB/zodiac excursions, as well as offering lectures and workshops to provide insight and techniques for capturing wildlife and landscapes in the remote locations we visit, so guests can optimize their images.

Viking Resident Scientists

Selected by our academic partners, the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a group of scientists will be on board every journey, providing lectures, advice and insight to guests in areas such as biology, botany, geology, glaciology, oceanography, ornithology.

Age Restrictions

All guests must be 18 years old on or before the day they are scheduled to embark on their cruise; we do not maintain facilities or services on board for younger individuals.

Wi-Fi

Our expedition ships offer free Wi-Fi. You may use your personal device or one of the ship’s computers. Our connection relies on a VSAT satellite terminal—the best possible solution for ocean cruising. Due to the nature of data bandwidth and latency, as well as potential interruptions in satellite signals based on terrain and weather, you may experience slower online connections than you are accustomed to at home. Please note that satellite signal interruptions are more common at the higher latitudes of the polar regions. In order to ensure fair usage for all, we reserve the right to limit heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads or software upgrades so that all our guests have access to Wi-Fi. We suggest that guests limit large uploads/downloads and live streaming. Please download your content prior to your cruise, as bandwidth will affect your service and cannot be guaranteed. We will be happy to help you with your device settings when you are on board. We hope you will understand that we will do our very best to provide you with an enjoyable online experience. Please remember that you will likely be able to access standard Wi-Fi and data roaming services on shore in most of the towns and cities you visit.

Mini-bar services

On board our Viking expedition ships, each stateroom is equipped with a mini-bar. Depending on your stateroom category, your mini-bar may be replenished daily with drinks and snacks. Purified water is provided in all staterooms and refilled daily. A full listing of amenities by stateroom category can be found on each ship page.

Stateroom Amenities

All stateroom bathrooms are equipped with premium bath toiletries. A hair dryer is also provided, and irons are available in the complimentary self-service launderettes. Depending on your stateroom category, laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services may be complimentary. If your stateroom category does not include these services, they may be purchased for a modest fee.

Smoking Policy

Viking vessels are generally nonsmoking. In order to accommodate guests who choose to smoke, there is a designated outdoor smoking area. All other areas of the ship, including your stateroom and veranda, are designated nonsmoking areas. Smoking restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes.

For Antarctic expeditions, smoking is not allowed on shore in Svalbard and Antarctica.

Disabled Facilities

Viking welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize there are inherent risks associated with traveling on board ships that are unique to cruise travel. For people who are ill, or have a mental or physical disability or impairment, the risks can be more significant. Guests must be able to independently move around the ship in case of an emergency or rough seas, deal 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. Shore excursions may require the ability to traverse cobblestones or go up and down stairs. 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.

When you make your reservation, please advise us of any disability that will require special attention while sailing on a Viking cruise and provide a completed Fit to Travel Form along with a physician’s letter. Should you have any medical, physical or other special needs, check the fleet information on our website to gain an understanding of the layout of any particular ship and contact a Viking Expert at 1-855-884-5464 (1-855-8-VIKING) directly with additional questions and to obtain a copy of our policy statement.

Dietary Requirements

In most cases, we can. Every meal has vegetarian options and our chefs will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special requests. Guests requiring special meals (low salt, diabetic, gluten-free or low cholesterol) should alert us 90 days prior to departure over the phone at 1-855-884-5464 (1-855-8-VIKING) or online on the Dietary Restrictions page in your My Viking Journey account. Guests should also inform the Maître d’ when on board.

While we take steps to minimize the risk of cross contamination, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free kitchen.

Wheelchair accommodations & elevators

Guests who have a disability, physical or otherwise, must travel with an able-bodied companion who can assist them as the staff is not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs. Guests need to provide their own wheelchairs, except in an emergency. Wheelchairs must not exceed 22″ in width. For details regarding bringing a wheelchair on board, guests must complete the Accessibility Form and return to Viking no later than 30 days prior to departure. Motorized scooters are not typically suitable for international cruises and cannot be accommodated. While our ocean vessels have elevators, there may still be thresholds that could make movement difficult.Contact a Viking Expert at 1-855-884-5464 (1-855-8-VIKING) directly with additional questions and to obtain a copy of our Accessibility Form and policy statement.

Laundry

You will have the use of a complimentary washer and dryer during your time on board. Irons and ironing boards are additionally available free of charge

Medical Facilities

We have a physician on board all expedition ships. The doctor is available at any time in case of emergency.

Dress Code

During the day, dress is casual—slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes/boots that are appropriate for excursions/landing or enjoying the ship. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center and pool areas. There are no “formal nights” in the evening; evening dress is “elegant casual” for all dining venues, performances and special events. On these occasions, required attire for ladies includes a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional; jeans are not permitted. The evening dress excludes the World Café, where the dress remains casual, including jeans and boots, after 6:00 PM.

Responsible Travel

The Great Lakes

We ensure we follow the best travel practices and support scientific research to help preserve the wildlife and landscapes of this vast freshwater ecosystem. We support efforts to preserve, promote, and protect the regions and communities we visit, from the United States’ National Parks to the Canadian First Nations Peoples with whom we interact.

The Arctic & Antarctic

We work closely with leading organizations to ensure we employ best travel practices, promote awareness, support scientific research and protect the fragile ecosystems and environments in which we travel. Our partnerships with the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology help further scientific research in these remote areas. We are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

Other Details

Children: No kids

Childrens Facilities: None

Nursery: None

Smoking: Some

Gratuities: Gratuities are included on board our ocean ships and will be shared among the onboard staff who helped support and provide your cruise experience, including the waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff and others. (Please note this charge excludes bar gratuity; a 15% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs.) Should you wish to make changes to the gratuity amounts or pay in cash, just stop by our Explorers’ Desk at any time. You may also wish to tip your local excursion guides or driver; we suggest doing so in cash at the end of each tour.