Viking Marks Float Out Of First Expedition Ship
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced its first expedition ship - the 378-guest Viking Octantis® - was "floated out," marking a major construction milestone and the first time that the new ship touches water. Scheduled to debut in early 2022, Viking Octantis will spend her maiden season sailing voyages to Antarctica and North America's Great Lakes. A second, identical expedition ship, Viking Polaris®, is set to debut in summer 2022 and will sail journeys to Antarctica and the Arctic. Viking has also developed a series of short videos about the new expedition voyages, ship design and prestigious scientific partnerships, which can be found on its website here.
"Working with Fincantieri over the last eight years, we have built the world's most beautiful ocean ships. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Fincantieri's VARD and celebrate this important milestone in the construction of our first expedition vessel," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "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. Viking Octantis and her sister ship, Viking Polaris, will allow our guests to explore further - to the ends of the earth as well as closer to home. I would like to thank our partners at VARD and everyone working at the yard for the hard work and dedication on the building of Viking Octantis; we look forward to welcoming her to our fleet in early 2022."
The float out is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out ceremony of Viking Octantis took place today, December 22; she was then moved to a nearby outfitting dock for further construction and interior build-out. After final outfitting, Viking Octantis will be delivered at Fincantieri's VARD shipyard in Søviknes, Norway.
Esteemed explorers 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.
Viking Expedition Ships
The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. 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.
Media Assets
For more information, images and b-roll for Viking, contact vikingpr@edelman.com.
About Viking
Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced 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 five years of operation, Viking has been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure's 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 "World's Best" Awards. 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. For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.
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