According to Viking ANZ MD Michelle Black, longer immersive voyages, submarine dives, and new itineraries are driving demand for ultra-luxe expedition voyages. Viking launched its 378-guest expedition ships Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris just four years ago, and already has two more identical sister vessels on order, due to arrive in 2030 and 2021.
Michelle Black says Antarctica continues to be a standout destination for many guests, with the 13-day ‘Antarctic Explorer’ and 19-day ‘Antarctica & South Georgia Island’ among the most popular itineraries. The Arctic is also gaining interest, offering a deep understanding of Inuit culture and access to extraordinary environments and wildlife.
Expedition Voyages
The ability to learn from onboard scientists and access remote regions is driving demand, says Black. The average age of guests is around the mid-60s, and they are typically well-travelled, looking for a more meaningful way to explore the world. Many are retired or semi-retired, with the flexibility to travel for longer periods.
A key growth area is longer, more immersive voyages, such as the 81-plus-day ‘From the Arctic to Antarctica’ itinerary. These voyages allow guests to experience an entire region, continent, or hemisphere as one connected journey, visiting smaller ports and lesser-known destinations.
The extended duration provides opportunities for guests to appreciate changes in environment and spend more time onboard, attending lectures, speaking with the Expedition Team, or enjoying the Nordic Spa. For many guests, the time spent onboard becomes just as important as the destinations themselves.
Expedition Ships
Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris were purpose-built as expedition ships and designed as working research vessels. The ships feature floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive observation spaces, and an industry-first enclosed in-ship marina, allowing guests to launch and retrieve zodiacs, kayaks, and submarines.
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Viking’s Great Lakes itineraries are also gaining popularity, with guests drawn to the region’s sheer scale, variety of experiences, and stories of the communities that have shaped the region.
The Great Lakes voyages range from eight to 15 days, exploring destinations such as Mackinac Island, Georgian Bay, and Flowerpot Island. Wildlife is often an unexpected highlight, and the itineraries tend to appeal to travelers looking for an alternative to Antarctica or the Arctic.
Michelle Black would do the ‘Antarctic Explorer’ again anytime, adding on South Georgia. The ships are designed as viewing platforms, keeping Antarctica in full view, whether guests are in their stateroom or relaxing in the spa.
The scientists and specialists onboard help explain what guests are seeing, providing context around the environment and history of the region, making the experience much richer. Black also wishes to explore the Arctic, particularly the ‘Into the Northwest Passage’ voyage, rich in history and culture, with the opportunity to see a polar bear in the wild.
Onboard Experience
Viking’s expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are purpose-built for exploration, with features such as the Hangar, an enclosed in-ship marina, and the seven-person submarines, which provide guests with unparalleled access to remote regions and unique perspectives on the environment.