Why Viking Redefined Polar Cruising
Conventional expedition ships force guests down slippery outdoor gangways in choppy polar swells. Viking changed polar exploration forever with purpose-built engineering.
The Yellow Submarines: John, Paul, George & Ringo
Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris carry two six-passenger yellow submarines—affectionately named after The Beatles. Featuring 270-degree revolving spherical acrylic viewports, these state-of-the-art submersibles dive up to 300 meters (984 feet) beneath the polar ice shelf.
Witness colossal undersea ice shelves, rare giant phantom jellyfish (first filmed by Viking guests!), Antarctic krill swarms, and benthic sea stars. Unlike luxury competitors that charge $500 to $1,000 per person per dive, Viking submarine dives are 100% complimentary!
The Hangar: In-Ship Marina Innovation
The Hangar is an enclosed, 85-foot in-ship slipway inside the stern of the vessel. Instead of climbing down exterior rope ladders or wet gangways in 30-knot Antarctic winds, guests board military-grade Special Operations Boats (SOBs) and Zodiacs completely indoors on flat, dry, heated slipway platforms.
Once everyone is safely seated and buckled, the hydraulic stern doors open, and the boats glide effortlessly into the ocean. This revolutionary innovation makes polar exploration accessible and comfortable for guests of all physical fitness levels.
Antarctica Wildlife Calendar: When to Go
Spring & Courtship
- Most dramatic sea ice and giant tabular icebergs
- Gentoo and Adélie penguins building pebble nests
- Pristine, unsoiled white snow blankets the landscape
Solstice & Hatching
- 20 to 24 hours of continuous daylight
- First fluffy penguin chicks begin hatching
- Mildest temperatures (frequently 35°F–42°F)
Peak Chick Activity
- Penguin rookeries bustling with hungry chicks
- Leopard seals patrolling the shoreline
- Receding sea ice opens southern channels
Peak Whales & Fledging
- Peak humpback, minke, and orca feeding pods
- Teenage penguins taking first dips in the sea
- Spectacular golden sunset photography
The Drake Passage: Shake vs. Lake
The 500-mile crossing between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands has an adventurous reputation. However, Viking Octantis and Polaris feature advanced U-tank anti-roll systems and extended straight bulbous bows that minimize pitch and roll by up to 50%.
Specialist Tip: Consult your doctor for scopolamine transdermal patches or meclizine before flying to Buenos Aires. Apply the patch behind your ear 4 hours before departing Ushuaia for seamless ocean crossings.
Complimentary Viking Gear & Packing
Every Viking guest receives a custom, high-tech, multi-layer Viking Polar Expedition Red Parka. This top-grade insulated, windproof, waterproof jacket is yours to keep and take home!
Viking also loans warm, heavy-duty insulated Muck boots for all wet Zodiac landings. All you need to pack are thermal base layers (merino wool), waterproof overtrousers/ski pants, polar-rated gloves, and sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
Antarctica FAQ
Embark on the White Continent with Vincent Vacations
Our advisors have sailed polar waters firsthand. Receive expert packing advice, flight coordination via Buenos Aires, and up to $200 in exclusive Signature Travel Network onboard credit.