Viking Expedition Cruises
The aptly named Viking Expeditions are on a mission to guide adventurous travellers through off-the-beaten track destinations such as Greenland, Canada’s Great Lakes and even Antarctica. To that end, they have developed a unique blend of sophisticated luxury, educational enrichment and engaging cultural immersion simply not found elsewhere.
Large enough to provide spacious and stable conditions for guests, yet small enough to foster an intimate atmosphere and navigate isolated areas, the line’s two purpose-built expedition vessels have been optimally designed with Viking’s ‘luxury-first’ ethos in mind. With no need to compromise on either comfort or style, Viking Expedition guests can look forward to the same premium service, elegantly furnished staterooms, world-class dining, and sumptuous public spaces as they would find on any Viking ship, with the added perk of unique scientific experiences only found on an expedition cruise.
A true pioneer of the movement to blend luxury with responsible travel, Viking Expeditions has set the bar high and redefined what it means to sustainably see the world in style.
Viking Expedition Cruises Itineraries
What Is Included In A Cruise With Viking Expedition Cruises?
- Return flights* and overseas transfers
- Luxurious accommodations
- Gourmet dining options featuring regional specialities and always available classics
- Alternative dining options at no extra charge
- Select alcoholic beverages at mealtimes
- Complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, water and snacks
- Complimentary shore excursions
- Free WiFi throughout the ship
- Complimentary access to Nordic Spa and fitness centre
- Luxury Freyja bathroom amenities
- 24-hour room service
- Enrichment lectures
- Complimentary self-service laundry
- Complimentary Viking expedition jacket on polar voyages
- Gratuities
- Ports taxes & fees
Things to do onboard
Food and drink
With a diverse variety of dining options included in the overall fare, Viking Expeditions offers the same world-class, destination-focused cuisine you’d find on any Viking ship. For a rotating selection of regionally inspired dishes and classic cuisine, The Restaurant is the place to go, while The World Café offers casual buffet-style dining throughout the day, transforming into a sushi bar, steakhouse and gelato station by sunset.
Speciality dining options are also on offer, including the trattoria-inspired Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, and Mamsen’s, which celebrates the brand’s Scandinavian heritage. Relaxed lunchtime fare is available throughout the day at The Pool Grill, whilst The Chef’s Table makes an event out of mealtime, featuring rotating multi-course tasting menus and sommelier-led wine pairings. With open seating and no additional charges, Viking Expeditions’ dining experience prioritises variety, quality, and destination-inspired flavors.
Onboard Accommodation
Viking Expeditions offer all-Nordic Balcony staterooms, designed with understated Scandinavian elegance in mind. Each stateroom includes king-size beds, spacious bathrooms, 24-hour room service and complimentary Wi-Fi. Here’s a closer look at the different accommodation options:
- Nordic Balcony Stateroom – The entry-level staterooms (215 sq. ft.) feature a king-size bed, large bathroom, luxury Freyja bath products, 55” OLED flat screen TV, minibar stocked with soft drinks, drying cupboard, and free WiFi
- Deluxe Nordic Balcony Stateroom – (215 sq. ft.) All the amenities of the Nordic Balcony Stateroom, plus earlier check-in time, daily minibar replenishments, and a coffee machine with premium tea and coffee
- Nordic Penthouse Suite – (269 sq. ft.) Features an additional seating area and earlier check-in time, plus welcome champagne, alcoholic beverages in the minibar and priority reservation slots for excursions, dining, and spa treatments
- Nordic Junior Suite – A luxurious step up (322 sq. ft.) with seating area and larger bathroom complete with double vanity sink. Wheelchair accessible options available
- Explorer Suite – A two-room ocean view suite (548 sq. ft.) with a larger bathroom, a living and dining area for four and additional 42” TV. Suite also comes with access to the Explorer Suite Private Garden
- Owner’s Suite – A multi-room, oceanview suite (1238 sq ft) with living room and dining area for six, a boardroom for 12, two additional 42” TVs, a 722ft private garden, pantry, and private library. In addition, guests can enjoy twice daily room service and daily pre-dinner cocktails and canapés
Spa, Health and Wellness
Viking Expeditions’ wellness initiatives combine Scandinavian traditions with modern spa experiences, offering guests a luxurious, restorative journey. Each ship boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga classes, and three different temperature pools.
However, the pièce de résistance is The Nordic Spa. This award-winning facility embodies the Scandinavian heritage of the brand, encouraging guests to partake in alternating hot and cold experiences, through the thermal suite, saunas, snow grotto and unique Badestamp hot tub. In addition, there are a range of massages and treatments available for guests to book throughout their voyage.
Excursions, entertainment & activities
Viking Expeditions offers immersive shore excursions focused on authentic, environmental discovery. Options include wildlife viewing, photography, hikes and scientific research visits, as well as signature experiences like submarine trips and Special Operations Boat rides—each itinerary includes at least one complimentary excursion per port.
With a focus on educational enrichment, Viking Expeditions forgoes the more traditional cruise entertainment, and prioritizes lectures, presentations in the Aula and opportunities to learn from the ships’ resident scientists. There are, of course, also more casual options such as live music in the bars and films in the Aula.
Enrichment programs
Viking Expeditions offer a variety of enriching programs, including expert-led lectures, curated TED Talks, and documentary screenings. As citizen scientists, guests can spend time in Expedition Central and The Science Lab, using state-of-the-art technology to help resident scientists conduct research in a variety of fields.
These thoughtfully designed programs ensure a deeper connection to each destination, making a Viking Expedition a truly immersive and educational journey.
Sustainability
Viking Expeditions prioritises sustainability fleetwide, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to conserving energy, reducing emissions, and minimising waste. The ships feature energy-efficient hybrid engines, advanced exhaust treatment systems, and hull designs that optimize fuel efficiency. They have also eliminated single-use plastics, implemented sophisticated waste management strategies and introduced onboard water purification systems to reduce bottled water consumption.
In addition, Viking Expeditions aim to educate guests about responsible tourism, providing them with opportunities to conduct environmental research in collaboration with organisations such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and NOAA, proudly taking their place as citizen scientists.