Viking Octantis Review

5.0 / 5.0
182 reviews
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Editor Rating
5.0
Excellent
Overall
Colleen McDaniel
Editor-In-Chief

With the introduction of Viking Octantis, Viking Cruises has firmly planted its flag in the expedition cruising world. Octantis is the cruise line's first ship dedicated to adventure cruising, and it is simply excellent. Viking has built a reputation on its river and ocean cruise ships for considering every detail, and on Viking Octantis, the company has taken this to the next level. The Viking Octantis deck plans are smartly designed, with flow that keeps the 378-passenger ship from feeling busy, even when at capacity.

The restaurants on Viking Octantis are all included in the price, and they offer high-quality dishes with excellent variety, and demonstrate a real commitment to guests who have allergies and other dietary restrictions. The ship's public spaces, including its dynamic Aula lecture center and serene outdoor Finse Terrace, were built with expedition cruising in mind.

For those familiar with Viking, the ship will feel familiar, thanks to its classic, modern Scandinavian design, immaculate and efficient cabins and high-level service. Viking knows its audience well, and Viking Octantis combines luxury and adventure on an expedition ship that will make wildlife and nature exploration more accessible to everyone.

The Viking Octantis Deck Plan Offers a Everything an Expedition Cruiser Needs

The Viking Octantis deck plan is simple yet delightful, offering spaces that are easy to navigate and loaded with surprises that will have passengers learning about nature while also observing it right from the ship.

Viking Octantis was built for views and viewings, and that starts at the top of the ship, Deck 6, which offers a beautiful, open seating area where guests can gather to chat or watch wildlife. Because the ship will visit the world's polar regions, these outdoor spaces offer heating elements and warm blankets.

Deck 5 has a promenade, where guests can get in steps or gaze at nature, as well as an excellent outdoor space at the aft, called the Aquavit Terrace. Deck 4 features outdoor seating near the ship's Explorers' Lounge, and Deck 3 has the wide-open Bow, all the way forward (at the front of the ship). The Bow can accommodate many people, and it's close enough to the water for guests to see passing whales or seals. Just behind The Bow is The Shelter, a covered area to escape the elements while you await sightings of more creatures or scenic landscapes.

The best spot for viewing, though, might be the Finse Terrace, taking up a large portion of Deck 2, aft. An expedition ship should have many options for outdoor viewing, and Viking Octantis delivers.

The interior of the ship is likewise well-equipped with everything you would need on an expedition cruise, with a huge facility, The Hangar, that houses boats, kayaks, Zodiacs and the ship's two yellow submarines. There's also The Lab, where passengers can get hands-on and actually contribute to the ship's scientific research endeavors. And you'll find a chance to learn more at Expedition Central, another research and enrichment area, as well as The Aula, which hosts various lectures and movies.

Viking Octantis Cabins are Roomy and Offer Extensive Storage

No matter which cabin category you choose, Viking Octantis staterooms are spacious and come with at least a Nordic balcony, essentially, floor-to-ceiling windows, in which the top half opens down into the lower half, providing a railing and open air but no actual space to step out. These are a bit controversial among cruisers: Some people love the additional interior space you get because of the configuration; others miss having a true traditional balcony. Regardless, the choice was intentional, as, according to Viking, people sailing in the Arctic and Antarctica don't want a balcony and instead will use the big viewing spaces. Only the highest-level suites include full balconies.

The most-popular cabins are the Deluxe Nordic Balcony cabins, which offer good space and some nice perks over the standard Nordic Balcony stateroom.

Because expedition cruises can get rough, especially through the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica, the cabins to avoid are located at the very front or back, as they will see more movement when compared with cabins closer to the middle.

Food on Viking Octantis is Creative and Consistent

Technically, there are only four restaurants on Viking Octantis, but it feels like a lot more, thanks to the re-imagined World Cafe buffet. This spot feels a lot more like a food hall than a buffet, thanks to The Grill, where you can order a la minute burgers, steaks and seafood, and the Sushi Bar. The options are excellent, as is the quality, making the World Cafe a place you will choose for dinner, rather than your only option if you can't dine anywhere else.

World Cafe isn't the only spot to get great food on Viking Octantis. Manfredi's, a fan favorite on Viking's ocean vessels, is serving up delicious pastas and aged bisteccas on Viking Octantis. Likewise, The Restaurant, the ship's main dining room, is the busiest spot onboard at dinnertime, with a menu loaded with new items and traditional Norwegian dishes, as well.

Two Submarines on Viking Octantis Have Guests Excited

Perhaps the most-talked-about features on the ship are the submarines. Each sub on Viking Octantis seats six guests and brings people far below the ocean's surface, allowing everyone to see the world from a whole new perspective. For expeditions booked after April 1, 2023, sub rides are classified as optional excursions, costing $499 per person, beginning on voyages starting June 1. (Anyone who booked their cruise March 31, 2023 or before will not be charged).

Viking Octantis COVID-19 Rules

For the most up-to-date testing, masking and vaccination requirements aboard Viking Octantis, please refer to the guidelines on Viking Cruises. Viking Octantis offers an onboard medical lab, where COVID tests can be analyzed, and daily onboard testing of its guests via saliva was part of the cruise line's restart plan. Visit Cruise Critic's guide to health requirements to find out the latest policies.

Pros

Beautiful expedition cruise ship with well-thought-out details and exquisite spaces

Cons

At the large end for expedition; lacks some intimacy you'd find on smaller vessels

Bottom Line

An excellent expedition vessel, especially for those new to the adventure market looking to cruise in understated luxury

About

Passengers: 378
Crew: 260
Passenger to Crew: 1.45:1
Launched: 2022
Shore Excursions: 182

Inclusions

Included with your cruise fare:

  • All food at all restaurants

  • Wi-Fi

  • Access to the thermal spa

  • At least one shore excursion in every port

  • Rides on the ship's Zodiacs and the Special Operations Boats

  • Use of kayaks

  • All lectures and hands-on learning at The Science Lab

  • Wine, beer and soft drinks at mealtimes

  • On-demand movies and TV shows

  • Group fitness classes

  • On-demand fitness classes

  • Most daily activities, unless otherwise noted

  • Self-service laundry

Not included with your cruise fare:

  • Gratuities

  • Spa treatments

  • Gratuities on spa treatments

  • Sub rides

  • Spirits, cocktails, premium wines and drinks outside of lunch and dinner

  • Premium shore excursions

  • Laundry, dry cleaning and pressing services (except for specific cabin levels)

Fellow Passengers

Who Is On Board Viking Octantis?

Most passengers on Viking Octantis hail from the United States, the United Kingdom or Australia, though it's not unusual to see groups of Chinese passengers traveling together, as well, as Viking has strongly marketed to that part of the world. English is the language spoken onboard.

Passengers are often retirees, traveling as couples or with friends. Only those 18 and older can sail on the ship. Guests are well off, with money to spend on bucket-list type adventures. They are curious, still enjoy learning and love traveling with like-minded passengers.

Viking Octantis offers two accessible cabins, both Junior Suites located on Deck 4. Elevators are located throughout the ship. It's worth noting that all cabins feature lower thresholds between spaces. (Thresholds, though low, do exist in bathrooms and in the shower, so guests who require zero entry will need to book the accessible suites.)

The ship's Special Operations Boats are designed to easily load in the ship's Hangar, and expedition guides tell us they can safely get almost anyone ashore in most destinations, so long as guests listen to directions and work with the expedition team.

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More about Viking Octantis

Where does Viking Octantis sail from?

Viking Octantis departs from Ushuaia, Toronto, Santiago (Valparaiso), Valparaiso, Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, and Manhattan

How much does it cost to go on Viking Octantis?

Cruises on Viking Octantis start from $5,995 per person.

Is Viking Octantis a good ship to cruise on?

Viking Octantis won 2 awards over the years.
Viking Octantis Cruiser Reviews

Viking truly is #1

So Viking is now #1 on our list. While onboard we booked our next expedition - above the Arctic circle this time - on the Viking Polaris, sister ship to Octantis. We cannot wait!Read More
User Avatar
D.A.C.

many10+ Cruises

Age 72s

The cruise that everyone wants to take, but few do.

The Viking Octantis provided us the opportunity to physically walk on the Antarctica. It was a turn key operation. Everything was taken care for us going doing and returning home.Read More
User Avatar
winter45

many10+ Cruises

Age 79s

Top notch service and programming

Viking Octantis carries only about 368 passengers.Read More
User Avatar
Governor Guy

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 60s

Octantis Antarctica Lifetime Trip

Previous Viking experience. Most amazing cruise………just perfect. Excursions were completed with professionalism and great knowledge.Read More
User Avatar
Dan DS.

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 61s

Viking Expeditions Fleet
Viking Polaris

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