Viking Cruises welcomes newest expedition ship to fleet

Fincantieri subsidiary Vard has handed over the first in a series of two new expedition vessels to Viking Cruises.

Viking Octantis, as well as sister ship Viking Polaris due to be delivered next year, can host 378 guests in 189 staterooms.

The 205- by 23.5-metre newbuild has Polar Class 6 certification for expeditions in the polar regions. It can also navigate remote areas and the Saint Lawrence River and provide improved handling and stability in rough seas.

Straight bows, longer hulls, and fin stabilisers will allow the ship to sail more smoothly while U-tank stabilisers will significantly decrease rolling by up to 50 per cent when stationary.