Crystal Endeavor’s Luxury Iceland Expeditions Open to Extraordinary Demand

Over 50 Percent of the Ship’s New Iceland Voyages Reserved in the First 24 Hours Signaling that Expedition Travelers are Ready for True Luxury 

MIAMI, APRIL 14, 2021 – Luxury cruising continues its comeback as Crystal’s recently announced Crystal Endeavorsummer 2021 voyages – the much-anticipated inaugural sailings for the company’s new groundbreaking expedition ship– were met with great enthusiasm from affluent travelers. The company announced today that just 24 hours after the five 10-night Luxury Iceland Expeditions circumnavigating Iceland and crossing the Arctic Circle opened for reservations on Tuesday April 13, they are booked at over 50 percent of capacity.

“We are thrilled with the response to Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural sailings in Iceland as it is clear that luxury travelers, and returning Crystal Society members in particular, are looking forward to traveling again and reconnecting with their onboard Crystal family on our newest, most innovative ship to date,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and CEO. “Crystal Endeavor signifies an entirely new chapter in Crystal’s long history of delivering unforgettable journeys and giving travelers distinctive ways to see the world in the embrace of the Crystal brand.

“This ‘Made in Germany’ ship will deliver on what Crystal does best – innovative ship design, generous public spaces, unique destination experiences and world-class cuisine while remaining true to the heart of the Crystal Experience – the people who provide personal, warm service and make guests feel at home,” Anderson added.

Crystal Endeavor’s booking response comes just one month after the recently announced Luxury Bahamas Escapes on Crystal Serenity generated Crystal’s highest booking day in its 30-year history, further reaffirming, that both, Crystal’s famously loyal fanbase and new-to-Crystal guests, are ready to sail the high seas once again.

The Luxury Iceland Expeditions begin on July 17 with five consecutive journeys round-trip from Reykjavík. The voyages highlight the region’s breathtaking coastlines and wildlife havens, massive glaciers and countless waterfalls, quaint villages and fascinating heritage of Iceland’s towns and islands. 

Guests can book the Luxury Iceland Expeditions with compelling savings, reduced deposits and an extended final payment date to 60 days prior to first date of service, as well as other incentives. Cruise fares start at $13,999 per guest, including double Book Now Savings at $3,000 for a limited time only. Guests will receive a $300 per person As You Wishshipboard credit; Crystal Society Savings will double to five percent; new-to-Crystal guests will save 2.5 percent; and solo fares start at just 150 percent. Travelers with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on these sailings. Guests wishing to extend their explorations in Iceland can select one-, two- or three-night hotel programs at Reykjavík’s luxurious Hotel Borg, starting at $499 per person. Convenient air options are available from many major U.S. and European cities, as Iceland’s capital city is just six hours from New York City and three hours from London.

Built at MV WERFTEN in Stralsund, Germany, part of a family of shipyards known for their passenger ship, icebreaker and private yacht building expertise, Crystal Endeavor will be the fastest, most powerful and most spacious expedition ship in the industry, with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that enables her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

The 20,200-GRT vessel is designed to the highest standards of renowned German engineering and, with her responsive, agile maneuverability, safety and technical capabilities, the yacht is akin to a finely tuned German-built elite sports car for seakeeping (like Porsche, a fast, smooth, powerful ride) and little vibration (like Mercedes).

Crystal Endeavor’s luxurious design will offer discerning travelers elegantly casual, expansive private and public spaces with 100 gross tons per person and 10,000 cubic feet per guest for a passenger space ratio of more than 100. The ship accommodates just 200 guests with a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio delivering the personal and genuine service for which Crystal is known. Accommodations are elegantly appointed retreats for guests after days full of exploration, with every suite offering private butler service.

Throughout the ship, Crystal hallmarks will accent guests’ onboard experience: Michelin-inspired dining options including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, 24-hour room service and the Vintage Room experience; spacious social spaces; the only casino on an expedition yacht; a glass-covered, two-story solarium – which houses the Seahorse Pool and Jacuzzi – providing panoramic views from sea to sky; and the full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa with a state-of-the-art Fitness Center as well as a wrap-around Promenade Deck, rare in the industry but an iconic Crystal design element. Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will enhance guests’ experience, including enrichment areas, designated mud rooms, and an Expedition Lounge. The ship’s marina will feature the “toys” found aboard a private yacht for further explorations including a fleet of zodiacs, kayaks, snorkel gear, and more. 

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across four distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; Crystal Yacht Cruises, offering boutique luxury and bold adventure in the world’s most elite harbors; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 27 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Yacht Cruises and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA. 

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visitwww.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

SH Minerva reveals her cabin designs as structure completed ahead of schedule

First cultural expedition cruise ship in new-build fleet maintains ambitious momentum

Nicosia, Cyprus,Today, Wednesday the 17 of March, Swan Hellenic announced that the hull sections and deck modules of its first vessel, the purpose-designed cultural expedition cruise ship SH Minerva, had all been completed in advance of its ambitious schedule. Marking the occasion, the company released a time-lapse video of the work at Helsinki Shipyard that shows the ship assuming its graceful final form.

Now that the structure is complete, the cabins are already taking shape, as also revealed online today, showing the Scandi-chic comfort, rich natural materials and spacious open perspectives out to sea of the elegant designs by Tillberg of Sweden.

Balcony Lounge

The complete vision can be explored in an impressive virtual tour video released late last year.

The creatively conceived new ship represents the next generation of polar expedition vessels, designed for worldwide cruising with a strong focus on high-latitude areas. SH Minerva is being fitted with a 5-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, ready to receive 3-megawatt max. battery package and PC5 ice-strengthened hull and with Safe Return to Port notation. At 113 m, the 10,500-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.

Balcony Bathroom

Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Minerva will be operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service.

Esko Karvonen, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard Inc. remarked: “We are very proud of the smooth progress made on SH Minerva, helped by its outstanding design. It is an inspiring journey to work on the remarkable first three vessels for the iconic Swan Hellenic and we are sure the guests who explore the world aboard them will also feel that.”

“We’re delighted by our partners outstanding work as we take Swan Hellenic into this exciting next chapter and look forward to meeting you on board when we head to Antarctica in November 2021” said Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. “Join us to see what others don’t!”

About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

Two new 5-star polar PC 5 ice-class expedition cruise ships arriving in November 2021 and April 2022 will each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the majority with large balconies. A larger PC 6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites in the same distinctive comfort and style as its sister ships will be arriving year-end 2022. All three new ships are being built in full compliance with SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements.

Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.

Its ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and numbering 120 and 140 respectively almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf and Monaco, together with a branch office in Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan and South-East Asia), as well as partnerships serving India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Scandinavia and Iceland, Swan Hellenic supports the travel trade with specialist local partners to provide customers with expert personal service worldwide.

Credit: Stockmann Helsinki Center, in providing props for use in the photoshoot.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, please visit www.swanhellenic.com

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

Adria Bono joins Swan Hellenic as Destination Management Director

High-end excursions expert joins top team at cultural expedition cruise pioneer

Today, Wednesday the 4rd of March, Swan Hellenic announced that its top management was being strengthened with the arrival of Adria Bono, bringing the cultural expedition cruise leader the connections and insight of twenty years’ unrivalled high-end excursions design and commissioning expertise in the luxury and expedition cruise markets.

Joining as Destination Management Director, Adria will work closely with Director of Expedition Operations Pierre Thomas to ensure that the expert lecture, expedition and excursion facets of Swan Hellenic’s cultural expedition cruises complement and enhance one another to the highest standards, providing guests with an exceptionally complete, insightful and enriching experience.

With an increasingly strong management team of top names in the high-end cruise industry, growing local market partnerships to provide close customer care, and an order book of three custom-designed expedition cruise ships all due for delivery on schedule, Swan Hellenic is clearly on track to deliver on its promise of an entirely new high-end cruise experience. Public enthusiasm is reflected in strong bookings for its maiden season, launching year-end 2021.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Adria to the team. With her tremendous focus on quality of guest experience and strong relationships with leading excursion partners worldwide, nobody could be better placed to ensure our guests enjoy unforgettably insightful explorations ashore, fully in tune Swan Hellenic’s pioneering heritage,” explained Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito.

Adria Bono commented: “I’m excited to join the dynamic, expert team bringing the Swan Hellenic vision of cultural expedition cruising to life across a distinctively stylish new five-star fleet. I look forward to contributing to the creation of a truly unique discovery experience.”

About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

Two new 5-star polar PC 5 ice-class expedition cruise ships arriving in November 2021 and April 2022 will each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the majority with large balconies. A larger PC 6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites in the same distinctive comfort and style as its sister ships will be arriving year-end 2022. All three new ships are being built in full compliance with SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements.

Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.

Its ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and numbering 120 and 140 respectively almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf and Monaco, together with a branch office in Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan and South-East Asia), as well as partnerships serving India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Scandinavia and Iceland, Swan Hellenic supports the travel trade with specialist local partners to provide customers with expert personal service worldwide.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, please visit www.swanhellenic.com

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

For Swan Hellenic, please contact:

Mario Bounas, VP, Marketing: Mario.bounas@swanhellenic.com

SH Vega announced as name of the second Swan Hellenic ship at “Keel laying ceremony”.

Ambitious three-vessel shipbuilding schedule continues on course at Helsinki Shipyard.

Cyprus, 11 February 2021, Swan Hellenic today announced the keel laying of SH Vega, the second of three purpose-designed ice-class expedition cruise ships that Helsinki Shipyard is building for the iconic cultural expedition cruise pioneer. 

The keel was laid in accordance with seafaring tradition and current COVID-19 restrictions, immediately receiving the outfitted and painted block 302 which had arrived at the shipyard last weekend.

The ceremony included the customary placement of coins, with Helsinki Shipyard Project Manager Jonas Packalén, Lloyd´s Register representative Jukka Hujanen and Helsinki Shipyard Chairman Victor Olerskiy doing the honours.

Named after the first vessel to navigate the Arctic Northeast Passage, the elegant new ship represents the next generation of polar expedition vessels, having been designed for worldwide cruising with a strong focus on high-latitude areas. SH Vega will feature a 5-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, 3-megawatt max. battery package and PC5 ice-strengthened hull. At 113 m, the 10,500-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inaccessible and inspiring places in the world.

Providing uncompromising 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Vega will be operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service.

SH Minerva, the first ship in the series, will be delivered in November 2021, while Vega is due early the following year. The third vessel, which will be somewhat larger than her sisters, is scheduled for delivery just months later, towards the end of 2022.

“New builds Minerva and Vega are designed for extreme weather conditions, from the heavy ice of the polar regions to the heat and humidity of the tropics. And they’re naturally designed to respect the sensitive ecosystems of the unspoilt regions they explore,” commented Project Manager Jonas Packalén.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito congratulated the Helsinki team on their outstanding support: “Delivering to such a demanding schedule while maintaining the highest quality standards is a fantastic achievement. We’re honoured and thrilled to take Swan Hellenic into its next chapter with such fine ships and look forward to welcoming you on board to see what others don’t!”

About Swan Hellenic  

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company had pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

Two new 5-star polar PC 5 ice-class expedition cruise ships arriving in November 2021 and April 2022 will each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the majority with large balconies. A larger PC 6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites in the same distinctive comfort and style as its sister ships will be arriving year-end 2022. All three new ships are being built in full compliance with SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements.

Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.

Its ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and numbering 120 and 140 respectively almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf and Monaco, together with a branch office in Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan and South-East Asia), as well as partnerships serving India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Scandinavia and Iceland, Swan Hellenic supports its customers with close personal service worldwide.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, please visit www.swanhellenic.com

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

About Helsinki Shipyard Inc.

Helsinki Shipyard Oy is located in the capital of Finland and specializes in shipbuilding technology and building special vessels for demanding conditions and routes. The shipyard has a long tradition and unmatched expertise in designing and building icebreakers and other high ice-class vessels for operations in cold environments. In addition to this arctic know-how, our specialization also covers passenger ferries and cruise ships.

The shipyard is renowned as a pioneer in Finnish shipbuilding, a substantial employer and part of the history and landscape of the City of Helsinki.

https://helsinkishipyard.fi/

You can follow Swan Hellenic on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and You Tube.

FACEBOOK:

@swanhellenic

INSTAGRAM:

@swanhelleniccruises

LINKEDIN:

Swan Hellenic Limited

YOU TUBE:

SwanHellenic

Pierre Thomas joins Swan Hellenic as Director of Expedition Operations

Cultural expedition cruise pioneers consolidate top team with seasoned expedition leader

The highly-experienced guide and lecturer Pierre Thomas, an expedition leader worldwide for over 26 years, including with top names in the cruise industry, has now found his home at Swan Hellenic, the company announced today, Wednesday 18 November 2020.

Pierre’s experience is vast and has seen him gain qualifications that range from naturalist guide and dive guide to expedition leader. He has led expeditions on the water, under the water and overland by motorbike, and lectures in 5 languages on topics as varied as tropical fish, African history, the Panama Canal and Central American Post-World War II politics.

Extensive expedition cruise experience with Linblad, Metropolitan Touring, Noble Caledonia and Silversea Cruises has equipped Pierre with strategic customer insight, hands-on expertise and an international network of expert colleagues. All of which will prove invaluable in taking Swan Hellenic to create a cultural expedition experience both on and off-board that truly befits its pioneering heritage.

With a strong management team of top names in the high-end cruise industry and an order book that is now running at three custom-designed expedition cruise ships, Swan Hellenic is clearly on track to create an entirely new high-end cruise experience, beginning 2021 and already taking eager bookings.

“We are excited to welcome Pierre on board. With his tremendous experience and strong relationships with international experts in their fields, nobody could be better placed to ensure our guests enjoy a unique cultural expedition experience, both on and off-board, that truly befits Swan Hellenic’s pioneering heritage,” explained Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito.

Pierre Thomas commented: “I’m delighted to join the dynamic team bringing the Swan Hellenic vision of cultural expedition cruising to life across a tremendous new five-star fleet. I look forward to contributing to the creation of a truly unique discovery experience – geographical, scientific, natural, cultural and artistic.”

About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in September 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company had pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

Two new 5-star polar PC5 ice-class expedition cruise ships arriving in November 2021 and April 2022 will each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the majority with large balconies. A larger P6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in 96 cabins and suites in the same distinctive comfort and style as its sister ships will be arriving year-end 2022.

Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.

Its ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and numbering 120 and 140 respectively almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, please visit www.swanhellenic.com

Swan Hellenic orders new 5-star expedition cruise ship from Helsinki Shipyard

Plans for third ship in fleet show strong confidence in market and brand vision

Today Wednesday 21st October 2020, Swan Hellenic and Helsinki Shipyard announced that the dynamic cultural expedition cruise company had entered into a contractual agreement with the Finnish shipyard for the order of a third Vega Class expedition cruise vessel.

Larger than its sister ships and designed to sail to all continents, the 12.000 GRT Vega 3 will be a 5-star polar PC6 ice-class vessel 125m LOA. Accommodating 192 guests in 96 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, it will be operated by an onboard team of 140 - almost as many as the guests - to provide the highest levels of personal service.

Featuring a 4.6 megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, 3-megawatt max. battery package and ice-strengthened hull, the new ship will not only be able to reach the most remote and inaccessible corners of the world, but also do so in almost total silence under battery power. Causing minimal disturbance to sensitive ecosystems and wildlife, Vega 3 will thus bring its guests a uniquely immersive experience seeing what others don't.

The procurement of the main equipment has already begun, with all three Vega ships being built at Helsinki Shipyard following a fast-track schedule. The ambitious timing was confirmed as entirely realistic when the keel laying ceremony of Vega 1 took place on schedule in September despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic.

During the ceremony it was announced that Vega 1 would be christened SH Minerva in honour of the iconic company’s first purpose-built vessel, named after the Roman goddess of creativity and wisdom.

With the three Vega ships scheduled for delivery in November 2021, April 2022 and year-end 2022, Swan Hellenic is demonstrating solid confidence both in the strength and resilience of the high-end cruise market and its own unique vision of cultural expedition cruising.

"The new order is significant for Helsinki Shipyard,” observed CEO Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, “as it shows our customers' confidence in our operations and is a strong signal of the long-term nature of our operations".

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito confirmed “We see the increase in demand for experiences that are truly out of the ordinary and are confident in the bounce back of our industry.”

About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in September 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company had pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

Two new 5-star polar PC5 ice-class expedition cruise ships arriving in November 2021 and April 2022 will each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the majority with large balconies.

Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.

Its ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and numbering 120 almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive but unfussy service provided.

Viking Announces Launch of New Expedition Voyages

Purpose-Built Ships Will Bring Guests to the Far Reaches of the Earth and the Heart of North America Beginning in 2022

Los Angeles (January 15, 2020) – Viking (www.viking.com) today announced the expansion of its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of new expedition voyages. Viking Expeditions will begin sailing in January 2022 with its first vessel, Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic. Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes will bring the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America and will mark a major commitment to local tourism and economic development for the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario. As part of an exclusive preview, past Viking guests have been able to book select Viking Expeditions polar itineraries since October 9. Starting today, January 15, all expedition voyages – including the new Great Lakes itineraries – are available to the public for booking.

“We invented the concept of modern river cruising when we launched in 1997; then we reinvented ocean cruises and became the ‘World’s Best Ocean Cruise Line’ in our first year of operation, as well as every year since then. Now, in creating ‘the thinking person’s expedition,’ we are perfecting polar expedition cruising, and we will usher in a new era of comfortable exploration in the heart of North America,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our guests are curious explorers. They want to continue traveling with us to familiar and iconic destinations, but they would also like to travel further. We began as Viking River Cruises; then we evolved into Viking Cruises with the addition of ocean cruises; today we stand singularly as Viking, offering destination-focused voyages on more than 20 rivers, five oceans and five Great Lakes, visiting 403 ports in 95 countries and on all seven continents.”

To develop the new expedition voyages, Viking has partnered with some of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions. The lead partner is the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute. This relationship is underpinned by a major Viking endowment for scientific research into the polar regions, The Viking Chair of Polar Marine Geoscience, a Cambridge University full professorship based at the Scott Polar Research Institute, as well as a sponsorship fund supporting the Institute’s graduate students. As part of this endowment, the Institute’s scientists will undertake fieldwork on board Viking’s expedition vessels and join voyages to share their expertise with guests. Viking has also partnered with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a globally recognized bird research facility, whose ornithologists will regularly be on board the expedition ships, providing guest advice and interaction. Additionally, Viking has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), whose scientists will join expeditions in the Great Lakes to conduct research focused on changes in the region’s weather, climate and ecosystems. NOAA scientists may also offer lectures about the Great Lakes’ unique environment to Viking guests during these voyages.

Details of Viking’s plans were unveiled by Chairman Hagen this evening during a celebratory launch event in Beverly Hills, Calif. Hagen also announced that famed adventurers and educators Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft will be honored as ceremonial godmothers to Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, respectively. Arnesen, a native Norwegian, became the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 1994. Bancroft is the first woman to successfully ski to both poles. Arnesen and Bancroft also became the first women to ski across Antarctica in 2001. Together they co-founded Bancroft Arnesen Explore / Access Water, an initiative that aims to engage and empower more than 60 million minds to create a sustainable tomorrow. Arnesen will also periodically serve as a member of the Viking Expedition Team.

During this evening’s event, attendees were treated to a performance by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and ceremonial godmother to Viking Jupiter, the newest ship in Viking’s ocean fleet. Before her performance, Sissel officially “named” Viking Jupiter as the ship sailed between the Falkland Islands and Cape Horn. As part of the naming, Sissel offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship – a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years – and then instructed crew members currently on the ship to break a bottle of Norwegian aquavit on the ship’s hull.

As she introduced Sissel on stage, Viking Executive Vice President Karine Hagen spoke about Sissel’s close relationship with Viking. “We are grateful for our longstanding friendship with Sissel, who is responsible for many of Norway’s most treasured musical memories. Sissel was my grandmother ‘Mamsen’s’ favorite singer – and she has been part of the Viking family since we launched our first ocean ship, Viking Star. We are honored to have Sissel as the godmother of Viking Jupiter,” said Hagen. “Viking Jupiter’s location tonight, near Ushuaia, Argentina, is particularly significant. Ushuaia is the southernmost port our ocean ships currently visit, but with today’s announcement of Viking Expeditions, it will also serve as the launch port for our guests to explore the Antarctic region in Viking comfort.”

Today’s announcement is the most recent development as Viking continues to increase its award-winning presence in the travel industry; in the last eight years alone, the company has introduced more than 60 new river cruise ships and six ocean cruise ships to become the largest small ship cruise line with a current fleet of 79 river and ocean vessels around the world. In 2020, Viking will launch seven new river ships. Six more ocean sister ships are on order, with options for four additional ships. These options could bring Viking’s total ocean fleet to 16 ships by 2027.

Viking Expedition Ships

The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms; both ships are currently under construction and will be delivered in Norway by Fincantieri’s VARD. Designed by the same experienced nautical architects and engineers that designed Viking ocean ships, the ships are optimally sized and built for expeditions – small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability in the roughest seas. The ships will feature public spaces that are familiar to Viking’s ocean cruise guests but that have been reimagined for expeditions, as well as new public spaces created specifically for expeditions. Straight bows, longer hulls and state-of-the-art fin stabilizers will allow the ships to glide over the waves for the calmest possible journey; ice-strengthened Polar Class 6 hulls will provide the safest way to explore; and U-tank stabilizers will significantly decrease rolling by up to 50 percent when the ships are stationary. Viking’s expedition ships will feature modern Scandinavian design with elegant touches, intimate spaces and attention to detail. Highlights include:

· The Hangar: An industry first, The Hangar brings true comfort to expedition cruising. This enclosed, in-ship marina permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s multiple shell doors. The Hangar’s most innovative feature is an 85 ft. slipway that allows guests to embark on RIBs from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded from wind and waves. There is also a FerryBox, a set of instruments continuously collecting and displaying data on water quality, oxygen content, plankton composition and more.

· The Laboratory: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, while hosting guests, will also be working research vessels with an onboard team of Viking Resident Scientists working on a variety of studies. Developed in consultation with Cambridge University and Viking’s other academic partners, The Laboratory, at 430 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities, a sample processing area, fume cupboard, freezer and cool storage, comprehensive microscope optics and extensive bench space for analysis-specific instruments. Guests will have supervised access to The Laboratory, which is located in a glass-enclosed mezzanine above The Hangar, to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research, an experience unique to Viking.

· Expedition Equipment: Viking will offer a variety of ways for guests to experience their destination, according to their interests and activity level, at no extra charge. With a robust program of complimentary experiences, expedition equipment available for guests on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will include a fleet of military pro zodiacs designed for professional use in the harshest of environments; a fleet of two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks; and two 12-seater convertible RIBs. Each ship will also feature two six-guest submarines that feature revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows for an incomparable undersea experience. Everything guests need will be provided: a Viking Expedition Kit will contain items like boots, binoculars and waterproof pants; each excursion will carry a full range of Safety Equipment, such as satellite phones, VHF radios, ropes, life jackets and a comprehensive shore survival kit; and all guests will receive complimentary use of Viking Excursion Gear, which includes specialty items like trekking poles, snowshoes and skis.

· The Aula & Finse Terrace: Viking has created the world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea with The Aula, a stunning panoramic auditorium at the stern. Inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall where the Nobel Peace Prize was historically awarded, The Aula will offer a dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment, with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views. Adjacent to The Aula through sliding glass walls is the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge area with comfortable couches and warming lava rock “firepits” – perfect for panoramic views of the surroundings. Together the two spaces can be combined to create an unmatched indoor-outdoor al fresco experience for guests to be immersed in nature.

· Nordic Balcony: A first for polar expedition cruise vessels, all staterooms on board Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform. Harnessing the Norwegian reverence for light and to create the optimal wildlife observatory at sea, the Nordic Balcony’s floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass at the very edge of the ship lets guests take the views in, while keeping the elements out. Should guests wish to feel even closer to nature, the top of the panoramic glass lowers to transform the stateroom into a sheltered lookout, with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft to 1,223 sq. ft: Nordic Balcony, Deluxe Nordic Balcony, Nordic Penthouse, Nordic Junior Suite, Explorer Suite and Owner’s Suite. All staterooms feature a Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.

· Expedition Ship Suites: Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer Suites (580 sq. ft) on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris rival those on Viking’s fleet of ocean ships, with abundant wood detailing and amenities that include additional storage and seating, an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, a fully-stocked mini-bar replenished daily, complimentary laundry and shoeshine services, priority restaurant reservations and more. Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. Additionally, each ship features one Owner’s Suite, which at 1,223 sq. ft, is twice the size of the Explorer Suites. With the most exclusive accommodations and amenities on board, it features two separate rooms – a living room with six-seat dining table and a bedroom – as well as a 792 sq. ft. private garden with a traditional Norwegian badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) and outdoor dining table.

· Aquavit Terrace & Pools: Located at the stern and featuring a retractable glass dome, this indoor-outdoor heated sanctuary will allow guests to be surrounded by their destination as they swim and lounge in three different temperature-controlled pools, including an “inside-out” swimming experience.

· The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center: In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Nordic Spa on board is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind – with a thermal suite that features a Sauna, Snow Grotto and chaise lounges, as well as a warm hydrotherapy pool and badestamp (hot tub), surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. A state-of-the-art Fitness Center will also provide the latest equipment and workout gear.

· Explorers’ Lounge: Similar to Viking’s ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris have a two-deck Explorers’ Lounge at the bow of the ship, offering the perfect spot for taking in stunning scenery through double-height windows over a mug of mulled wine or glass of Norwegian aquavit.

· Dining Choices: Viking’s expedition ships will offer an array of dining options that build on the successful venues from Viking’s ocean ships, but which have been redesigned for expeditions. The Restaurant will offer fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics; the casual World Café will be a new “market” concept that offers live cooking, an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors; Mamsen’s, named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare; Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine; and 24-hour room service will be complimentary for all guests.

· Enrichment On Board and On Shore: Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking creating “the thinking person’s expedition.” As part of that commitment to destination-focused learning, Viking’s exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will match leading researchers and educators with each expedition. The onboard expedition program is designed to prepare guests for their onshore experiences, with more than 25 experts accompanying each journey – the Viking Expedition Team (expedition leader and staff, photographer and submarine pilots) and Viking Resident Scientists (biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists, oceanographers, ornithologists, polar experts and researchers). On board, guests will enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about their destination – and engage with working scientists from renowned academic institutions in The Laboratory or participate directly in citizen science programs. On shore, guests can assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities during landings – such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns; accompanying scientists to collect samples; or taking their cameras ashore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes.

· Sustainable Features: Compliant to all guidelines and regulatory requirements from AECO, IAATO, the Antarctic Treaty System and the Governor of Svalbard, Viking’s expedition ships minimize environmental impact and meet the most stringent emissions and biosecurity standards. Additionally, the straight bow reduces fuel consumption, and a dynamic positioning system enables the ship to hover over the seabed without anchoring, allowing access to pristine environments without damage.

· Viking Inclusive Value: Every Viking Expeditions cruise fare includes a Nordic Balcony stateroom or suite, virtually all shore excursions, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Just as with Viking’s ocean cruises, guests will also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; lectures; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to The Nordic Spa; and 24-hour room service. As part of their fare, Viking Expeditions guests will also receive charter flights for hard-to-reach locales and the use of Viking Expedition Gear specialty equipment for land and sea excursions. On polar itineraries, guests also receive their own Viking Expedition Kit, which includes everything needed to be comfortable – as well as a Viking Expeditions Jacket to keep.

2022-2023 Viking Expedition Inaugural Voyages

· Antarctic Explorer (13 days; Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) – This ultimate adventure takes you into the heart of the Antarctic peninsula, where you will see where penguins and seals compress the cycle of life into a short season; hike on “The Last Continent” with your expedition leader for insight into the extreme geology of the dramatic landscape; and watch whales breach and glaciers calve into the sea from the comfort of your ship. Multiple sailing dates in January, February, November and December 2022; January and February 2023. Inaugural pricing starts at $14,995 per person, with discounted airfare from $999 per person.

· Antarctic & South America Discovery (19 days; Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro) – Embark on a journey of extremes, taking you from icy Antarctica to tropical Rio. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, covered in ice and teeming with penguins, seals, whales and other wildlife; witness one of the thriving penguin populations of the Falkland Islands; and discover the cultural treasures of Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Paranaguá. Multiple sailing dates in March, October and November 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $19,995 per person, with discounted airfare from $999 per person.

· Arctic Adventure (13 days; Roundtrip Tromsø) – Experience the Arctic summer on this expedition, centered on Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Discover dramatic landscapes far north of the Arctic Circle, where deep fjords give way to glaciers; and look out for polar bears and seals from a RIB. Multiple sailing dates in August and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $13,395 per person, with discounted airfare from $999 per person.

· From the Arctic to the Antarctic (44 days; Tromsø to Ushuaia) – Traverse the globe from the far north to the extreme south on this ultimate journey. Start in Norway’s northernmost town above the Arctic Circle and continue past rugged peaks and fishing villages to the rolling landscapes of the Shetland Islands and Ireland’s green shores. Next, cross the equator on your trans-Atlantic sailing to arrive in Rio de Janeiro, then further on to Buenos Aires and finally—to the “Last Continent”—to be amazed by the otherworldly scenery, pristine nature and abundant penguins, seals and other wildlife few will ever see. Sailing date: September 21, 2022. Introductory pricing starts at $33,995 per person, with discounted airfare from $999 per person.

· Undiscovered Great Lakes (8 days; Thunder Bay, Ontario to Milwaukee) – From Northern forests to pristine lagoons, encounter the natural splendor of the Great Lakes. Visit bald eagle and bear habitats that abut charming frontier towns in this remote region of North America; and pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron via the impressive Soo Locks. Multiple sailing dates between May and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $6,695 per person, with free airfare within North America.

· Great Lakes Explorer (8 days; Milwaukee to Thunder Bay, Ontario) – Embark on a true expedition along “the nation’s fourth seacoast,” from Georgian Bay’s granite islands to Thunder Bay’s towering cliffs. Experience the car-free idyllic Mackinac Island, and learn about indigenous cultures and frontier life along the way. Multiple sailing dates between May and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $6,495 per person, with free airfare within North America.

· Niagara & The Great Lakes (8 days; Toronto to Milwaukee) – From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover the wilderness nestled in the interior of North America alongside world-class cultural attractions in Detroit, Toronto and Milwaukee. Witness the majesty of Niagara Falls, and enjoy scenic cruising past North America’s busiest border as you cross Lake Huron. Multiple sailing dates in April, May, June, July and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $5,995 per person, with free airfare within North America.

· Canadian Discovery (13 days; New York to Toronto) – Cruise from Canada’s southeast coast to the St. Lawrence River, where you will learn about the region’s rich past amid stunning natural settings and celebrated cities. Sail along the coasts of New England and Nova Scotia; discover the remote reaches and locally sourced seafood of Prince Edward Island; explore the Saguenay Fjord, home to seals, whales and other sea mammals; and go salmon fishing in Quebec’s Moisie River. Sailing dates in April and October 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $8,995 per person, with free airfare within North America.



Booking Details

Beginning January 15, 2020 through February 29, 2020, U.S. residents can take advantage of an Inaugural Offer on 2022 & 2023 Viking Expedition itineraries. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com.