This 87-Day Arctic to Antarctica Luxury Cruise Stops in 12 Countries Along the Way

Viking’s From the Arctic to Antarctica cruise is a 87-day journey that includes stops in 12 countries across three continents. The sailing will start in the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, on September 3, 2025, and includes 10 days of exploration in and around the world’s largest island, interrupted by several days in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago where the ship will visit some of the earth’s most remote corners. Wildlife abounds in this part of the world, and lucky passengers, armed with patience and binoculars, will be rewarded with the sights of polar bears, bowhead whales, beluga whales, and a large variety of birds among other fascinating creatures. From the very top of the world, the Viking Octantis will reach the east coast of North America and sail south on the Atlantic Ocean, stopping in over a dozen destinations in Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and Mexico, before crossing the Caribbean Sea and finally the Panama Canal. After reaching the Pacific Ocean via the world’s most famous canal, the expedition ship will make its way along the coast of South America, stopping in Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, before going all the way around Cape Horn to Ushuaia and through the infamous Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. The cruise ends in Ushuaia where a chartered flight takes travelers to Buenos Aires, Argentina, from where they can fly back home.

Photo: Viking

As if this trip wasn’t packed with enough outstanding stops and hard-to-reach places, while in South America, passengers will be offered the chance to visit some bucket-list destinations, namely the Galápagos Islands to see unique wildlife and flora, and the 15th-century Inca citadel that is Machu Picchu.

The Viking Octantis is only one of two expedition ships owned by the cruise line, the other one being the Viking Polaris. Built in 2022, it is a modern and luxurious vessel designed to access remote destinations. It can accommodate a maximum of 378 guests and 256 crew members for an intimate and pampered experience. All 189 staterooms have balconies so even if you can only afford the cheapest room, you’ll have a grand view. Being an expedition ship, the Viking Octantis is equipped with kayaks, motorboats, and Zodiacs to take passengers on excursions, as well as two yellow submarines, and a science lab which guests can access. Take a virtual tour of the ship to see what awaits you if you book this trip.

The Viking Octantis in Antarctica. Photo: Viking

Of course, none of this comes cheap, starting at $104,995 per person; however there is a way to soften the blow a little. Travelers who make their mind fast and book this cruise before March 31, 2024, can benefit from an exclusive offer worth up to $40,000 per couple, including:

• Free business-class airfare and transfers
• $1,000 shore excursions credit
• $1,000 onboard credit
• All onboard gratuities and service fees
• Free visa services so you don’t have to handle any paperwork
• WiFi package
• Silver Spirits beverage package (covers any drinks, excluding champagne, up to $18, including premium wines by the glass, cocktails, all house pouring wines, champagnes, beers, liquors, well drinks, mixers/long drinks and soft drinks throughout the day)

Despite the price, the From the Arctic to Antarctica voyage must be a popular one since a September 2026 sailing, this time onboard Viking’s second expedition ship, the Viking Polaris, is already scheduled.

While this sailing looks like an over-the-top cruise, you might be surprised to learn that it is not even Viking’s longest itinerary. The cruise line’s longest journey is the 180-day Viking World Voyage I whose itinerary spans 37 countries and six continents. The Viking World Voyage I will set sail on December 19, 2024.