Viking Opens 2028–29 Arctic, Antarctic & Great Lakes Trips

Viking has opened bookings for its 2028–2029 expedition season, adding fresh departure dates on some of its most sought‑after itineraries in the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes. The announcement extends long‑range planning options for travellers who want to secure high‑demand polar and Great Lakes voyages on the line’s purpose‑built expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.

At the heart of the new deployment are additional dates for Viking’s epic Longitudinal World Cruises, which link the Great Lakes and Antarctica on extended north‑to‑south journeys, and for Into the Antarctic Circle, a rare opportunity to cross the 66°33′ south line of latitude—a milestone long prized by polar explorers. According to Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen, the expanded program continues Viking’s focus on “meaningful experiences and a deeper connection” to destinations through science‑rich exploration with resident experts on board.

Visit Viking’s official site for expedition voyages.

Highlight itineraries for 2028–2029

Viking’s new expedition dates span signature itineraries in both polar regions and the Great Lakes, all operated on Polar Class ships carrying just 378 guests in 189 staterooms. These vessels offer extensive indoor and outdoor viewing areas, laboratories and specialised gear for fieldwork, keeping guests close to the environments they’re exploring.

Into the Antarctic Circle – 15 days, Buenos Aires–Ushuaia

Into the Antarctic Circle gives guests the chance to sail beyond 66°33′ south into one of Earth’s most remote frontiers. The itinerary combines Zodiac cruises through narrow channels, kayaking among ice floes and landings on the Antarctic Peninsula with participation in citizen‑science projects alongside specialists from institutions like the Scott Polar Research Institute and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. For many travellers, crossing into the Antarctic Circle transforms the voyage from a scenic cruise into a genuine polar achievement.

Arctic to Antarctic Explorer – 81 days, Nuuk–Ushuaia

The Arctic to Antarctic Explorer is a sweeping 81‑day grand journey tracing coastlines from Greenland through the Americas all the way to Antarctica. Guests pass ice‑choked channels and dramatic mountains in the Canadian High Arctic before sailing south through warmer waters and island chains, then continuing down South America’s Pacific edge en route to the “White Continent.” It’s designed as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime narrative voyage, linking multiple climate zones, cultures and ecosystems on a single expedition ship.

Great Lakes Treasures – 10 days, roundtrip Milwaukee

Closer to home for North American travellers, Great Lakes Treasures explores the world’s largest freshwater system on a 10‑day roundtrip Milwaukee sailing. Guests visit the islands of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, take in Flowerpot Island in Fathom Five National Marine Park and sail among the pink granite isles of the Benjamin Islands, with hands‑on science activities focused on wetlands and local ecosystems. Shore experiences also dive into the Indigenous and settler histories that shaped the Great Lakes region.

Into the Northwest Passage – 13 days, roundtrip Nuuk

On Into the Northwest Passage, Viking turns its expedition lens toward Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic, offering a 13‑day journey roundtrip from Nuuk. Guests immerse themselves in Inuit traditions, explore towns of colourful wooden houses and witness blue‑tinged glaciers, fjords and rugged peaks by Zodiac, kayak and on guided landings. The itinerary showcases the drama of Arctic landscapes while maintaining Viking’s signature level of comfort on board.

Antarctic Explorer – 13 days, Buenos Aires–Ushuaia

The Antarctic Explorer itinerary focuses on the classic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula. Over 13 days, guests navigate waters filled with icebergs, glaciers and snow‑covered shores, often encountering penguins, seals and whales, while joining onboard lectures and lab sessions that explain the region’s unique ecosystems and climate science. Flexible routing helps the expedition team respond to weather and wildlife opportunities in real time.

Great Lakes Collection – 15 days, Toronto–Duluth

For a comprehensive take on inland exploration, the Great Lakes Collection link sails all five Great Lakes on a 15‑day voyage between Toronto and Duluth. Guests transit the Soo Locks, view the power of Niagara Falls, study lake ecosystems and venture into boreal forests lining the shores of Lakes Superior and Michigan. The itinerary blends industrial history, small‑town charm and wilderness access in a way that’s rare on a single cruise.

Longitudinal World Cruise IV – 62 days, Milwaukee–Ushuaia

The Longitudinal World Cruise IV stretches across 62 days from Milwaukee to Ushuaia, linking the Great Lakes, North America’s eastern seaboard, South America’s fjords and Antarctica. Guests explore remote locations by kayak, Zodiac and even submarine, moving from freshwater coasts to glacier‑lined channels and the vast ice of the Antarctic Peninsula. It’s positioned as a north–south exploration of planetary diversity, with a strong emphasis on continuous storytelling and scientific engagement on board.

Viking’s expedition ships: Octantis and Polaris

All of these itineraries operate on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, Polar Class ships built specifically for expedition cruising. Each carries 378 guests in 189 staterooms, with design features such as large panoramic lounges, sheltered outdoor viewing areas and a working [Science Lab] that supports real research projects. Viking positions the ships as a bridge between classic small‑ship comfort and serious fieldwork capability, with expedition equipment including Zodiacs, kayaks and submarines.

Booking details and current offers

To coincide with the opening of 2028–2029 expedition bookings, Viking has rolled the voyages into its Spring Sale, available to North American travellers through May 31, 2026. Eligible sailings across 2026–2029 river, ocean and expedition programs may include up to 30% off fares, up to free international airfare and a US$25 deposit for all itineraries.

For full itinerary details, pricing and current offers, travellers can visit www.viking.com or contact their preferred travel advisor.