lectures and talks by scientists, naturalists,
historians and cultural ambassadors. All the
scientists and experts on board Viking Octantis
are very approachable and generous with
their time.
They actively encourage guests to take part
in various citizen science projects such as
identifying marine mammals and birdlife via
apps such as iNaturalist, a global app that
collates records of animals and plants.
Twice during this voyage, the science
launched weather balloons while guests
gather on the top deck to watch the moment
and sip warm apple cider or champagne.
The helium-filled balloons disappear
quickly from sight, but over the next couple of
hours guests can follow their journey and the
readings they transmit on a big screen at
Expedition Central where the scientists are on
hand to explain what is happening.
But it's not all serious learning—there is
always something fun happening on board.
Guests can take part in trivia nights, play a
range of games, enjoy musical interludes by
artists in the bars and lounges around the
ship, or simply sit back in one of the
comfortable lounges and read a book from
the extensive onboard library.
One of my favourite daily events is the
Expedition Diaries (held in Viking Octantis'
cosiest lounge called The Hide) where one of
the expedition team members regales us with
fascinating—and sometimes hilarious stories
from their travels.
ABOUT THE SHIP
Viking Octantis is a Polar Class 6 vessel which
means it is purpose built for expeditions and
designed to operate in polar waters. It is
capable of navigating in thin ice during the
polar summer and autumn seasons.
It can host up to 378 guests in 189
staterooms and it's equipped with an
impressive in-ship marina called The Hangar
which includes an 26 metre slip way that
offers an innovative and safe way for guests to
embark and disembark excursion crafts such
as submarines, special operation boats,
Zodiacs and kayaks.
Having all these assets at your disposal
means you won't miss out on once-in-a-
lifetime experiences, even when they are in
some of the world's most remote locations.
And once you've had your fill of adventure,
you are transported back to all the luxury and
comfort of a modern cruise ship.
The Viking Expedition ships are built to be
as environmentally considerate as possible.
They have set a new standard for responsible
travel with an energy efficient design that
exceeds the Energy Efficiency Design Index, a
mandatory measure established by the
International Maritime Organization to
promote energy efficient equipment and
engines in newly built ships by nearly 36
per cent.
GETTING THERE: The 15-day Canada
& Greenland Explorer sails from
Toronto, Ontario to Nuuk, Greenland
or in reverse.
Toronto
Trois-Rivières
Havre-Saint-Pierre
Tadoussac
Red Bay
Battle Harbour
Woody Point (Bonne Bay)
Quebec City
ST. LAWRENCE RIVER
L ab r a d o r
S ea
Kapisillit
Paamiut
Nuuk
Ivittuut
QUEBEC
ONTARIO
NEWFOUNDLAND
& LABRADOR
CANADA
GREENLAND
At lant i c
O cean
L ake
O n t a r i o
–
C r ui s e
••
S eaway L o ck s
••
O ve r night in Po r t
VIEW
VOYAGE
Clockwise from top:
Viking Octantis, Arctic;
Mogens on board Viking
Octantis; Explorers
Lounge, Viking Octantis;
Weather Balloon, Viking
Octantis.
EXPLORE VIKING OCTANTIS
67 | Viking Explorer Society News
