ADVENTURE BOUND
The beautifully refined expedition ship Viking Octantis is the ideal haven to
return to after an exciting day of exploring writes Teresa Machan.
Viking's signature design
is reimagined with a
polar twist on board
the Viking Octantis,
featuring historical
photographs and heritage
artefacts celebrating polar
achievements.
Pale wood, slate, pelts, Norwegian-weave
throws, and flame-effect fires create a relaxed
ambience. I found a space for every mood,
and time of day.
The Nordic Spa deserves an afternoon.
By way of orientation I booked the signature
Nordic Spa Ritual and left with smoother
skin and a handful of tips about improving
circulation. There's a sauna and Snow
Grotto for Nordic-style hot and cold bathing
and powerful jet beds in the heated pool.
Equipment in the sea-view gym was top
notch. There were no classes but I used
pre-programmed tablets for yoga and HIIT
workouts in the adjacent studio.
Expedition Central, a well-designed space
with seating and a self-service coffee station
nearby, is where experts and scientists hold
regular Q&A sessions. Passengers also visit for
weekly weather balloon data interpretation,
to keep check on wildlife sightings and to
peruse interactive maps and expedition
information on a smart table.
The Hide, a speakeasy-style lounge
on Deck 1 with sink-in sofas, a cosy faux
fire, books and an interesting display of
polar clothing is a great place to wave-
watch during the Drake Passage crossing. I
particularly enjoyed a fireside talk here one
evening from whale and dolphin expert,
Judith Scott.
Whether its expedition specialists
recounting their adventures, a chat
with penguin spotters or a hands-on
73 | Viking Explorer Society News
