demonstration on how to use a cloud-
spotting app, enrichment is a big part of
the experience. The Viking Octantis has
several ongoing citizen science projects,
including phytoplankton collection. Joining
the science team one afternoon to collect
phytoplankton samples was a highlight.
Well-paced lectures are held in the light-
flooded Aula Theatre and I re-watched any
lectures I'd missed on the stateroom TV.
The weekly weather balloon launch
on deck was inclusive and fun and there
were tours of The Science Lab and Bridge,
and the impressive Hangar, which houses
Special Operations Boats, Zodiacs, kayaks,
and submarines.
Sea views across the dining areas mean
there's no risk of missing out on a whale tail
or passing scenery. Self-service Mamsen's
serves some of the best soups and scones I've
eaten at sea and is ideal for a light breakfast
or a simple lunch. I often came here around
2 PM for a split green-pea soup and open-
faced sandwich. The signature waffles are
served with optional fruit, sour cream, bacon
and Norwegian Gjetost cheese.
Manfredi's, a fine-dining Italian, offers
creative pasta dishes along with Dover
sole, osso buco and parmigiana di pollo.
Service was excellent and portions were
generous. The World Café stood out for its
grill and impressive fresh and seafood bar.
The World Café spills out to the Aquavit
Bar and Terrace, a casual eating area with
a bar serving the ship-matured aquavit.
You'll find a classic cocktail menu in the
Explorers' Lounge and drinks are also
served in The Bar.
Most shore visits are made by Zodiac
(sturdy rigid inflatables) with "wet" landings,
which means swinging your legs over the side
and wading in shallow water to the landing
spot. While exploring on one of the open-
sided Special Operations Boats (undercover
with raised seats), we spotted several minke
whales. Special excursions include kayaking
and submarine dives. Our informative dive to
inky depths of 130 metres was a high point in
a week of unforgettable experiences.
I was delighted to find floor heating,
a powerful shower, anti-fog mirrors, a
generously-sized wash basin, a robe and
slippers, a drying cupboard for expedition
gear, a kettle and fresh milk replenished
daily for tea, good lighting and responsive
temperature control in my Nordic Balcony
stateroom. The upper half of the floor-to-
ceiling windows slides down to let in the
sound of penguins and crackling ice and
in-room binoculars came in handy.
Nothing was too much trouble. Our
housekeeping team was particularly
accommodating and crew in the corridors and
stairways always had a smile. Best of all was
the feeling that staff felt relaxed enough to
chat and be themselves, regardless of job title.
Clockwise, from top to opposite page:
The Finse Terrace; The Living Room; a Junior
Suite; researchers in the Science Lab; sushi on
board; Viking's expedition ships sail to the
polar regions
Tour our Expedition Vessels
viking.com | 74
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