We’re Going to Antarctica!

Way back on November 30, 2023, I dropped a hint about a new cruise that we booked the day we boarded the Viking Neptune, and I’m finally getting around to writing about it. The name of the cruise is “The Americas, Chile & Antarctica,” and Tim and I will be sailing on the Viking Octantis, one of Viking’s two new expedition vessels. 

This Is Our Cruise

After returning from our World Voyage on June 18, 2025, we will have a few months to recoup before flying to Fort Lauderdale to board our ship on October 13 for a 47-day adventure.

From Fort Lauderdale, we will again sail through the Panama Canal and then follow the west coast of South America, with stops in Ecuador and Peru before reaching Chile. I am especially looking forward to the multiple days we will spend cruising through the Chilean fjords and exploring the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Of course, the main highlight will be observing penguins on South Georgia and the Falkland Islands before spending five days exploring Antarctica. After sailing the Drake Passage, we will disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina.

Our Itinerary

I’ve read so much about the “toys” that are onboard and available for our use, from zodiacs to kayaks to submarines. What an experience that will be!

Viking expedition ships carry only 378 guests and feature a Scandinavian design similar to what we’ve enjoyed on Viking’s Ocean and River ships. We decided to book a Nordic Balcony cabin, which features floor-to-ceiling distortion-free glass at ship’s edge (none of the expedition ships have real balconies). Although it is one of the lowest priced cabins, we actually thought it would be better for me since it is on a lower deck and closer to the center of the ship, thus helping to reduce the possibility of seasickness. I think we’ll be very comfortable.

The Location of Our Cabin

Cabin Layout

Tim and I also booked a five-night post-cruise extension entitled “Gateway to Patagonia.” Here is the description of what we’ll see: “Explore both the Chilean and Argentine sides of Patagonia, a region of singular beauty. Admire the rugged peaks of Torres del Paine National Park, the blue waters of Lake Argentino, the sweeping views from atop Calafate Balcony and one of the world’s only advancing glaciers, the vast Perito Moreno.” I can’t wait!

Viking Octantis (Photos Courtesy of Viking.com)