New for 2022 Great Lakes cruises, the Viking Octantis cruise ship marks Viking Expeditions' endeavor into North American cruising. The cruise line had already redefined European river cruising and created a new height for oceanic cruising. With the Viking Octantis, travelers can expect to find traces of the company's Scandinavian roots in the ship's design, furnishings, and style. With multiple dining options, educational opportunities, and chances to engage with the places you'll travel, the Octantis cruise ship is always a rich experience. True to Viking Expedition Cruises' name, guests truly explore on these Great Lakes voyages.
Viking Octantis Cabin Experience
On board the Octantis, up to 378 passengers will have the choice between six different categories of cabins and suites. Each comes with one VIKING's hallmark Nordic balconies, a ledged window that rolls down with ease. From each room, travelers will have fantastic views of the Great Lakes and other North American locations. With over 180 cabins on the Octantis, travelers will have a variety of options. To help you learn more about each of the cabin styles, see our list and the Viking Octantis deck plan below.
- Octantis Nordic Balcony Cabin. The largest category of rooms on board Viking's Great Lakes cruise ship, these come with king-sized beds, a mini-bar, private bathrooms with heated floors, and a drying closet for gear. At 222 square feet, these rooms are plenty spacious for up to two guests.
- Octantis Nordic Balcony Deluxe Cabin. These include all the benefits of the Nordic Balcony Cabin and are the same in size. The Deluxe sweetens the pot with one reservation at each restaurant and priority access to spa and adventure reservations.
- Octantis Nordic Penthouse Suite. At 269 square feet, the Nordic Penthouse is a spacious, high-quality stay. These suites offer even earlier access to reservations two reservations at restaurants, all the amenities of the previous cabins, complimentary champagne, and a clothes pressing and shoe shining service.
- Octantis Nordic Junior Suite. The Nordic Junior suite comes with all the prior features in an even larger space. At 322 square feet, these suites also feature a laundry-dry cleaning service, three reservations at restaurants, and earlier access to activity reservations.
- Octantis Nordic Explorer Suite. The second largest room offering on the Octantis cruise ship at 580 square feet, the Nordic Explorer comes with a private veranda and access to the exclusive Explorer Gardens. Additional features besides those offered by the Nordic Junior include a complimentary Silver Spirits drinks package and earlier access to to reservations.
- Octantis Nordic Owner's Suite. The largest, most high-end experience aboard the Octantis, the Nordic Owner's suite provides the greatest experience on the ship. This suite is 1,223 square feet, with an additional 792 square foot private garden. Features include all the amenities of the Explorer suite, plus a dining room, private library, and two bathrooms. Travelers will also have the earliest access to activity reservations, four restaurant reservations, an optional dinner and tour with the ship's officers, and a private wine and music selection hand-curated by Viking's chairman.
Expeditions and Voyages Aboard the Octantis
The Viking Octantis cruise ship specializes in offering voyagers an in-depth adventure. Guests will have the chance to ride in one of the ship's six-person submarines, taking off from The Hangar -- an enclosed area in the ship where small watercraft can dock and launch from. At The Laboratory, travelers can help on-board scientists with real projects.
During shore excursions at the Octantis' ports of call, travelers can take on further research with the on-board scientists, or engage with local communities via tours and their residents. The Octantis will take you on your Great Lakes cruise, St. Lawrence Seaway cruise, Maine coast cruise, and more. With your Viking Great Lakes cruise, you'll always be heading somewhere interesting.
During shore excursions at the Octantis' ports of call, travelers can take on further research with the on-board scientists, or engage with local communities via tours and their residents. The Octantis will take you on your Great Lakes cruise, St. Lawrence Seaway cruise, Maine coast cruise, and more. With your Viking Great Lakes cruise, you'll always be heading somewhere interesting.
Amenities, Dining and Drinks on the Viking Octantis
Cruising on the Octantis, travelers will have the opportunity to eat in one of four world-class eateries, each with their own specific cuisines and style. Reservations are available, and priority or early reservations are open with specific room packages. Here, we've list each of this Viking cruise ship's on board eateries.
- The Restaurant. The Octantis' signature, high-end dining experience serves a rotating menu along with the classics. All dishes feature locally sourced ingredients and are prepared by expert chefs.
- The World Café. This restaurant prepares fresh-baked breads, seafood, sushi, and more right in front of you. With dishes from around the world, the World Café offers something for everyone.
- Mamsen's. A Norwegian culinary experience, this eatery serves meals all day in the style of VIKING'S home country.
- Manfredi's Italian. Manfredi's brings classic Italian dining to the Octantis. This spot features all the classics in a warm, classic Italian restaurant setting.
With each meal on the Octantis, guests are served complimentary wine or beer. Additional drinks, cocktails, beer, and wine are available at The Bar, the Explorer's Lounge, and the Aquavit Terrace. For those that prefer the quietest experience, mini-bars are available in each room. Optional drink packages are available or included with specific room packages.
To learn more about Great Lakes voyages on the Octantis cruise ship, engage one of our experts today.
Note: Viking Octantis passengers must be 18 or older.
Updated 9-28-21 BB