• Early Booking Opportunities: Viking has opened its 2028–2029 schedule early, allowing travelers to plan far ahead for high-demand polar and Great Lakes expeditions.
• Exclusive Polar Milestones: The newly released dates include the rare opportunity to cross into the Antarctic Circle, a significant achievement in the world of exploration.
• Scientific Collaboration: Every expedition features on-site research and hands-on learning opportunities led by experts from top-tier global scientific organizations.
• Special Launch Incentives: Travelers can take advantage of the Spring Sale through May 2026, featuring reduced deposits and significant savings on international airfare

Viking is inviting curious explorers to plan their future adventures with the exciting announcement that its 2028–2029 expedition voyages are now officially open for booking. This early release features a spectacular array of departure dates for some of the company’s most coveted itineraries across the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Great Lakes. By opening these dates years in advance, Viking is providing travelers with the opportunity to secure their place on once-in-a-lifetime journeys, including the legendary Longitudinal World Cruises that traverse the globe from the freshwater wonders of North America to the icy frontiers of the White Continent.

A major highlight of this new season is the unique Into the Antarctic Circle itinerary. This fifteen-day voyage offers the rare and honored milestone of crossing the 66°33′ line of latitude, a feat achieved by very few polar explorers. Guests travel aboard the state-of-the-art Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which are specifically designed to bring the natural world closer through floor-to-ceiling windows and extensive viewing decks. These voyages are not just about sightseeing; they are immersive educational experiences where passengers work alongside resident scientists and experts from world-renowned institutions like the University of Cambridge and UC San Diego.

Whether you are interested in tracing the rugged shores of the Northwest Passage, exploring the granite islands of the Georgian Bay, or embarking on an eighty-one-day epic explorer journey, Viking’s expanded offerings cater to the sophisticated traveler. To celebrate this launch, Viking is offering a limited-time Spring Sale through May 31, 2026, which includes significant fare discounts and airfare incentives for North American guests. With a reputation for Scandinavian elegance and a focus on meaningful discovery, Viking continues to lead the way in luxury expedition cruising, ensuring that every mile sailed is filled with wonder and scientific insight.

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

Viking announced that its 2028–2029 expedition voyages are now open for booking, featuring newly released departure dates across the company’s most popular itineraries in the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes. The expanded offerings include additional sailings of Viking’s Longitudinal World Cruises, which journey between the Great Lakes and Antarctica, as well as the unique Into the Antarctic Circle itinerary, offering guests the rare opportunity to cross the 66°33′ line of latitude into the Antarctic Circle—an honored milestone among polar explorers. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Viking Opens Bookings for 2028–2029 Expedition Voyages

New Departure Dates Now Available for Viking’s Most Popular Itineraries  
in the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes

Los Angeles (May 5, 2026) – Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) today announced that its 2028–2029 expedition voyages are now open for booking, featuring newly released departure dates across the company’s most popular itineraries in the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes. Designed for immersive exploration in some of the world’s most remote regions, the expanded offerings include additional sailings of Viking’s epic Longitudinal World Cruises, which journey between the Great Lakes and Antarctica, as well as the unique Into the Antarctic Circle itinerary, offering guests the rare opportunity to cross the 66°33′ line of latitude into the Antarctic Circle—an honored milestone among polar explorers.

“Our guests are curious travelers who seek meaningful experiences and a deeper connection to the destinations they visit,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Our expedition voyages are designed to bring them closer to the natural world through immersive exploration and discovery, alongside scientists and destination experts. We are pleased to offer even more opportunities in the years to come.”

The 2028–2029 deployment expands the company’s expedition offerings in the polar regions on the Viking Octantis® and her identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris®, with itineraries including: 

• Into the Antarctic Circle(15 days; Buenos Aires – Ushuaia) – Enter the pristine world of the “White Continent” and sail across the 66°33′ line of latitude into the Antarctic Circle. Venture into this untouched polar region that teems with remarkable wildlife and is visited by only a rare few. Explore narrow channels by Zodiac, kayak amidst the ice flows and participate in meaningful scientific studies with resident experts from partner organizations such as the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute. A voyage of discoveries and sheer wonder awaits on this extended itinerary that goes beyond mere sightseeing.
• Arctic to Antarctic Explorer (81 days; Nuuk – Ushuaia) – Trace the shores of Greenland, the Americas and Antarctica in search of heritage-rich cultures and untouched wilderness. Journey past the floating icebergs and towering mountains of the Canadian High Arctic before sailing toward the lush isles and turquoise waters of the Bahamas. Explore the western coast of South America to glimpse its pristine nature and venture into the “White Continent” of Antarctica, on a quest for wildlife and glacial beauty.
• Great Lakes Treasures (10 days; roundtrip Milwaukee) – Sail the vast waterways of the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system in the world. Explore the picturesque islands of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and admire their bucolic landscapes. Venture out to Flowerpot Island in the Fathom Five National Marine Park and marvel at the stunning pink granite isles of the Benjamin Islands. Participate in lab studies as you explore coastal wetlands and delve into the Native cultures of the Great Lakes.
• Into the Northwest Passage (13 days; roundtrip Nuuk) – Discover the rugged landscapes and awe-inspiring nature of the Arctic Circle. Immerse yourself in Inuit customs and traditions while exploring towns dotted with colorful wooden houses. See the towering peaks of Greenland and the blue-tinged glaciers of the Canadian High Arctic, as you kayak pristine fjords or partake in a Zodiac shore landing. Join Viking on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to remote territories and stunning natural wonders.
• Antarctic Explorer (13 days; Buenos Aires – Ushuaia) – Journey to the Antarctic Peninsula, a landscape defined by blue-hued icebergs, immense glaciers and snow-covered shores. Walk in the footsteps of great explorers as you venture into the world’s last truly wild frontier and participate in meaningful science on board your state-of-the-art expedition vessel. Each day can bring unexpected wonders as you embrace the ever-changing Antarctic weather and sail pristine waters in search of epic wildlife. 
• Great Lakes Collection (15 days; Toronto – Duluth) – Join Viking for a unique voyage across the historic waterways of all five of the majestic Great Lakes. Sail scenic shorelines, explore storied cities and admire the awesome power of the thundering Niagara Falls. Navigate the granite islands and sheltered inlets of Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks. Study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes throughout your journey and venture into the dense boreal forests that line the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
• Longitudinal World Cruise IV(62 days; Milwaukee to Ushuaia) – Embark in Milwaukee then journey from the Great Lakes to Antarctica, a land of majestic glaciers and epic wildlife. Your state-of-the-art vessel brings a wealth of opportunities to experience remote outposts by kayak, Zodiac and submarine. From Chile’s pristine fjords to North America’s iconic cities and the largest freshwater system on Earth, this longitudinal voyage from north to south unveils the remarkable diversity the world has to offer.

Viking’s Award-Winning Expedition Ships

The Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms and are built specifically for exploration. Optimally designed for comfort in remote destinations, the ships offer more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels—bringing guests closer to the most spectacular scenery on Earth.

Booking Details

From now through May 31, 2026, Viking’s Spring Sale offers North American travelers up to 30 percent off fares and up to free international airfare on select 2026–2029 river, ocean and expedition itineraries—and a $25 deposit for all itineraries. Call Viking toll-free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel advisor for details.