Inside the World of Viking Cruises: A Glimpse into Viking Mars & Viking Octantis

In October, I had the incredible opportunity to inspect two different but equally remarkable Viking vessels: the elegant ocean ship Mars and the exploration-focused Viking Octantis. Each ship offered a unique look into the Viking experience, from sophisticated décor and luxurious amenities to adventure and scientific exploration tools. Here's what makes each vessel distinct and why they're exceptional choices for travelers exploring the world with Viking.

Viking Mars: Elegance on the Ocean

1. Aesthetic Excellence & Thoughtful DetailsThe Viking Mars is a marvel of elegance, showcasing marble floors, hand-woven murals, and hallway handrails wrapped in soft leather for comfort. Even the stateroom door handles are covered in this material to give a warm, welcoming touch. The décor combines classic luxury with a modern feel—light colors and spacious layouts create an inviting atmosphere throughout the ship.
2. Spacious Staterooms with View: Viking Mars' cabins are designed with comfort in mind. The staterooms feature a queen bed, a sitting area, a vanity, and a private balcony. This thoughtful design, paired with soft, calming colors, is ideal for guests looking to relax and enjoy the ocean views in a luxurious, comfortable setting.
3. Dining Experiences & Culinary Adventures: The Viking Mars elevates dining with its specialty options:

• The Chef's Table: Guests can RSVP for a unique opportunity to accompany the ship's chef to local markets in select ports, where they'll help handpick ingredients for the day's meals.
• Manfredi's Italian Restaurant is a great choice for steak lovers. It offers delicious cuisine and a cozy, group-friendly atmosphere.
• Private Dining: For those celebrating a special occasion, a private dining area is available for up to 12 guests at no additional cost (RSVP required).

1. Luxurious Spa & Wellness Options: The Viking Mars offers an expansive spa with a steam room, sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, and treatment rooms. Guests must wear swimsuits or clothing in pool areas, and locker rooms come with shampoo, conditioner, and soap for added convenience. There's also a fitness center with advanced equipment, making it easy to stay active at sea.
2. Entertainment and Enrichment: With a theater that can seat up to 400 guests, the Viking Mars hosts a range of evening entertainment, from live shows to movie screenings. For a quieter retreat, guests can visit the expansive library, stocked with Haywood books and interactive screens, or explore the Viking Heritage Wall to learn about the company's rich history.
3. Other Highlights

• The Atrium: A spacious and elegant hub for guests to gather and enjoy Viking's distinctive ambiance.
• Pool Deck: Equipped with a retractable roof, this area is perfect for unwinding with poolside activities or simply lounging with a good book.
• Interactive Art: The Viking Journey App offers audio-guided tours of the ship's artwork, allowing guests to explore and learn about the art pieces on display.

---

Viking Octantis: Adventure AwaitsIn contrast to the Viking Mars' oceanic elegance, the Viking Octantis is built for exploration and adventure, navigating breathtaking and remote regions like Antarctica.

1. A Unique Design for Exploration The Viking Octantis has a purposeful, clean design, with five decks, no balconies, and large windows instead, offering expansive views of its extraordinary surroundings. A striking difference in decor from other Viking vessels, the ship is covered with world maps on its walls, ceilings, and stairways, creating an immersive exploration atmosphere. City names are engraved on the marble floors, and the bright white tones give it an open, fresh feel.
2. Access to Onboard Scientists and Exploration Essentials The Viking Octantis invites guests to an exploration experience. Onboard scientists welcome guests to learn about their current research and findings, creating a rare chance for interaction and discovery. Guests also have computer access and can be fitted with warm exploration clothing essential for heading out into the wilderness. This ship has tools for extreme adventure: Zodiacs, boats, and even a submarine. During our tour, we watched teams prepare the submarine for future expeditions, showcasing the ship's readiness for intense exploration.

​​
Dining with a View The World Café, situated in a U-shape across nearly an entire deck, is designed for guests to enjoy the view from any seating area. The unique layout of the café not only encourages guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking surroundings and offers a dining experience like no other. During our lunch here, I found myself constantly drawn to the panoramic views, enhancing the enjoyment of the delicious meal.
Relaxing Retreats Onboard While adventure awaits outside, the Viking Octantis offers several cozy indoor spaces. These spaces, such as The Hide, a tranquil spot at the front of the ship, provide a peaceful retreat for guests to relax, read, snack, or enjoy music. The warm and inviting atmosphere of these areas is a stark contrast to the rugged wilderness outside, offering a comforting respite for weary adventurers.
Sleek and Sustainable Design
With its subdued colors and purposeful design, the Viking Octantis maintains Viking's signature elegance but with a rugged twist. The ship's sleek and sustainable design is a testament to Viking's commitment to luxury and environmental responsibility. City names in gold and white marble line the corridors, adding a touch of sophistication to its exploration-focused aesthetic, leaving guests impressed and appreciative of the ship's design.

Choosing Between Viking Mars and Viking Octantis
The Viking Mars and Viking Octantis are exceptional vessels, each catering to a different type of traveler. Whether seeking a classic ocean cruise filled with luxury, elegance, and fine dining on the Viking Mars or an adventure-ready expedition to remote destinations on the Viking Octantis, Viking Cruises provides a uniquely enriching experience. This inspection visit has only deepened my appreciation for Viking's dedication to luxury and adventure, and I'm excited to share these incredible experiences with my clients.

Imagine yourself aboard the luxury Viking Mars or the adventure-driven Viking Octantis. Whether you seek elegant ocean cruising or thrilling explorations in remote destinations, Viking offers a tailored experience for every traveler. Connect with us to book your Viking voyage today and step into the journey of a lifetime!

​All photos by Sheyla Paz

---

#VikingCruises #LuxuryCruise #ShipInspection #VikingMars #VikingOctantis #OceanCruise #LuxuryTravel #AdventureCruise #CruiseLife #AntarcticaExploration
#LuxuryTravelExperiences #TravelWithSheyla #SheylaAdventureTravel #Adventure