eylarson

Hiking boots not required and would be a hinderance. Most all Zodiac landing require wading ashore, so Viking provided rubber boots the best option. The longest walk/hike was in the Falklands, Westpoint Island in March of 2022 on Octantis.

Always ask. On our Octantis B2B, March to May 2022, they fixed a deluxe nachos platter twice and S'Mores we had enjoyed on WC 2019.

Done for me

Curious does anyone have any prices on the optional excursions in the various stops in Antarctica? Even a range or a good guess? We are just about to purchase this and wanted a clearer picture of what the actual cost will be. Unless there is a change in policy there are NO optional tours in Antarctica. Everyone has an opportunity to do all, weather allowing.

I do not recall being offered any Canadian or Upstate New York wines. During the Niagara Falls tour there was an opportunity to buy them during the free time. You can always bring spirits or beer back on board and we did several times. Sommelier was always pleased to serve and held what ever we didn't drink until our next lunch or dinner.

We were on from Antarctica to Milwaukee, 61 days in all. The list changed 3 times, although after so long on board the waiters could always "find" us a bottle of something off of an earlier list. Wine 1.pdf Wine 2.pdf Wine 3.pdf

On Octantis we had both a bridge tour and a Chef's tour of the MI/I95, on Deck A as well as dinner at a Chef's table set up in the galley. This was during the 60 or so pax leg from Buenos Aries to Bridgetown. One of the highlights of the the trip. https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/07a99337-0e7b-4539-aca4-bba24caf0e4a/blog/5901e877-68a0-49d0-86c7-b12875eb4252/edit

All that may be, but we were on Octantis from 9 March to 7 May. There were limited sub ops in Antarctic waters and at two locations in the Caribbean. None from there to Milwaukee and the reason given was the challenge of compliance with regulations. Given our experience, I would not recommend booking an expedition cruise because you must go in a submersible. The operating envelope is so small, the opportunity so limited and you will miss other events while waiting for your turn to dive. One couple was scheduled four times and never left the ship. My wife, once and missed an outstanding snorkel excursion.

Submersibles can not operate in US or Canadian waters due to Canadian and US Coast Guard regulations so that isn't a consideration.

Most days we did a Zodiac landing and one of the other activities (kayak, Special Ops Boat or Zodiac cruise) See my previous about the submersibles. We were the last cruise of the season and had 6 days in Antarctica, so that may not be typical and the ship was not at passenger capacity. One day was a hybrid, I kayaked and went to shore in my dry suit, then Zodiac back to the ship.

Just roll the cuff up. You'll be wearing the provided waterproof boots every time you wear the pants. My wife rolled her pants up with no problem. They got wet during shore landings and when getting boots washed of guano upon return to the ship, but the drying closet in each room had them ready for the next day.

In Antarctica ALL expeditions/excursions were included. On options, no extra charges at least this season. They included Zodiac landings, Zodiac and Special Operations Boat cruises, kayaking, and the submersibles. Please read my earlier post about all the limitation on submersible operations.

Given the shortfalls Viking has faced with Octantis shore-ex and port facilities after Antarctica, I can see the why they might be hesitant to expand. Be interesting to see how the Mississippi cruises work. New is hard!

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