🌊 Wellness Meets Exploration: A Visit Aboard the Viking Octantis

Last week, I boarded a 4:00 AM train bound for Toronto—because when you’re invited to tour the stunning Viking Octantis and meet with my trusted reps Hilary Brown and Barry Johnson, you say yes (even if the coffee hasn’t quite kicked in yet).

This beautiful ship, now about three years old, was docked and preparing to begin one of its Great Lakes journeys—a voyage that’s as scenic as it is soothing. With space for just 378 guests, it offers an intimate, calm atmosphere perfect for travelers who crave discovery and downtime.

The ship’s standout feature? A floor-to-ceiling theatre that seats 180 guests—perfect for immersive lectures and enrichment programs that are a hallmark of Viking’s “thinking person’s cruise” style.

🧘‍♀️ Wellness and Expedition-Lite
While Octantis is larger than the expedition ships I typically recommend for Antarctica (where only 100 guests can step ashore at once), it still offers a taste of adventure. Think of it as expedition-lite—there’s the possibility of a zodiac landing, but the pace is softer, with wellness in mind. No ice-breaking here (she’s a PC6 class ship), but for those wanting a gentler gateway into expedition travel or a relaxing Great Lakes itinerary, she’s a great fit.

Consider this: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/articles/what-its-like-aboard-the-iviking-octantis-i

And maybe think of a Canada-Greenland sailing onboard the Viking Octantis – see https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/cruises/sailings/16622110/canada-and-greenland-explorer-15sep2025-29sep2025

And this sailing👍

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/cruises/sailings/16729717/great-lakes-collection-27jul2026-10aug2026

🌏 Looking Beyond the Lakes?
If this style speaks to you, you may also want to look at Viking’s Australia and New Zealand sailings—they’re thoughtfully curated and offer rich cultural immersion without sacrificing comfort.

Have a look: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/cruises/255363/australia-and-new-zealand

If you’re dreaming of a Great Lakes voyage—or want to explore the Southern Hemisphere in Viking style—let’s connect. I’d love to match you with the right sailing for your travel style.

To calm waters and bold journeys,
Sheila
Founder, Lush Life Travel
Virtuoso Cruise Icon | Wellness & Expedition Specialist