VIKING OCTANTIS

Viking – long established as a river and, more recently, an ocean cruise line – is starting 2022 in style by expanding into the expedition cruise arena.

Viking Octantis arrived this month and the 378-passenger ship has been built for exploration. It has two six-guest submarines and an auditorium with oor-to-ceiling glass windows offering impressive 270-degree views. In an industry first, the Hangar – an enclosed in-ship marina – will allow guests to embark Rib boats from inside the ship while shielded from the elements. Viking Octantis begins its season with a series of Antarctica sailings before cruising North America’s Great Lakes region from May, and will be joined by a host of other new Viking ships by the end of this year.

An eight-day Niagara and the Great Lakes itinerary costs from £5,395 per person, departing on April 30 and include sights flfl (08003196660;vikingcruises.co.uk).