Viking Cruises Unveils the Ocean's Mysteries
The narrative of discovery aboard Viking's expeditions takes a profound leap with the publication of their first scientific paper, a momentous occasion where travel intersects with significant scientific contribution. On February 15, 2023, from the bustling city of Los Angeles, Viking announced a groundbreaking achievement by their Expedition Team—the first scientific paper detailing encounters with the ethereal giant phantom jellyfish, Stygiomedusa gigantea. This pioneering research took place during the pioneering voyages of the Viking Octantis® in the remote and icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in early 2022.
This magnificent creature, reaching lengths of up to 30 feet and known to science for over a century, revealed itself to the modern world just 126 times until Viking's voyages brought forth three more encounters, each meticulously documented through the lens of submersibles, capturing stills and the dance of this marine enigma through video photography. The authors, Viking’s Chief Scientists and the adept submersible teams, have opened a portal to a new realm of biological research in the polar regions, leveraging personal submersibles as 'vessels of opportunity'. The complete paper, a testament to Viking’s commitment to scientific exploration, is available in the Polar Research journal.
This isn't just a narrative of isolated discovery; it's a testament to a broader commitment to meaningful scientific work that Viking Expeditions embodies. With Torstein Hagen at the helm, Viking has embraced a vision of ‘the thinking person’s expedition’, ensuring that every voyage is laden with the promise of discovery. It's a vision that has quickly borne fruit, with their expedition vessels and scientists making significant contributions to research fields that might have remained elusive otherwise.
Viking has assembled a veritable dream team of scientific partners, from the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, enhancing their scientific leadership, to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, each contributing to a collective wealth of knowledge and expertise. Not to mention the partnerships with NIVA, the Norwegian Polar Institute, Oceanites, Fjord Phyto, and the IUCN Species Survival Commission, which have been pivotal in driving forward Viking's conservation and research initiatives.
The vessels themselves, the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are marvels of modern engineering and design, purpose-built for expeditions that marry safety with comfort, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the magnificence of nature's most remote theaters. And it's not just about what's happening on the high seas; Viking's reach extends to the rivers, oceans, and lakes of the world, offering a cornucopia of destination-focused journeys that cater to the tastes of seasoned travelers
The Viking expedition's foray into the uncharted waters of scientific discovery heralds a new era for exploration enthusiasts. The Viking Octantis, with its sister ship the Viking Polaris, has not only traversed the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula but has also transformed into a beacon of scientific inquiry, etching its name into the annals of maritime research history. The inaugural Antarctic season was marked by a series of encounters with the Stygiomedusa gigantea, a creature as elusive as it is fascinating, which has graced human awareness a mere handful of times since its discovery over a century ago.
It is aboard these very vessels that Viking has curated a milieu for the 'thinking person’s expedition.' With the publication of their first scientific paper, they underscore their dedication to melding the wonders of travel with the rigor of scientific exploration. This is a sentiment echoed by Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, who envisions every voyage as a vessel not just for travel, but for the contribution to the realms of knowledge that lie beneath the ocean's surface.
The paper, a collaborative feat by Viking’s Chief Scientists, underscores the utility of personal submersibles in accessing the lesser-known depths of our oceans. The research, published in Polar Research, the scientific journal of the Norwegian Polar Institute, speaks volumes of the untapped potential of oceanic exploration. It stands as a testament to Viking's innovative approach, leveraging the expertise of academic and research luminaries, such as the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, to push the boundaries of what is known about the polar environments.
Viking's partnership with renowned institutions like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, and the Norwegian Institute of Water Research exemplifies their commitment to environmental stewardship and educational outreach. These collaborations are instrumental in fostering a robust scientific enrichment program that serves as the backbone for Viking's expeditionary initiatives.
The Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris are not mere vessels; they are floating laboratories, providing a nexus between luxury travel and the quest for scientific advancement. With every expedition, they offer a symphony of experiences, from the serenity of nature's vistas to the exhilaration of scientific discovery, ensuring that guests are not just spectators but active participants in a journey of enlightenment and exploration.
This dual dedication to creating unforgettable travel experiences and advancing scientific knowledge is what sets Viking apart. As Viking Cruises continues to navigate the waters of our planet, it carries with it the banner of curiosity, responsibility, and the unrelenting pursuit of the unknown, all while providing an unmatched experience for those aboard its vessels. For additional information and details on the enriching experiences offered by Viking, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Viking directly or visit their official website and enrichment channel.
And to check out travel itineraries and how to be a part of these amazing adventures, please visit Ogghy here.