The 65-Day Voyage from Antarctica to Milwaukee

For travelers eager to make up for lost time during the pandemic, Viking Cruises may have the perfect solution. The cruise line has recently unveiled two brand-new “longitudinal” journeys—traveling from north to south or vice versa—allowing guests to traverse from the Great Lakes to Antarctica over 65 days.

Guests on the first journey, dubbed Longitudinal World Cruise I, will gather in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 2, 2023, before flying to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the country, to board the Viking Octantis for a week-long adventure in Antarctica. Afterward, they'll return across the Drake Passage and along the Chilean coast, taking in stunning blue glaciers, dramatic fjords, and national parks throughout the first month. The voyage continues through Peru and Ecuador, navigating the Panama Canal and the Gulf of Mexico, followed by stops in East Coast cities like Fort Lauderdale, Charleston, and New York City. The final two weeks will explore various Canadian coastal cities along the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes communities, concluding in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on May 5.

The second journey, aptly named Longitudinal World Cruise II, mirrors the first but in reverse and aboard the Viking Polaris, the sister ship of the Octantis. Key differences include embarking from Duluth, Minnesota (on September 12) and some variations in the Great Lakes and Canadian ports (for instance, it will visit Georgian Bay, Canada, while the first cruise stops in Detroit, Michigan). This voyage will conclude on November 12, totaling 71 days.

What is the cost of the cruise?

Prices begin at $44,995 for the Longitudinal World Cruise I and $49,995 for the Longitudinal World Cruise II in the Nordic Balcony rooms, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a king-size bed, a 55-inch OLED flat-screen TV, heated bathroom floors, individual climate control, a mini-bar, and more. The priciest option is the Owner’s Suite, costing $139,995 on I and $159,995 on II, offering a private garden lounge, a boardroom, a library, a guest bathroom, complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, and additional amenities. Remarkably, this suite is already sold out on both sailings.

All fares include round-trip flights to and from the ship, Wi-Fi, alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, and complimentary shore excursions at every port. Both vessels feature four dining options, a bar, a library, pools, spa facilities, and various communal areas, accommodating a maximum of 378 guests.

Where to purchase tickets

Tickets can be acquired through the Viking Expeditions website, by calling 800-381-4596, or via your travel advisor.

Additional long voyages by Viking

Although it’s not a quick journey, it’s certainly not the longest available. Viking Cruises offers a 138-night, 28-country voyage starting in December 2023, while Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced a 150-night, 25-country journey departing in January 2024. Oceania Cruises is also planning a 180-night, 34-country adventure, setting sail in both January 2023 and 2024, among others in the 100-plus nights category. The upcoming record-holder will be a Royal Caribbean cruise departing in December 2023—this 274-night expedition will touch all seven continents and visit 65 countries.