Viking Expeditions: Exploring icebergs in a military boat

It’s a dream come true. I’m racing through Antarctic waters surrounded by icebergs and porpoising penguins. My inner child is also happy because I’m in a military-grade Special Operations Boat – known as a SOB. Yes, everyone is making fun of the acronym.

Viking is best known for its luxury river and small-ship ocean cruising. But it’s recently with two new state-of-the-art ships specially designed for the most extreme environments.

These ships – – are the most luxurious to grace polar waters. Aside from a sleek design full of technology, there are also impressive dining and entertainment venues alongside a spa – with a heated pool and hot tubs – where you can watch icebergs float by. If you prefer being outdoors, you can also enjoy the vistas from a heated infinity pool.

The luxury continues in your room. Each suite has sea views thanks to a state-of-the-art ‘Nordic Balcony’. This involves a floor-to-ceiling glass window that comes halfway down at the push of a button.

The ships also have cutting-edge expedition equipment, including submarines, polar kayaks, ice-strengthened Zodiacs and the SOBs. These Special Ops boats are the same ones used by the Royal Norwegian Navy and provide astonishing speed, an ice-strengthened hull and impressive manoeuvrability.

But they’re also revolutionary in another sense. One of the biggest factors about Antarctica trips is the weather. Ships can only get so close to icebergs, so to go exploring, travellers traditionally use a Rigid Inflatable Boat, or RIB. However, there is a drawback. They need to be boarded at the side of the ship, and if it’s too rough, it can be a challenge getting people aboard, especially for some older guests with mobility issues.

This is where the SOB has a remarkable advantage. In an industry first, the boat is boarded from a giant hangar inside the ship. It then slowly enters the water via a state-of-the-art slide at the rear.

After your adventure is over, the boat re-attaches to the slipway, and slides back up inside the ship. You don’t even need to get out of your seat.

The advantages don’t stop there. The traditional RIB can be exposed to wind, and can be pretty rough to sit on if it’s choppy. The SOB is covered – so you won’t get snowed on – and has the most advanced seat I’ve ever sat on. Each chair is designed with individual suspension to provide a smooth ride for military commandos tearing through huge swells. What this means for passengers – in much calmer waters – is an incredibly smooth ride.

Viking has plenty of traditional RIBs onboard which are popular with guests. But also try something a little different. Everything about Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, including a ride on the SOB.

Antarctica cruises with Viking Expeditions from A$14,995 (NZ$16,088). Itineraries begin in Buenos Aires, with a hotel stay, then a charter flight to Ushuaia to board the ship. This is included in the price. Onboard, all meals, gratuities, many drinks, expeditions, a room with an ocean view and much more are also all included in the price. See: or phone: 0800 447 913

Ocean and river cruising have an impact on the Earth's waterways. To reduce your impact, consider offsetting carbon emissions and booking with cruise lines that use cleaner fuels and adopt recycling practices.