![Photo: Viking](http://media.assettype.com/bairdmaritime%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F201228-12-Viking.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Vard has floated out the first purpose-built expedition cruise ship to be ordered by Viking Cruises.
Scheduled to debut in early 2022, Viking Octantis will have capacity for 378 guests as well as a small hangar for rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), two-seat kayaks, and two six-person submersibles.
The vessel will spend its maiden season sailing voyages to Antarctica and North America's Great Lakes.