First, Viking invented modern river cruising. Then, they redefined ocean cruising. Now, experience all the comfort and elegance of Viking's award-winning fleet with an expedition ship built specifically to explore the world's most remote destinations and allow you to immerse yourself in these regions.
The modern ocean ships are elegantly designed for discovery and comfort. Each sister ship features all veranda staterooms, serene Scandinavian spaces, and light-filled public areas. Get a panoramic look at the award-winning, all-veranda expedition ships. The new fleet of sister ships is purpose-built at a scale that allows direct access to small and large ports alike.
Viking Polaris Ship Dining
Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine on an optional interactive culinary journey. At the onboard cooking school, experience firsthand how the ships' world-class chefs bring distinct, local flavors from market to table.
- The Restaurant: The main dining venue, The Restaurant offers the highest onboard dining experience amid a streamlined Scandinavian design. The menu includes regional cuisine and always-available classics enhanced with locally sourced ingredients so that you can explore new cultures through food.
- Manfredi's Italian Restaurant: Manfredi's offers the best of Italian cuisine, whether the farm-inspired heartiness of Tuscany or the famed flavors from Rome. Subdued, ambient lighting creates a warm, welcoming air in this traditional restaurant recalling Italy's beloved trattorias.
- World Cafe: With live cooking, an open kitchen, and premium sushi/seafood choices, the World Cafe provides a vibrant interactive experience and a wide range of international flavors. Dine indoors or al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace for stunning panoramic views.
- Aquavit Terrace: In the spirit of the revolutionary outdoor settings of the award-winning river ships, Viking has created the Aquavit Terrace, providing more al fresco dining experiences than on any ship at sea.
- Mamsen's: Located in the Explorers' Lounge and named for "Mamsen," the Hagen family matriarch, this venue offers Norwegian specialties for breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack or evening treat.
- Room Service: Care to enjoy a quiet dinner in the comfort of your stateroom? A midnight snack? Or perhaps breakfast in bed? For your convenience, Viking offers 24-hour room service, 7 days a week, with many of the signature dishes to choose from.
Viking Polaris Ship Bars & Lounges
Linger over melodic tunes while sipping a classic martini or vintage Armagnac in Torshavn, a lively music venue reminiscent of romantic jazz lounges of 1940s Hollywood.
- The Living Room: The ideal setting for relaxation, The Viking Living Room draws guests together at the heart of the ship. Spacious seating, calming classical compositions performed by the Viking Resident Musicians and enriching activities foster camaraderie.
- Finse Terrace: An outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed, heated couches and lava rock "firepits," the Finse Terrace was designed to allow guests the comforts of the ship al fresco while enjoying the dramatic scenery.
- Explorers' Lounge: With two-story panoramic windows for maximum views, the Explorers' Lounge is inspired by epic journeys of discovery. This inviting space is perfect for sharing a cocktail with friends or relaxing while taking in the scenery.
Viking Polaris Ship Onboard Activities
Cultural enrichment programs to supplement your onshore experience. From art to history to destination-focused reading, everything is hand-selected to enhance your experience, both on board and at your destination.
- World-Class Guest Lecturers: Complement your onshore experiences with the onboard lecture program, designed to shed light on your destination's art, architecture, music, geopolitics, natural world, and more. They are hosted by a wide range of experts, from authors and archaeologists to former diplomats and news correspondents, eager to share their knowledge with you.
- Viking Resident Historians: The faculty of historians provide an enhanced level of enrichment, delivering high-level historic, iconic lectures specific to your journey, supplemented by roundtable discussions, where you can engage in a smaller, more intimate group setting; and daily "office hours" for one-on-one time with guests.
- Destination Performances: Each Viking itinerary includes one or more Destination Performances representing the most iconic cultural performing art form of the region-whether it is Portuguese fado with its melancholy melodies and poignant lyrics; traditional Greek dancing; Italian opera, a centuries-old storytelling art form; or world-renowned Mariinsky Theatre singers from St. Petersburg.
- Port Talks: Amsterdam. Bergen. Venice. San Juan. Vancouver. Tokyo. Sydney. Gain an overview of your next day's port of call through informative multimedia presentations covering the history and culture of your destination, as well as highlights of must-see landmarks. And feel prepared for each new day of exploration with a deeper understanding of the places you will visit.
- Munch Moments: Through an exclusive relationship with Oslo's Munch Museum, Viking has been granted the digital rights to the entire collection of Norway's most famous artist, Edvard Munch.
- TED Talks: Viking is proud to partner with TED, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization devoted to spreading bold new ideas and sparking conversation. Curious minds watch TED's short, powerful talks focused on the arts, history, geography, science, longevity, and more to gain a deeper understanding of the world.
- Viking Art & Design Guide: Should you wish to familiarize yourself with your ship before traveling, you can download the free Viking Voyager app before you go. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of the Scandinavian public spaces, with insightful commentary from your host, Karine Hagen.
- Viking Resident Musicians: Should you wish to familiarize yourself with your ship before traveling, you can download the free Viking Voyager app before you go. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of the Scandinavian public spaces, with insightful commentary from your host, Karine Hagen.
- The Met: Live in HD: Bringing classical music alive, the resident pianist, guitarist, violinist, and cellist perform calming classical compositions throughout the ship. Viking hopes you will find yourself transported by the chamber music of the Viking Resident Musicians and enjoy some of the benefits of classical music-lifting your spirit, soothing your soul, and adding to your onboard enrichment.
- Fitness Center: Maintain your health and wellness at the best health club at sea with treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, and an open space to practice your own functional training, stretching, yoga, and Pilates.
- The Nordic Spa: The Spa experience draws upon the holistic wellness philosophy of Nordic culture. Enjoy the ultimate Scandinavian tradition and invigorate yourself in the Sauna and steam room, then visit the Snow Grotto, a sanctuary of fluffy snow and chilled air. Work out in the Fitness Center, or unwind completely with a Swedish massage or specialty facial.
- Expedition Central: Expedition Central is a key onboard area for guests at which they can plan and book their excursions, verify landing and "go to gate" times or get answers to questions about upcoming excursions and landings.
- The Aula: The Aula is a stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo's famed ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Used for lectures, daily briefings, and films, this unique space features a 4K laser-projected panoramic screen that can retract to expose floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views.
- The Library:The Library is specially curated by London bookshop Heywood Hill and Cambridge University to enrich and enhance your Expedition experience. Feel free to browse and borrow any of the selections.
- The Science Lab: The 380-square-foot wet and dry lab, developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-Niva, allows scientists to conduct meaningful research and encourages guest interaction.
- The Nordic Shop: A variety of onboard shops have everything you need to make your voyage comfortable and convenient, plus signature Viking keepsakes including books, clothing, and jewelry.
Viking Polaris Ship Onshore Experiences
An included excursion in every port, plus The Viking Way of exploration. Viking takes you closer to the heart of the places you want to visit, docking where larger ships cannot and provide you with more time to explore.
- Local Life: Viking provides fascinating insights into Local Life during excursions that reveal the rhythms of daily living in your destination. Experience Saigon's vibrant streets by pedal cab. Peruse the dusty stacks at the most famous bookstore in Paris. Taste your way through a culinary tour of Sydney. This is the ideal way to experience a place like a local.
- Working World: Witness wood carving in Bali. Tour the vineyards and wine cellars of Italy, New Zealand, and beyond. Meet the harvesters of the world's farms, from the banana plantations of Caribbean St. Lucia to the spice farms of Indian Goa. Glimpsing the world at work helps you tap into its passions and see its people anew.
- Privileged Access: Viking has arranged exclusive entry for Viking guests to cultural treasures all around the world. Visit seldom-seen collections with before- and after-hours access to world-class museums; be a special guest at private homes and palaces not open to just anyone; or attend cultural performances of folklore, ballet, and opera to get an insider's view during these private tours.
Viking Polaris Ship Accommodations
All-veranda ships offer a wide variety of staterooms for your selection. From Veranda Staterooms to the abundance of extra perks and amenities in the spacious Explorer Suites, there is no finer way to travel. And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known.
- Owner's Suite
- Explorer Suite
- Nordic Junior Suite
- Nordic Penthouse
- Deluxe Nordic Balcony
- Nordic Balcony
