The Viking Polaris, a purpose-built expedition ship in Viking Ocean Cruises’ fleet, accommodates 378 guests to a Polar Class vessel launched in 2022. Designed for remote destinations, this intimate ship blends Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics with modern amenities, offering a refined yet adventure-focused experience. From its welcoming reception areas to its diverse dining options, engaging entertainment, spacious accommodations, and attentive hospitality, Viking Polaris delivers a unique journey of exploration and relaxation.
Guests can anticipate a cruise that balances adventure with comfort, enjoying well-designed spaces and destination-focused activities. Whether dining al fresco, attending a science lecture, or exploring via submarine, travellers will find a range of experiences tailored to their interests. The intimate ship size fosters a sense of community, making every moment feel personal.
The guest experience on Viking Polaris is defined by its seamless blend of luxury and exploration. From boarding, passengers are welcomed into a serene, Scandinavian-inspired environment where attentive staff ensure every need is met. Whether enjoying live music in the Explorers’ Lounge, relaxing in a Nordic Balcony, or engaging with scientists in The Laboratory, guests enjoy a refined yet approachable journey.
Reception Areas: A Functional Hub
Guests enter the Atrium on Deck 1, a light-filled space with light wood finishes, comfortable seating, and expansive windows. The adjacent Living Room offers a relaxed hub with curated books, digital screens, and a small shop for essentials and souvenirs. Expedition Central provides efficient assistance with bookings and destination information, featuring 3D maps and a spatial data visualisation table. The open design and natural light create an inviting atmosphere.
Dining: A Culinary Journey
Viking Polaris offers four complimentary dining venues. The Restaurant on Deck 2 serves daily-changing menus with regional dishes, fresh seafood, and vegetarian options in a bright, elegant setting with openable windows. Manfredi’s provides Italian cuisine, including fresh pastas and bistecca fiorentina, in a warm, trattoria-style space. The World Café delivers buffet-style dining with live cooking stations, sushi, a grill, and local specialities, extending to al fresco seating on the Aquavit Terrace. Mamsen’s in the Explorers’ Lounge serves Norwegian waffles and open-faced sandwiches. Complimentary 24-hour room service includes breakfast and select dishes.
Entertainment: Enrichment and Engagement
Entertainment focuses on education and relaxation. The Aula, a panoramic auditorium on Deck 2 with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views, hosts lectures by resident scientists and historians, alongside documentary screenings. The adjacent Finse Terrace offers outdoor seating with lava rock firepits for scenic views. The Explorers’ Lounge features live music, such as piano or duo performances, and casual conversations. The Explorers’ Dome planetarium offers 7K-resolution stargazing and films. Self-led activities include board games and a curated library by Heywood Hill and Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute.
Accommodation: Spacious and Practical
All 189 staterooms feature Nordic Balconies, sunrooms with retractable windows that convert into al fresco platforms, ranging from 222-square-foot Nordic Balcony Staterooms to the 1,223-square-foot Owner’s Suite with a 792-square-foot private garden lounge and hot tub. Each includes king-sized Viking Explorer beds, luxury linens, heated bathroom floors, and 55-inch flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies. Deluxe Nordic Balcony Staterooms add in-room binoculars and coffee makers. Explorer Suites (580 square feet) include private verandas, while the Owner’s Suite features a dining room, sauna, and guest bathroom. Accessible staterooms ensure inclusivity with wider doors and adapted bathrooms.
Hospitality: Attentive and Personalised
The crew of 260 delivers attentive service, with a high staff-to-guest ratio. Room attendants provide twice-daily housekeeping, while expedition staff assist with activity planning at Expedition Central. Staff are known for their warmth, fostering a welcoming environment. Complimentary services include 24-hour room service, laundry for suites, and Viking Expedition Kits with jackets and gear. A $15 daily gratuity per guest is automatically added, adjustable at the reception desk.
Standout Features
The Hangar, an in-ship marina, facilitates launches of Zodiacs, kayaks, and two submarines for underwater exploration, with dives costing $499 per person. The 380-square-foot Science Lab allows guests to engage with scientists on studies like microplastic analysis. The LivNordic Spa, included in the cruise fare, features a thermal pool, sauna, and snow grotto. The Aula and Finse Terrace combine for a unique indoor-outdoor experience. The ship’s Polar Class 6 hull ensures stability in remote waters.
