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It was also a bonus that massive but graceful humpback whales frequently flanked the ship, and we saw a wide variety of exotic sea birds. One of the most popular excursions, the inflatable zodiac landing boats are extremely versatile and perfect for landings amongst the icy landscapes of Antartica. While Viking's Ocean cruises already offer ample space, the Polaris carries about a third of the passengers, ensuring an even more luxurious feel. Consider that when booking, and you'll be in for a better experience over all. While it’s not the only area for unwinding, it dwarfs the Explorer’s Lounge, which serves top-shelf cocktails and the sounds of live piano every afternoon, and the chaise-filled Aquavit Terrace pool bar on the back of the ship.
NEW! The Americas & Antarctic Explorer
Viking Polaris cruise ship review: A comfortable ship for adventurous cruising - The Points Guy
Viking Polaris cruise ship review: A comfortable ship for adventurous cruising.
Posted: Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Set out by kayak to explore the waterways of Greenland’s coast or embark on a hike. Set out to explore the stunning polar landscapes of the remote Canadian High Arctic. Explore the pristine Nuup Kangerlua Fjord by boat or kayak and enjoy spectacular scenery. You’ll find yourself here a lot because this is where you’ll manage all your excursions with the super helpful Viking staff at the desks. There’s usually someone here pretty late into the night, although I’m not sure if it’s 24-7. I was walking around at 3 am once because I was jet lagged and was surprised to see someone manning the desk here.
Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking Your Cruise
It’s a bit mind boggling as a scuba diver, as I’ve only gone as deep as 35 meters (115 feet). Words fail to capture the magic of watching penguins in their natural habitat – those waddles, hops, and comical falls! And since they see no threat in us, penguins may sometimes walk right up to you. Crouching low makes you less intimidating - just avoid sitting to protect the pristine environment. Where to Be During the Crossing For those fascinated by the ocean's power, check out The Hide at the front of the ship, during the Drake Passage. If you want less motion, go to a lower deck on the ship such as the Lobby.
Kayaking
This article explores what a Viking cruise to Antarctica is like – the ship and excursions – plus tips to get the most out of the experience. While excursions offered on the Octantis will vary by destination, the ship’s hangar full of toys gives passengers a glimpse of what to expect wherever they sail with the ship. It currently houses 16 kayaks, 17 zodiacs, two special operations boats, and two yellow submarines (named John and Paul, as if there were any other option; the Polaris will have George and Ringo). With a capacity for 378, Viking Polaris is larger than most expedition ships that visit Antarctica. (One notable exception is Hurtigruten's pair of modern expedition ships, Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, both of which have 500 passengers when they sail here). The Viking polar expedition ship’s staterooms all feature Nordic balconies with unique floor-to-ceiling windows.
All are rendered in Viking's signature upscale Scandinavian design, with the clever addition of exploration-themed artwork and photographs. The company, under the leadership of Chairman Torstein Hagen, started out by modernizing river cruising. Viking then took on ocean sailings with a remarkably well-designed series of 930-passenger ships, meant to appeal to a more intellectual type of traveler who still wants plenty of amenities. Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. A unique feature of the Viking Expedition ships is the large hangar at the stern (rear of the vessel).
Ships
In fact, you may consider packing just a carry-on suitcase and a personal item for this journey. Doing so negates the need to check baggage on your flights, eliminating the chance of the airline misplacing your luggage. And since Viking provides all the outer gear you’ll need, and there’s a free laundrette (washers, dryers, laundry soap, and irons), it’s easy to get by with fewer clothes as you can easily do your wash while aboard. Some stateroom classes – Nordic Junior Suite, Explorer Suite, and Owner’s Suite – provide complimentary laundry services. Witness stunning vistas, unique wildlife and diverse cultures as you journey on a memorable voyage from the Earth’s far north to the extreme south.
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One place where Viking Polaris passengers benefit from the larger size is in the extra amenities, such as the fitness center and spa. Similar to Viking's ocean ships, Viking Polaris' fitness center has two rooms, one with cardio and weight equipment and the other with mats for yoga. Fewer landings might sound like a drawback when you're planning your trip. But when you are actually in Antarctica and facing the prospect of donning multiple layers to go out into the snow on a Zodiac, the less frantic pace can be delightful.
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In early 2023, the Viking Expedition Team published the company’s first scientific article following observations of the rarely encountered giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea). Sightings took place during submarine dives in the coastal waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in early 2022. Written by two of Viking’s leading scientists, the article was published in Polar Research, the scientific journal of the Norwegian Polar Institute. Both ships will spend the southern summer in Antarctica before returning to the Great Lakes of North America for voyages in spring, summer, and early autumn.
What It’s Like to Sail to Antarctica on Viking’s Luxe New Expedition Ship
You can open the top of the window to take in the sights and smells of the outside from the comfort of your room. The Explorer Suite and the Owner’s Suite on the expedition ships also have private outdoor spaces. My two friends, Ingrid and Irene, take several major trips yearly and treasure wonderful memories of their time exploring Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.
(The latter two spaces are also found on other Viking ships.) Though there are always quiet nooks to escape to—the size really is notable—the Living Room hosts a rotation of activities, too, including daily workshops with the resident photographer. This is only a sliver of the experience on the ship, which just completed the first four sailings of its shakedown season in Antarctica. Announced in early 2020, the 378-passenger ship—which will also sail around the Great Lakes and South America in the year ahead—is the first in the brand’s new line of expedition ships (the second, Viking Polaris, will begin sailing late this summer). Welcome to Viking Expeditions' version of an Antarctica cruise, where you get to see all the birds, icebergs, whales and seals of a regular White Continent expedition cruise, but with so many more creature comforts. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Ingrid considers her Viking polar cruise a “trip of a lifetime.” That sums up the feelings of other happy adventurers who have explored a unique spot on the earth aboard the Viking Octantis or Polaris.
Whale sighting on deck, is drying in a special closet; I'll use it again later on a planned landing to see our first penguins. Viking provides guests with a suggested packing list before the cruise. The packing list below includes recommendations from my two friends based on their recent Viking Antarctica cruises. Viking operates two identical state-of-the-art Polar Class 6 Expedition ships, Octantis and Polaris, each carrying 378 guests. Come face-to-face with penguins as you explore the rugged beauty of the Falkland Islands. Explore the waterways of Charleston by kayak and search for Low Country birdlife.
One of the best things about Viking Expedition and Ocean Cruises is the free 24 hour Room Service! The menu is incredible and you can quite literally order a medium rare Ribeye steak and wine at 4 am in the morning! I noticed that on the Antarctica cruises there was fried chicken on the Room Service menu as well - we didn’t try it but maybe next time.. Don't miss the immersive surround shower – a rain showerhead and six side nozzles create a relaxing experience.
And the line’s signature Mamsen’s Norwegian deli and standout Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant are also included in the fare. This two level hangout area is on the top two levels of the ship and located in the front. It was the best place to be if you wanted to watch the ship go through glaciers and the icy landscapes of Antartica.
While there's an ice room, the outdoor plunge was our preference for that ultimate cold-water immersion. Once on the boat, passengers sit on the edges of the zodiac and on shore there will be Viking staff to lend a helping hand with exiting the boat. Basically, due to the unpredictable weather patterns of Antartica, it’s pretty much impossible for Viking to guarantee any kind of excursion activity unless it’s 12 to 24 hours before. They’ll allow you to pick certain activities a month or more before the cruise, but it won’t really mean much because there’s a 100% chance they’ll be canceled and moved around due to weather patterns. This is probably going to the most useful section of this article as a lot of people who haven’t been to the Viking Antartica cruise will be confused by how the excursions work.
I lived like that—in this delicate sweet spot where great adventure and comfort meet—for a full eleven days on board the brand-new Viking Octantis. The Finse Terrace is an outdoor lounge just above sea level with recessed seating, designed to provide guests with the same comfort as inside the ship while enjoying the spectacular scenery. Named after the Finse plateau in Norway, where some of the greatest polar explorers, including Nansen and Amundsen, trained for their expeditions to the North and South Poles. The vessels of the Polar Class, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, accommodate 378 guests in 189 cabins. Specifically designed for expeditions, they boast ideal dimensions for safety, ensuring comfort even in remote destinations.
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