Viking Polaris cruise ship evaluation: A snug ship for adventurous cruising

Viking Polaris is the ship that bucket checklist goals are fabricated from.

The sturdy, 378-passenger ship within the Viking fleet is rated Polar Class 6, so it could possibly take you to the ends of the Earth, no drawback. It is tricked out with Zodiacs, two submersibles, kayaks and a pace boat, so distant islands and slender bays will not preserve you from shut encounters with wildlife and nature.

Checking off worldwide wish-list locations like Antarctica, the Arctic and the Nice Lakes additionally comes with model. The ship boasts 4 onboard eating places and a wide ranging spa that is open to all. Cabins are cozy and spacious with seating nooks by floor-to-ceiling home windows, giant (for a ship) bogs with heated flooring and considerate touches for the proper journey, like a drying closet and two units of binoculars.

Public lounge areas are so inviting, with comfy seating and light-filled areas because of tons of home windows, that you will be glad to sit back with a guide, a puzzle or a drink after an unbelievable expertise ashore. And the crew members do all they will to make you are feeling proper at residence, remembering your title and greeting you warmly at any time when they see you.

Viking is perhaps impressed by Nordic sailors of yore, who explored the world of their bare-bones longships — or the rugged Twentieth-century explorers whose portraits line the partitions of the ship — however Viking Polaris’ creature comforts would make all these hardy women and men rethink their journey decisions. You will not remorse yours in case you select to make this beautiful little ship your private home base for trip journey.

Overview of Viking Polaris

At 30,158 tons, Viking Polaris is small by ocean ship requirements. The largest megaships are eight occasions bigger. However it’s really the most important vessel within the adventure-focused subset of ocean ships often known as expedition ships, and it holds an unusually giant variety of passengers for such a vessel: 378 unfold throughout 189 cabins and suites.

Which means that when you’ll benefit from the intimacy and personalised service of a small ship whenever you’re on board, to not point out the extra onboard venues the additional house permits, you will have to attend your flip when going ashore in some locations equivalent to Antarctica, the place solely 100 individuals are allowed onshore at every touchdown website at a time.

As well as, the ship is for adults solely; you should be 18 years or older to sail. Not that you must count on a bunch of partying 20-somethings on board. Viking caters to a 55+ crowd, and nearly all of its visitors are retirees of their 60s and 70s. The cruise line additionally has an enormous fan membership. Greater than half the visitors on my Antarctica cruise have been repeat passengers who adore Viking’s ocean and river cruises, and you will find that to be true on most sailings.

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Viking positions its expedition vessels between the over-the-top, fully all-inclusive luxurious ships that go to off-the-beaten-path locations equivalent to Antarctica and the hardier, no-frills basic expedition ships. It focuses on a snug onboard surroundings with accessible journey choices.

The ship is upscale, however not ornate or stuffy, and its public areas are inviting reasonably than spectacular. Consider the ship as the lounge designed by your pal with good style as a substitute of the formal sitting space the place you are afraid to the touch the costly decorations.

Many facilities are included within the fare — Wi-Fi; all eating, wine and beer with lunch and dinner; a beautiful thermal suite with a pool and cold and warm therapies; kayak and particular operations boat excursions; two-layer jackets to maintain; and boots and waterproof pants to borrow in polar cruise areas — however you’ll nonetheless must pay further for cocktails (both a la carte or with a beverage package deal), gratuities, spa remedies and submarine rides.

Of the 250-plus crew members on board, 20-plus are expedition employees: scientists, specialists (biologists, geologists, naturalists, and so forth.), mountain guides and kayak guides. They’re on board to scout and arrange touchdown websites, lead kayak excursions, conduct science experiments from the ship, spot wildlife, and provides lectures concerning the flora, fauna and geography of the world. They’re usually useful people, completely satisfied to reply your questions and take pictures of each visitors and wildlife to share.

The ship has seven passenger decks, with the bottom, Deck A, the Zodiac and particular operations boat loading zone, and the best, Deck 6, being an open deck. (The very best Deck 7 is off limits besides in the course of the climate balloon launch occasion.) The ship is small and it would not take lengthy to get wherever, although it does take just a few days to get the hold of the place issues are on board and how you can get from level A to level B. Not like on many ocean cruise ships, you would possibly must stroll down passenger corridors to achieve sure lounges.

The ship is uncommon in that it has an operational science lab on board the place the ship’s analysis scientists gather knowledge to share with its world companions (equivalent to NOAA and the College of Western Australia). Along with the Zodiacs and kayaks frequent on expedition ships, Viking Polaris additionally carries two six-passenger yellow submersibles (playfully named George and Ringo — get it?) and a Particular Operations Boat (a 12-seater pace boat with surprisingly comfy seats and straightforward boarding).

All these vessels are saved in The Hangar, a water-level storage space that hurries up the deployment time of all of the ship’s watercraft. Right here, too, the cruise line has created a spacious and comfy boarding space that capabilities with out gangways and with the newest biosecurity know-how, equivalent to a boot washer. The setup makes it simpler to each get on and off ships and preserve Antarctica clear.

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What I cherished about Viking Polaris

The Nordic Spa

You do not count on a full-blown beautiful spa whenever you’re adventuring to Antarctica, however Viking Polaris supplies not solely a stupendous facility but additionally one which brings the vacation spot in. Flooring-to-ceiling home windows within the salon and thermal suite space let you look ahead to whales or seals as you get pleasure from a pedicure or soak in a scorching tub.

Even higher, the thermal suite is free for anybody to make use of, so in case you get chilled on a moist kayak trip, you may heat up once more within the heated pool or pamper drained muscular tissues with a mixture of cold and warm therapies. (Should you’ve by no means dumped a bucket of chilly water in your head after quarter-hour in a dry sauna or rubbed snow in your physique in a steam room, I extremely suggest attempting it.)

The 2-room health middle can also be bigger than I anticipated for an expedition ship and enabled me to maintain up my exercise routine each morning.

Massive kudos go to the spa employees, who’re tremendous candy and useful. Igor tailor-made my private coaching session to my particular necessities and physique wants, reasonably than giving me some commonplace plan. Joksim led a surprisingly intense (for a cruise ship) yoga session after which gave me an unbelievable therapeutic massage just a few days later, figuring out each knot from my neck to my toes.

If nothing else, cease by the spa reception desk every day to seize an inspirational quote — virtually like a fortune cookie — from the bowl of coloured playing cards. It is going to set the tone in your day.

Security protocols

I admit I used to be a tad nervous concerning the considered crusing to a spot as distant as Antarctica. What if we bought stranded ashore throughout a touchdown? What if the Zodiac broke down midway again to the ship?

Whereas any expedition cruise includes a sure diploma of danger, the Viking crew members put me comfortable with the information that they’ve ready for each risk. Two of the expedition guides even led a briefing concerning the ship’s security protocols. We realized that the group brings ashore a ton of survival gear at each touchdown, together with tents, thermal blankets, meals and water rations, a desalination machine, a satellite tv for pc cellphone, crevasse extraction tools and even a transportable bathroom. (The latter is barely used for true emergencies, so use your cabin toilet earlier than you head off the ship.)

Zodiac, SOB and submarine drivers are at all times in radio contact with one another and the ship, and so they keep far-off from marine animals and icebergs (which may probably tip over and trigger bother). The crew offers visitors clear directions about how you can get out and in of the ship’s boats and somebody is at all times there to provide a hand.

All cruise ships in Antarctica comply with the Worldwide Affiliation of Antarctica Tour Operators’ guidelines for protected and environmentally accountable tourism. Viking Polaris’s crew takes IAATO protocols significantly and works diligently to maintain Antarctica pristine.

They sanitize boots going to and from shore, in addition to the strolling poles they supply, and advise visitors towards bringing something pointless (snacks, tissues, and so forth.) to shore so nothing unsanitary ever touches the bottom on landings. They even checked and vacuumed all of the expedition gear we introduced from residence, together with hats, gloves, goggles and digicam baggage.

The ship itself is constructed with every kind of redundant methods, water-tight doorways, and fire-detecting and -fighting tools. It additionally carries “ice cubes,” giant floating containers stuffed with group survival gear for as much as 5 days ought to the ship should be deserted.

It is unlikely that one thing will go incorrect in your cruise, but it surely’s comforting to know that the ship and crew are completely ready for practically any emergency.

The crew

Each cruise line will let you know its crew is the most effective, however the friendliness and helpfulness of Viking Polaris’ crew are palpable from the second you step on board. Crew members you by no means met one way or the other know your title and say hey each time you go them on board. My cabin stewards at all times come out after we stroll down the hallway and ask us about our day. They did not even bat an eye fixed when my journey companion and I needed to attempt on 5 expedition jacket sizes to seek out the proper match.

The eating employees goes above and past; Santosh requested us what meals we favored on the primary day, and had our Indian chickpea curry ready for us the very subsequent day. One member of the eating group not solely fetched a selected taste of ice cream from the galley for my pal however introduced her a second bowl the next day with out being requested. The restaurant supervisor personally reached out and despatched me a plate of desserts the day I used to be sick and holed up in my cabin.

At any time when there are lots of people wildlife watching on the outer decks, a crew member at all times appears to show up with cocktails or spiked heat drinks. What appeared like the complete housekeeping group confirmed as much as the cruise’s dance occasion one night and unabashedly boogied all the way down to get visitors on the dance flooring.

The expedition group members are at all times completely satisfied to reply questions, take your photograph or lend a serving to hand, and their lectures are at all times humorous and interesting, even when the subject is dry. I used to be additionally impressed on the manner they set expectations and guidelines for the visitors in a lighthearted, digestible manner with out getting preachy or patronizing.

The crew completely set the tone for a pleasant onboard atmosphere and it makes the lengthy journey that rather more satisfying.

What I did not love about Viking Polaris

Lack of bulletins

I have been on sufficient high-end cruises to know that the nicer ships do not wish to pipe bulletins into your cabin. Nevertheless, I would love a bit extra communication from the bridge on Viking Polaris.

We missed the captain’s one every day announcement virtually each night as a result of we have been inside our room and could not hear it. It is solely when considered one of us would say, “Is somebody speaking within the hallway? Oh, wait, it is the captain!” that we might make a mad sprint throughout the room to open the door to catch the final 15 seconds of no matter he was saying concerning the climate and the sail forward.

I would love a bell or some sort of alert to open our door, even when the announcement itself is not piped into the room.

I used to be additionally shocked to notice that Viking crew members virtually by no means make the “whales off the starboard bow” bulletins to alert passengers to wildlife viewing alternatives. I used to be chagrined after I realized that I had missed some lively whales as a result of I used to be attending an indoor briefing and had no concept that something fascinating was occurring outdoor.

Schedule characteristic within the app

I like an excellent cruise ship app; it makes navigating a ship and the every day schedule really easy. Viking’s app has many helpful options, together with your ship’s deck plans, the every day exercise schedule, the flexibility to make reservations and even a photograph obtain part.

Nevertheless, I heard the identical criticism again and again about one side of the app: There is no such thing as a schedule view that means that you can superimpose your reservations (spa, dinner, landings, boat rides) with the onboard actions.

That may not appear to be a giant deal, however expedition cruises are surprisingly busy. On any day, I might need scheduled a touchdown and a kayaking tour, however do not wish to miss the science lecture again on the ship. I used to be continuously flipping backwards and forwards between the 2 separate schedules, attempting to time my bookings appropriately.

Different cruise line apps have a “favourite” characteristic, the place you may choose the onboard actions you do not wish to miss and add them to a private calendar that additionally incorporates your bookings and reservations. I would like to see Viking add this as a characteristic to its app.

Viking Polaris cabins and suites

On Viking Polaris, you may both keep in a balcony cabin or a set. Common and deluxe balcony cabins are basically equivalent, besides that the deluxe model is on decks 3 and 4 and comes with further precedence reservations, whereas the common model is on the decrease Deck 2.

Decrease-category suites (junior suites and penthouses) are additionally on Deck 4, whereas the top-tier suites, Explorer Suites and the one Proprietor’s Suite, are on Deck 6.

The ship solely has two People with Disabilities Act-compliant/wheelchair-accessible cabins; each are junior suites on Deck 4.

Should you’re accustomed to ocean cruising, you may discover that the balconies on Viking Polaris aren’t your commonplace verandah exterior to the ship. As a substitute, they’re a method employed by many river ships (and a few new Royal Caribbean, Superstar Cruises and Atlas Ocean Voyages ships), the place the complete exterior wall of your cabin is made up of two glass window panes. With the contact of a button, the highest pane slides down (like a automobile window) and your room turns into the balcony, with contemporary air wafting in. You may even lean on the lip of the underside pane of glass, or relaxation your espresso cup on it, as if it have been a balcony railing.

Blackout shades may also come down on the contact of a button, however in case you simply want to dam the solar a bit of, a gauzy curtain might be drawn throughout manually.

This model of room works nicely in chilly polar areas the place you’re unlikely to sit down out on a balcony for lengthy, however do wish to usher in contemporary air on occasion or take a photograph with no window in the way in which.

I used to be a giant fan of our 215-square-foot Deluxe Balcony cabin as a result of it felt cozy with out being cramped. In Viking model, its design has Scandinavian influences with blond woods, pretty minimalist furnishings and a homey (reasonably than hotel-like) really feel.

My favourite side of the cabin was the small L-shaped leather-based sofa, tucked right into a nook behind the shelving unit that separates the sleeping space from the sitting/desk space. As a substitute of feeling just like the sitting space is smaller than those discovered on different ships, it turns into an inviting nook the place you may curl up with a guide whereas admiring the view. The espresso desk is useful whenever you order room service.

The desk/self-importance throughout from it seems to be like a easy tabletop however has two secrets and techniques. One is, the highest lifts to disclose a storage space for jewellery and different small objects, and two is that its X-shaped legs are helpful for eradicating stuck-on expedition boots (transfer the chair so you may stick your foot via the highest of the X and use it as leverage to drag the tight boot off).

The sitting space is smaller than you would possibly count on as a result of more room is neatly dedicated to the dressing space on the opposite aspect of your mattress. Right here, you may discover an L-shaped wardrobe with two hanging racks, two giant drawers, two small drawers, a high shelf, two small cabinets, a cubby for footwear and the protected. A hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers are supplied in your onboard use.

The 2 sides of the closet open from the center and might be tough to drag open. One cruiser reported draping hand towels excessive to maintain the doorways barely ajar to make them simpler to open along with her arthritic fingers.

The wardrobe is spacious, however my journey companion and I introduced a lot further gear for our two-week Antarctica cruise (extra drugs than I often carry, lengthy underwear and thick wool socks, and so forth.) that we maxed out the drawer house within the cabin and would have been pleased with an extra drawer or two. For instance, I stored all my warm-weather equipment (hats, gloves, goggles, and so forth.) in a bag on the closet flooring as a result of I did not have a drawer to retailer them.

Subsequent to the wardrobe is a superb addition on Viking’s half — a drying closet. Cruisers on Viking Polaris preserve all of their Viking-provided out of doors gear (boots, waterproof pants, two-layer jackets) of their cabins. In the event that they, or different objects, get moist on outings, you hold them up within the drying closet and push a button to activate the warmth, and so they dry out earlier than your subsequent journey ashore.

Professional tip: Test the drying closet commonly to verify the heating ingredient continues to be on. It does flip off ultimately, and you will must hit the button once more in case your drenched belongings aren’t dry but.

Different good touches within the cabin embrace a carafe of water, a minifridge with complimentary comfortable drinks refilled every day, a Nespresso espresso machine, a corkscrew, small snacks (baggage of nuts and milk chocolate), two pairs of binoculars to be used in the course of the cruise and some books themed to polar exploration. The room’s cellphone is on the desk, as are Quiet Vox headsets to be used on excursions (these aren’t used a lot in Antarctica).

The dual beds might be pushed collectively right into a king, and the woolen throw blankets on the ends are a pleasant contact, particularly if you wish to snuggle on the sofa with the window open. The movable nightstands every have one drawer and an outlet with a 110-volt, 220-volt, USB and USB-C outlet, in addition to a wi-fi charging station. Either side of the mattress has a studying mild and a bedside mild on the leather-based headboard.

The 55-inch interactive TV is held on the wall reverse the mattress. It has reside TV channels, in addition to free on-demand films, a Viking channel to look at lectures and briefings you missed, and details about your cruise, private schedule and onboard account. You may as well make dinner, spa and shore tour reservations through the TV.

I’d have cherished a few metallic hooks on the wall, however you may carry your individual as a result of the textured partitions are magnetic (however not the wooden veneers exterior the lavatory).

The lavatory is beautiful, each for the spacious bathe with a protracted ledge for storing toiletries or propping up a foot when shaving and for its heated flooring (good for warming your toes and in addition for drying moist gloves). The glass cabinets are small, however two beneficiant drawers and shelf house under ought to accommodate all of your toiletries.

Viking supplies its personal Freya model of shampoo, conditioner, physique wash, hand cream and physique lotion in giant 2.7-ounce bottles, in addition to 30 SPF sunscreen, two sun-protection lip balms, bathe caps, self-importance kits and bar cleaning soap. Within the toilet, you may additionally discover a shaver outlet, tissue field, cups and a toothbrush holder.

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Viking Polaris eating places and bars

Viking Polaris is a small ship with a giant urge for food; it options 4 distinct eating venues plus room service. Meals in any respect eating places on Viking Polaris are included in your cruise fare.

The eating places are impressed by the cruise line’s Norwegian heritage, so you may discover extra smoked fish and Scandinavian pastries than you’ll on most different cruise strains. For a real Norwegian eating expertise, you may wish to spend time at Mamsen’s, the place you may nibble on Norwegian specialties, equivalent to waffles topped with brown cheese and scorching canine on flatbread.

Be aware that whereas vegetarian dishes can be found at each meal on board, Polaris is unquestionably a ship that focuses on meat greater than greens and vegetarian proteins. Gluten-free diners look like nicely taken care of; the bakery even posts an inventory of all of the gluten-free bread merchandise accessible (together with pancakes, waffles and pizza).

On Viking Polaris, beer, wine and comfortable drinks at lunch and dinner are complimentary. Throughout particular occasions, equivalent to sailaway on embarkation day, or arrival at Antarctica, the crew would possibly come round with trays of complimentary cocktails. You may select to buy the Silver Spirits beverage package deal in case you plan to order greater than a drink or two every day, or you may pay for particular person drinks a la carte.

Eating places

On expedition voyages, the World Cafe buffet venue is the most well-liked eatery. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is interesting for its number of meal decisions and its informal gown code. Once you’re out and in of cold-weather layers, typically you merely do not feel like dressing up for a proper meal.

Breakfast has all the things you must gas up for the day, from wholesome choices like a made-to-order omelet station, yogurt, fruit and muesli to extra decadent decisions like pastries, breakfast bread pudding and pancakes. True to Viking’s Nordic custom, morning choices additionally embrace a number of smoked fish, deli meats and cheeses. Waiters will carry you tea, scorching chocolate and juice; every desk is already arrange with espresso.

At lunch, you may discover a number of scorching meals, often together with a carving station with a featured protein, a soup, pasta and a few sort of fish and vegetarian choice. The salad bar has a wide variety of fixin’s (although it is missing in protein) plus just a few cheeses every day.

Carbo-load on the bakery, the place you may discover breads (together with comfortable pretzels), pizza (attempt the Norwegian goat cheese model), every day scorching sandwiches, cookies and different desserts. Do not miss the gelato stations with toppings bar or the made-to-order counter with new dishes every day, equivalent to a fajita bar.

Should you do not see what you are in search of, do not hesitate to ask one of many eating employees both behind the buffet counter or strolling the seating space. Crew members introduced us plain grilled rooster to high a salad, a vegetarian “meatball” when the meatless choices have been missing and coconut gelato when it did not seem on the ice cream bar.

Dinner is an analogous affair with scorching choices, pizza, a made-to-order counter (usually a noodle soup), a Caesar salad bar with further pre-prepared salads and desserts, together with a nightly heat choice (like peach crumble or bread pudding) and Coldstone-style mix-in ice cream rolls. The primary addition is a nightly sushi bar and seafood buffet (tons and many crab legs) within the again by the Aquavit Terrace on the port aspect of the ship.

I cherished that in case you’re lingering over a meal towards the tip of service, a waiter will come by and provide you with a warning that the buffet is closing, so you may seize seconds or dessert earlier than it is too late.

On the far starboard aspect of the World Cafe is the Grill. It serves sandwiches by day (a number of sorts of burgers, veggie burgers, rooster sandwiches and tuna steak) and cooked-to-order meats at night time (steak, brisket, burgers, swordfish). You may ask for sides from onion rings and French fries at lunch to roasted potatoes and asparagus at night time, or forage for accompaniments from the remainder of the buffet.

We spoke to some diners who mentioned the default is to prepare dinner the meats nicely, so in case you want yours medium or uncommon, be very clear about that.

Viking Polaris’ two sit-down eating places are The Restaurant and Manfredi’s, each on Deck 1 and solely open for dinner. The Restaurant is a typical cruise ship major eating room with a menu break up into always-available classics and the every day dinner menu that adjustments every night. It is a three-course meal (although you could possibly order extra) with starters, mains with sides and dessert.

The every day menu would possibly embrace leek and potato soup or beef tartare as a starter, seared sesame-crusted tuna or roasted veal medallion for a major, and peanut butter cheesecake for dessert. Be aware that lots of the menu objects at The Restaurant can even be accessible on the World Cafe upstairs.

At all times-available dishes embrace Caesar salad and rooster soup, beer-marinated rooster and New York strip steak, an iced vanilla parfait and a cheese plate.

Manfredi’s is the ship’s Italian restaurant and the most popular dinner reservation on board. It is much less accommodating of walk-ins so make your bookings early. If in case you have an important day to rejoice, you may wish to do it right here.

The menu is split into many sections and might be overwhelming at first, but it surely’s not as difficult because it seems to be. Starters embrace antipasti, caprese salad, beef carpaccio and asparagus topped with a poached egg. You even have a alternative of two soups. The pasta choice is to not be missed, particularly the gnocchi in a gorgonzola cream sauce. You may ask for half or full sizes and benefit from the handmade pasta as a starter or major.

Predominant dishes are available in two varieties. Piatti unici come as full dinners with a protein and vegetable aspect, whereas secondi piatti are solely the protein and also you select your sides. For instance, I ordered the sliced grilled duck breast and it got here plated with a salad, but when I would ordered the Florentine steak or grilled tuna, I’d wish to additionally order some sauteed mushrooms or new potatoes with truffles and rosemary.

Don’t fret — you may order sides even in case you select a pasta or pre-assembled dish as your major.

Desserts embrace tiramisu, panna cotta and pistachio cake, in addition to a number of gelato. I would suggest the pistachio cake with a scoop of vanilla gelato.

Most cruisers could make one reservation at every restaurant previous to the cruise, however suite visitors could make two to 4 pre-cruise reservations per venue, relying on the suite class booked. Anybody could make further reservations on-line or attempt their luck with a walk-in if there’s house accessible. We have heard it is simpler to get seats at The Restaurant than at Manfredi’s.

If in case you have a big group, you may reserve the personal eating room between The Restaurant and Manfredi’s. It seats 12 at one lengthy desk and is surrounded by racks housing the ship’s wines. It is preferrred if you wish to have a rowdy group dinner with out disturbing different diners, but it surely’s a poor alternative in case you benefit from the surroundings throughout dinner because the room has no home windows.

Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, Mamsen’s is a cute cafe serving Norwegian specialties impressed by the recipes of the mom of Viking’s founder. The celebs of the present listed below are the Norwegian waffles you may high with candy brown cheese, berry compote or chocolate sauce, scorching canine served on flatbread, pea soup and open-faced sandwiches.

Viking’s expedition ships don’t serve a flowery afternoon tea like its ocean ships do, however yow will discover scones with clotted cream and jam served right here within the afternoon.

As a particular deal with, the eating employees would possibly host a barbecue lunch on the highest deck (6) on a day when the climate is sunny. It is a enjoyable, festive alfresco meal, however you will not get a lot discover and might need to regulate your touchdown occasions in case you do not wish to miss it.

Our barbecue was a meaty affair with rooster wings and pork ribs as an appetizer and a alternative of steak or sea bass, with baked potatoes and cole slaw, as a major. We have been initially advised there was no vegetarian choice, however the server got here again saying they may get a veggie burger from the grill. Should you’re in search of one thing lighter or extra vegetable-forward, the World Cafe stays open.

Room service is complimentary and accessible across the clock. Your room steward will depart you a breakfast card to hold exterior in your door knob, for supply between 6 and 10 a.m. Decisions embrace drinks, fruit, yogurt, cereal, pastries and bread, chilly cuts and cheeses, eggs, pancakes and breakfast meat.

The all-day menu is in a leather-based binder in your cabin’s espresso desk. It is a restricted menu, which incorporates salads, soups, mains (steak, poached salmon, southern fried rooster), sandwiches (caprese, beef or veggie burger), spaghetti, a cheese plate and dessert (vanilla cheesecake or bourbon pecan brownie). You may name your order in in your in-room cellphone.

Everybody agrees that the fried rooster and the rooster noodle soup from the room service menu are to not be missed.

Bars

I am not a lot of a drinker, however the bars and lounges on Viking Polaris are so cozy and alluring that I discovered myself wanting ahead to a pre-dinner cocktail or night hangout in one of many ship’s bars greater than I do on different cruise strains. Viking visitors can both buy drinks a la carte or purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package deal. All passengers can order complimentary wine, beer and comfortable drinks at lunch and dinner.

The cocktail menus on the bars are composed of ordinary drinks, however bartenders could make you your favorites off menu if they’ve the substances. We efficiently ordered Pimm’s Cups and Lemon Drops, however a Darkish n Stormy and Moscow Mule have been no-go’s as a result of the ship doesn’t carry ginger beer. (And right here I assumed a Darkish n Stormy can be an ideal Drake Passage drink!)

My favourite bar for environment is The Conceal on Deck 1. It seems like a speak-easy as a result of you may solely entry it from Deck 2’s ahead stairwell or elevator.

You open a heavy door that appears prefer it belongs on a submarine to enter a dimly lit house with slanted home windows on both aspect with views near the water line. The clusters of couches and straightforward chairs invite confidences with newfound associates, whereas the outsized cushion chairs by the home windows will tempt you into a day nap, lulled by the rocking of the ship. The big columns on the entrance of the house really home the anchor chains.

It additionally has a speakeasy-style bar, serving liquor-forward drinks (both your favourite liquor straight or on the rocks or with a lightweight mixer, like soda water). You will not discover wine, beer or daiquiris right here. The small bar is barely staffed for a restricted time every night after dinner.

For views, you may’t beat the two-deck Explorers’ Lounge on decks 4 and 5. Each ranges face the entrance of the ship with floor-to-ceiling home windows and wraparound views. Once you wish to search for whales however do not wish to courageous the wind, the Explorers’ Lounge is a good alternative. The bar is on the decrease degree, however each ranges supply cozy seating, each dealing with the home windows and in dialog nooks.

An equally cozy spot is The Dwelling Room on Deck 5. It has a bar however serves extra as a snug hangout house with a library, digital recreation tables, puzzles and a big TV exhibiting Viking channels.

As is frequent on this ship, glass home windows run the size of either side of the house so that you’re by no means removed from the scenic views. Occasions like group trivia happen right here. The Dwelling Room’s bar opens early, do you have to be in search of espresso drinks from an espresso machine, and closes mid-evening.

The Aquavit Bar between the World Cafe and Aquavit Terrace serves diners on the buffet restaurant, in addition to visitors enjoyable within the aft solarium house. It closes on the identical time that dinner shuts down.

The Viking Bar on Deck 1 is your pre-dinner drink spot when you might have a reservation at The Restaurant or Manfredi’s. It is solely open throughout dinner hours, from 5:30 (half an hour between the eating places open) to 9 p.m.

Should you want a fast cuppa or to refill your water bottle, self-service espresso/tea/water stations are situated across the ship. You will discover them on Deck 2 exterior The Aula and outdoors Expedition Central and within the World Cafe.

Viking Polaris actions and leisure

Because the crew likes to say on Viking Polaris, the ship has no official leisure employees as a result of the outside is offering the primary leisure on an expedition cruise. The ship’s Grand Central station for out of doors journey actions is The Hangar. That’s the place you’ll board the ship’s Particular Operations Boat or Zodiac boats (inflexible inflatable motorized rafts) for cruises, landings and to be taken to ready kayaks and submersibles (named Ringo and George as a result of the subs are yellow).

The Hangar is organized so it is as simple as doable to board the Zodiacs. No gangways are employed. As a substitute, you step from an open door onto a step within the Zodiac after which into a ship, with no less than two crew members aiding you out and in each time. The Hangar additionally employs a state-of-the-art boot brushing and sanitizing machine (think about strolling your toes via automobile wash bristles) to make it simple to scrub boots on the way in which to and from polar landings.

Viking doesn’t schedule polar plunges for security causes (each yours and Antarctica’s), so you’ll not cross that exercise off your bucket checklist on a Polaris crusing.

Although your focus can be on shore and sea excursions, you may nonetheless discover a lot to do on board.

Viking places an emphasis on enrichment and training, and you will find your self usually in The Aula, the theater primarily based on a well-known Norwegian lecture corridor. It has a large video display that may roll up like a storage door to uncover the massive home windows behind it. Heat throw blankets in each row are a comfortable contact.

Right here, the expedition group will give every day briefings about climate situations and upcoming touchdown websites, give talks on the world’s wildlife or tradition, and present documentaries and movies associated to the vacation spot.

Some talks (together with an entertaining one on nautical superstitions) are held within the Conceal. Arrive early as a result of seats are restricted, and latecomers might need to face within the again or sit on the ground.

The ship additionally has a science lab, and visitors can take part in actual experiments and knowledge assortment throughout their voyage. You’ll find an interactive map and infrequently an expedition group member to speak to at Expedition Central on Deck 2.

However it’s not all severe edutainment. A dance occasion with some complimentary cocktails is held in The Dwelling Room one night and a music selection present takes place in The Aula.

On the extra enjoyable aspect, Viking Polaris has a world-class Nordic Spa with a beautiful thermal suite. The thermal suite options quite a few cold and warm therapies (together with a snow room, sauna and a scorching tub with an open window to the polar breezes exterior), a therapeutic pool and beautiful views via floor-to-ceiling home windows. It is the proper place to heat up after a chilly Zodiac trip or touchdown, so it could possibly get crowded within the afternoon.

E-book a mani-pedi or model session on the salon, and you will additionally have the ability to take within the views when you’re pampered.

Spa remedies have a Nordic twist, however you may discover all of the massages, facials and physique remedies you could possibly need. Strive the Hygge therapeutic massage in a heat “sand” mattress — it is a Viking specialty. My Nordic stone therapeutic massage was the most effective massages I’ve ever had, and my masseur, Joksim, knew what my stressed-out physique wanted and labored out all my knots. Girls ought to observe that a lot of Viking’s spa therapists are males if that is one thing that makes you uncomfortable.

The 2-room health middle is small by big-ship requirements, but it surely nonetheless manages to suit three treadmills, two elliptical trainers, two stationary bikes, an erg, resistance machines and weight benches with free weights. Within the group train house, you may take courses, use the yoga and bosu balls by yourself, or entry a variety of digital train courses on the large-screen TV.

The fitness center is most crowded early within the morning earlier than the day’s briefings, lectures and expedition actions get going. If you wish to work out with the crew, time your exercise for prime dinner hours.

The ship has a number of out of doors spots for nature gazing and alfresco rest. The Bow on Deck 3 is a good forward-facing spot to search for whales or watch the ship’s arrival at a touchdown space. It is adjoining to the Shelter, a coated spot to take refuge from the wind or rain (and infrequently snag an Irish espresso on an important day).

The Finse Terrace on Deck 2 aft, exterior The Aula, has two hearth pit areas for severe chilling.

The Aquavit Terrace on Deck 5 aft has a heat pool surrounded by lounge chairs and coated by a retractable glass roof. The glass window on the finish of the pool opens up, so you may swim out to an uncovered part of the pool. On both aspect are two out of doors tubs — one scorching, one cool. There’s nothing higher than soaking in a scorching tub on a sunny Antarctic day with snow-covered mountains and icebergs throughout you.

The promenade on Deck 5 is a stunning place to stroll, although you may should go all the way down to Deck 4 and again up once more on the entrance of the ship to finish the loop. Deck 6 is an open deck the place you may lounge on hotter itineraries or scan for wildlife on chilly ones.

If you wish to purchase beautiful Norwegian sweaters just like the expedition crew wears, lovable penguin beanies and the softest stuffed puppies, go to the Nordic Store on Deck 3 midship when it is open. It additionally sells objects you might need forgotten, equivalent to toothpaste or hand heaters. The most well liked objects listed below are the Antarctica patches you may connect to your Viking-provided jacket. In order for you one, come when the store opens as they will promote out.

Visitor companies embrace a medical middle on Deck A, a journey marketing consultant (to guide your subsequent Viking river, ocean or expedition cruise) on Deck 3 throughout from the store and visitor companies desks on Deck 1 exterior Manfredi’s.

Visitor launderettes on decks 3 and 4 have washers and dryers, irons and ironing boards, and detergent is supplied. You’ll want to set a timer and take away your objects promptly. The launderettes are fashionable on lengthy cruises.

Viking Polaris itineraries and pricing

Viking Polaris at the moment spends the North American winter in Antarctica and the summer time within the Nice Lakes, transitting between the 2 within the spring and fall. The one-way repositioning voyages take passengers alongside the coast of Chile, via the Panama Canal, alongside the Japanese Seaboard of the U.S. and Canada then into the St. Lawrence Seaway.

In 2026, the ship will spend the summer time months crusing Iceland and Greenland cruises within the Arctic as a substitute of the Nice Lakes.

Viking expedition cruises are typically lengthy, and lots of itineraries are combos of a number of cruises that may very well be booked individually. Vacationers pressed for time can guide a seven-night Nice Lakes crusing, however the shortest Arctic and Antarctic cruises are no less than 12 nights. Many itineraries are two weeks or longer. To sail between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, within the Nice Lakes to Ushuaia, Argentina, on the southern tip of South America takes simply over 60 days.

A 12-night Antarctic Explorer cruise begins at $11,995 per particular person within the lowest-tier Nordic balcony cabin. A weeklong Nice Lakes cruise begins at $5,995 per particular person. A 12-night Arctic crusing begins at $13,995. Fares go up for extra fashionable sail dates and for bigger and higher-category cabins.

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What to know earlier than you go

Required paperwork

Required paperwork will range relying in your cruise vacation spot, however you’ll positively want a passport.

Should you’re touring to Antarctica or the Arctic, you will have a medical kind signed by a physician, clearing you to journey. Submit that no less than 30 days previous to crusing. You need to additionally fill out a kind pre-cruise to request the right dimension of jacket, pants and boots in your expedition.

Gratuities

Viking mechanically provides a $17 gratuity per visitor, per day, to your onboard invoice. It’s shared among the many room stewards, waiters, galley employees and housekeeping. Should you should change the quantity, you are able to do so at Visitor Companies; you are at all times welcome to depart further ideas in money or hand them to your favourite crew members.

I requested, and it’s acceptable to tip expedition employees, along with waiters, bartenders and room stewards. Spa remedies don’t mechanically add a gratuity to your invoice, however you may depart a tip whenever you’re signing after your therapy.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is included in the price of your cruise. Viking makes use of a VSAT satellite tv for pc terminal to offer the connection, and it was impressively good. I used to be in a position to make a number of WhatsApp Wi-Fi video calls again residence from Antarctica, and although the picture wasn’t excellent, I may nonetheless present my youngsters penguins swimming off the aspect of the ship.

Carry-on drinks coverage

Viking has a beneficiant alcohol coverage. All passengers are allowed to carry alcohol and different drinks on the ship with them, and so they will not be charged a corkage charge, no matter whether or not they drink their beverage of their room or in a lounge or restaurant.

Smoking coverage

Viking Polaris is a nonsmoking ship, and you can not smoke indoors or on most out of doors decks. The one place you are allowed to smoke cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes is within the designated smoking space exterior on the starboard aspect of Deck 6.

Should you’re cruising in polar areas, you must also remember that smoking shouldn’t be allowed ashore wherever in Antarctica or in Svalbard within the Arctic.

Laundry

Viking Polaris has two self-serve launderettes on decks 3 and 4. Every options a number of washers and dryers you need to use freed from cost; detergent is supplied. Irons and ironing boards are additionally accessible, however you may solely use them within the launderette.

Alternatively, you may ship out garments to be washed and dried, pressed or dry cleaned for a charge. A bag is supplied in your room, and you’ll choose common two-day service or same-day service for a 50% surcharge. Costs are per merchandise, not per bag.

If it has been some time since you’ve got used communal laundry rooms, you will have to dig deep and bear in mind your school laundry etiquette. Set a timer in your cellphone so you may change your laundry promptly. Fail to take action and one other visitor is prone to dump your moist laundry onto the ironing board.

We overheard a number of heated discussions about who had rights to which dryers and when. Do not wait till the final day of your journey to do your washing, as that is when the launderettes are the busiest.

Electrical shops

Viking Polaris is a Twenty first-century ship, so you may count on greater than only one outlet. Every nightstand contains a three-part energy strip with a U.S. 110-volt, European 220-volt, USB and USB-C outlet, in addition to a wi-fi charger, ought to your cellphone have that functionality (mine didn’t). Be aware that whenever you plug a charger into the 110-volt outlet, it blocks the common USB outlet, however not the USB-C.

The desk space has two 110V and two 220V sockets. There’s additionally a 220V outlet exterior the lavatory, do you have to want to plug in your individual nightlight, and a shaver outlet inside the lavatory.

Forex

The onboard forex is the U.S. greenback. You will not be paying for a lot — primarily souvenirs, drinks and spa remedies. You will be requested to offer a bank card, and your onboard invoice can be charged to that account.

Consuming age

The ingesting age on board is 21, no matter the place Viking Polaris is on this planet.

Gown code

Expeditions are informal affairs. You can be so anxious about bringing the right polar gear that onboard apparel is sort of an afterthought.

Daytime apparel on the ship is a mixture of informal outfits primarily based on the climate (denims, slacks, sneakers, and so forth.) and journey apparel (leggings, fleece vests or jackets, athletic pants). One man on our Antarctica crusing was usually seen in a tropical shirt and shorts. The spa’s altering areas are small, so you may additionally see folks strolling the ship of their bathrobes or exercise put on on their technique to and from the Nordic Spa.

Should you do not wish to change for dinner, your informal daywear is suitable on the World Cafe within the night. Nobody will blink in case you present up in a fleece jacket and climbing pants or athletic leggings and a high. Solely swimwear, PJs and true train apparel (like a sports activities bra with bike shorts) wouldn’t be acceptable. And, sure, we did witness a visitor being ever-so-politely inspired to depart the World Cafe when he confirmed up in his bathrobe.

Associated: Antarctica gear information: What you must pack for a visit to the White Continent

Should you want to dine at The Restaurant or Manfredi’s, you’re purported to step it a notch. Viking considers night gown within the eating places “elegant informal” — aka, no denims. The advised apparel is slacks and a collared shirt for males and good slacks, a skirt or gown for ladies. Nevertheless, we noticed diners dressed extra casually (fleece jackets and denims) in each eating places, and nobody mentioned a phrase.

Viking Polaris doesn’t have any formal evenings, so depart your cocktail clothes, fits and neckties at residence.

Backside line

If you wish to go to the ends of the earth with out giving up creature comforts, Viking Polaris is the proper ship for you. Its large-for-expedition dimension means the ship is loaded with points of interest, from a number of eating places and lounges to an expansive spa, spacious cabins and devoted areas for enrichment actions. Its state-of-the-art Hangar permits vacationers of all talents to entry off-ship journey and its expedition group to arrange water- and land-based actions as rapidly as doable.

Nevertheless, if you wish to spend as a lot time as doable off the ship in polar areas, you would possibly do higher, particularly in Antarctica, with a ship that carries nearer to 100 passengers. The trade-off is that you just might need to decide on a ship that has fewer frills and facilities than Viking Polaris.

Plus, it is unclear that any expedition ship has a crew as pleasant, educated and useful as the oldsters who work aboard Polaris. They make the journey extra particular than any ship designer or uncommon penguin may ever do.

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