Viking Polaris

Viking Ocean Cruises

Ship Overview

Viking Polaris, launched in 2022, is a purpose-built expedition vessel that brings Viking's signature comfort, design, and attentive service to the most remote corners of the globe. At 30,150 gross tons, it measures about 205 meters in length and 21 meters in beam, with six decks that accommodate up to 378 guests and a dedicated crew of 260, ensuring a highly personalized experience. The ship is designed to navigate polar routes with stability and efficiency, cruising at about 18 knots to balance exploration time with comfort. Onboard, guests enjoy elegant spaces, thoughtful amenities, and an expedition program that blends enrichment with action: a robust lecture series led by marine scientists and regional experts, guided Zodiac landings and shore excursions to glaciers, ice fields, and wildlife-rich coastlines, and immersive cultural experiences ashore. When you return to the ship, you can unwind in comfortable lounges, savor refined dining that blends global flavors with Nordic sensibilities, and recharge in wellness areas after a day of discovery. Viking Polaris is built to unlock the planet's most remote regions while inviting you to immerse yourself in their extraordinary ecosystems and cultures.

Ship Specifications

Ship ClassPolar Class

Ship TypeOcean

Launch Year2022

Gross Tonnage30,150 GT

Length205 m

Width21 m

Max Speed18 knots

Passenger Capacity378

Crew Members260

Decks6

Embarkation

More information coming soon.

Shore Excursions

Viking offers a variety of excursions, virtually all included in your cruise fare, from RIB sailings and zodiac landings to tranquil kayak outings and underwater submarine dives. Hike through magnificent landscapes and access remote areas, all led by an experienced team of experts skilled in operating in rugged and polar environments. Or try a unique experience with one of our exclusive, limited-capacity optional excursions.

Encounter some of nature’s most fascinating wildlife north of the Arctic Circle, from polar bears to walruses, whales, ringed seals and Svalbard reindeer. In Antarctica, guests are likely to see seals and whales, as well as a variety of penguin and migratory bird species. The Great Lakes also house abundant wildlife diversity: moose, black bears, beavers, grey wolves, bald eagles, and a wide range of bird species can be commonly found.

Expedition Central

Manned by our Expedition Team, 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. Guests can also learn more about their destination by viewing a real-time ship tracker, examining the chart table highlighting the areas through which we sail, and reviewing AECO and IAATO information about landing regulations and biosecurity standards for the sensitive environments to which we sail.

The Laboratory

This well-appointed laboratory, developed in consultation with Cambridge University and other academic partners, supports a range of research activities and is equipped with wet-dry laboratory facilities, a sample-processing area, comprehensive microscope optics, and space for analysis-specific instruments. Guests will receive supervised access to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research, an experience unique to Viking.

Explorers' Desk

More information coming soon.

Submarines

On board expedition ships sailing our polar, Great Lakes and Grand Journeys itineraries are two 6-seater submarines custom-designed to explore underwater in various regions. Trips are approximately 1 hour in total length (30 minutes underwater, plus time to embark and disembark). Submarines may not be available or allowed to be deployed on all itineraries. Learn more about our expedition equipment.

Kayaks

We do on board expedition ships sailing our polar, Great Lakes and Grand Journeys itineraries. We have a fleet of custom designed, easy to operate 2-seater kayaks that feature a pedal system which lets you glide through the water hands-free, maximizing your photo opportunities. (Optional paddles are available, and the seat can be removed and reconfigured for a single guest if requested.)

Zodiacs

We have a fleet of military Pro zodiacs on board our expedition ships sailing polar, Great Lakes and Grand Journeys itineraries.

The Aula

The world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea, The Aula is a stunning panoramic al fresco 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 an 8k laser-projected panoramic screen which can retract to expose floor-to ceiling windows and 270° views. In addition, the large bottom windows of the stage wall slide open, providing al fresco access and an indoor-outdoor experience with nature taking center stage.

The Studio

This onboard area offers a multipurpose space facilitating enrichment experiences with the Viking Resident Scientists. On the wall are felt replicas of the primary avian species that inhabit or migrate to the locations we visit. Here, guests can learn to identify different birds, practice photography techniques, or learn more about their various habits with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s ornithologists—part of our Viking Resident Scientists program.

Viking Resident Photographer

Part of our Viking Expedition team, our onboard photographer will accompany shore landings and RIB/zodiac excursions, as well as offering lectures and workshops to provide insight and techniques for capturing wildlife and landscapes in the remote locations we visit, so guests can optimize their images.

Viking Resident Scientists

Selected by our academic partners, the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a group of scientists will be on board every journey, providing lectures, advice and insight to guests in areas such as biology, botany, geology, glaciology, oceanography, ornithology.

The World Cafe

With live cooking, an open kitchen and premium seafood/sushi choices and a grill, the casual World Café provides a vibrant interactive experience and a wide range of international flavors.

Mamsen's

Named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, this venue offers Norwegian specialties including waffles according to Mamsen’s original recipe, open-faced sandwiches and split pea soup.

The Restaurant

Our elegant dining venue, The Restaurant offers our ultimate onboard dining experience. Regional cuisine and always-available classics are served surrounded by sweeping views.

Manfredi's

Inspired by Italy’s beloved trattorias, Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine as well as a private dining room—a perfect opportunity to have an intimate meal with family or friends.

24-Hour Options

Our bakery offers a variety of delicious breads and pastries at any hour. Or enjoy many of our signature dishes in the comfort of your stateroom with 24-hour room service.

Explorers' Lounge

A favorite location on our ocean ships, the Explorers’ Lounge is inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Two levels high and surrounded by panoramic windows, this inviting space is the perfect place to relax with friends, while taking in the scenery.

The Pools

This trio of pools, each at different temperatures, including an indoor-outdoor pass-through swimming experience. The heated main pool is a calming oasis in any weather, protected by a retractable roof for year-round use.

Aquavit Terrace & Bar

Settle in to the Aquavit Bar and share stories with fellow travelers while enjoying an Irish coffee or ship-matured aquavit surrounded by “trees” inspired by Yggdrasil, Norse mythology’s tree of life. The al fresco Aquavit Terrace is directly beyond, surrounding The Pools in the aft of the ship and boasts outstanding views.

The Living Room

Located high on the ship to maximize views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, here guests can listen to classical music or a soothing piano sonata. With Nordic furnishings, relevant and engaging books, and a wall mural of a variety of whales represented to scale, guests will find both comfort and enrichment.

The Library

Tucked in a private alcove of The Living Room, the Library is a literary traveler’s dream. Select from a broad range of titles from world histories to biographies—all curated specifically for these journeys by legendary bookseller, London’s Heywood Hill.

Facilities on this deck:

Owner's Suite & Garden
Explorer's Suite & Garden
Open Deck
Bridge
Lifts

Owner's Suite

Largest suite on board: 1,223 sq. ft. with a 792 sq. ft. private garden lounge area with badestamp
All amenities of the Explorer Suite, plus:
Priority stateroom access
Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
Four guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant (100 days prior to departure)
First priority expedition activity reservations (107 days prior to departure)
First priority booking of spa treatments (100 days prior to departure)
Dinner & guided tour with ship officers (subject to availability)
Large master bathroom, plus one guest bathroom
Separate dining area/board room that seats six guests
Private library, wine & music collections curated by Chairman Torstein Hagen
And more; ask for details

Explorer Suite

Size including Nordic Balcony & private veranda: 580 sq. ft.
11 AM stateroom access
Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
Priority expedition activity reservations (97 days prior to departure)
Three guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant (90 days prior to departure)
Priority booking of spa treatments (90 days prior to departure)
Mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water & snacks, replenished once daily
In-suite binoculars, coffee & Marius-weave blanket
Laundry, dry cleaning, pressing & shoe shine services
Welcome bottle of champagne
Exclusive access to shared Explorer Suite private garden lounge area

Nordic Junior Suite

Size including Nordic Balcony: 322 sq ft
11 AM stateroom access
Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
Priority expedition activity reservations (87 days prior to departure)
Three guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant (80 days prior to departure)
Priority booking of spa treatments (80 days prior to departure)
Mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water & snacks, replenished once daily
In-suite binoculars, coffee & Marius-weave blanket
Laundry, dry cleaning, pressing & shoe shine services
Bottle of champagne

Nordic Penthouse

Size including Nordic Balcony: 269 sq ft
1 PM stateroom access
Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
Priority expedition activity reservations (77 days prior to departure)
Two guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant (70 days prior to departure)
Priority booking of spa treatments (70 days prior to departure)
Mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water & snacks, replenished once daily
In-suite binoculars, coffee & Marius-weave blanket
Pressing & shoe shine services
Bottle of champagne

Deluxe Nordic Balcony

Size including Nordic Balcony: 222 sq ft
2 PM stateroom access
Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
Priority expedition activity reservations (67 days prior to departure)
One guaranteed priority reservation at each alternative restaurant (60 days prior to departure)
Priority booking of spa treatments (60 days prior to departure)
Mini-bar with soft drinks, water & snacks, replenished once daily
In-suite binoculars, coffee & Marius-weave blanket

Nordic Balcony

Size including Nordic Balcony: 222 sq ft
3 PM stateroom access
Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
Expedition activity reservations (60 days prior to departure)
Mini-bar with soft drinks, water & snacks
In-suite binoculars & Marius-weave blanket

Nordic Spa

Relax and take in the scenery from our spa pool, gazing out of floor-to-ceiling windows. Work out in the Fitness Center on a choice of treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes or weight machines. Or, enjoy the sauna, Snow Grotto with its “snow-on-demand” or warming cave.

Badestamp

Following Nordic tradition, our onboard badestamp, located in the Nordic Spa, is a traditional wooden-sided hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. Try the longstanding Scandinavian practice of alternating between hot and cold when bathing to relax and rejuvenate.