Table Of Content
I loved the L-shaped leather seating nook by the window, where I could curl up with a book or a room service meal. (The fried chicken on the in-cabin dining menu is divine!) I used the desk to charge my laptop, but a handy hidden drawer beneath the desktop is the perfect spot to hide your jewelry, should you use the mirror for dolling up for dinner. The ship has three main lounge areas — the midship The Living Room; the forward-facing, two-deck Explorers' Lounge; and the low-level, speak-easy-style The Hide — and all are designed to feel like inviting hangouts in your stylish home. My travel companion, Emily, is not a fan of extreme temperatures, so she chose to float in the spa's heated pool, complete with bubbles at one end.
Viking Polaris Has a Great Fitness Center and Spa
Not surprisingly, onboard entertainment is relatively sparse beyond a large library of free on-demand content and occasional film screenings. But The Aula is an architecturally stunning double-level theater with wraparound windows (and the outdoor Finse Terrace behind) overlooking the stern that stages daily briefings and lectures from Polaris’ outstanding expedition staff. Crew interactions are further showcased at The Science Lab and Expedition Central for those looking for a deep dive, but hands-on workshops in the former are no longer offered.
Onboard Polaris
Cruising Antarctica and the Arctic: Which Expedition Cruise to Choose - Cruise Critic
Cruising Antarctica and the Arctic: Which Expedition Cruise to Choose.
Posted: Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:29:12 GMT [source]
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. Near the hangar is the almost 400-square-foot science laboratory where scientists conduct research. When you're not enjoying an educational excursion (more on that below), there's plenty to explore on Viking expeditions.
Antarctic Explorer
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. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Nordic balconies, as Viking calls them, ensure everyone can hear the blow of minke whale spouts right from bed—just hit a button and the top half of floor-to-ceiling windows recedes, allowing guests to feel the fresh air from the comfort of their couch. Learn about the exciting adventures of Antarctic explorers, including Sir Ernest Shackleton.
NEW! From the Arctic to Antarctica
Like most Viking ships, there was an enormous selection of interesting books to pick from. This legendary speakeasy is the perfect place to hang out, especially during the Drake Crossing since the front location of the Hideout lends to super dramatic water sloshing on the windows. Don't miss the immersive surround shower – a rain showerhead and six side nozzles create a relaxing experience.
What Are the Excursions Like on the Viking Polaris?
I'm somewhere around 65 degrees latitude, sipping a latte and posting photos from my first Antarctica Zodiac ride on Facebook, seated on a leather sofa with a Nordic blanket around my legs. The cruises originate in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and conclude in Ushuaia, Argentina. Come face-to-face with penguins as you explore the rugged beauty of the Falkland Islands. Journey across the Pacific Ocean, dubbed Mar Pacífico by explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Sail the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea, a paradise of emerald islands. Dividing the “Old World” from the “New World,” sail the second-largest of the Earth’s oceans.
On an expedition cruise, the onboard team of naturalists, scientists and lecturers can make or break your trip. You want to listen to people who can impart passion and meaning into their talks, as opposed to someone droning on. 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. 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. The 13-day Antarctic Explorer itinerary begins and ends in Buenos Aires, with six full days (weather permitting) of exploring Antarctica.
Daily Calendar
Given Viking’s mostly mature yet mobile demographic, this was most welcome, and even as a millennial, I appreciated the extra effort that was always made on our behalf. We were lucky to spot numerous whales swimming near the ship and also during kayaking and boat excursions. I loved how graceful they were - moving in and out of the surface with the final tail dipping down into the water. I'm sure the intention is to take guests, especially folks not up for daily Zodiac rides, on scenic cruises to follow whale families and iceberg views. Once in the Zodiac, we'd race to shore for a landing, cruise the sea looking for whales or transfer into kayaks (my favorite) for a quiet paddle. The transfer from the Zodiac to the kayak and back again is not exactly a graceful endeavor, but anyone who wants to paddle must prove their agility in an on-ship trial before being allowed to take their skills to the water.
Discover Matador
It was perfect for taking in the Antarctic landscape and also just to keep active. The Aquavit Terrace was one of my favorite places to chill as it had lots of natural light streaming in from the glass ceiling and walls. I loved that the pool water would be gently sloshing from the ship’s movement, adding to the ambiance of the room.
The infamous Drake Passage, which takes between 36 and 48 hours to cross, can be nausea-inducing, even if it's the "Drake Lake." Here are answers to your most-asked questions about polar cruises and this specific cruise ship, including how, exactly, to dress like an onion. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.
I thank Ingrid and Irene for their insights about their experiences and suggestions for future travelers aboard a Viking expedition ship bound for Antarctica. Onboard Polaris and Octantis, guests will be able to explore the most remote and pristine area on our planet in comfort and luxury. The two ships are part of a change in the expedition cruise industry, which is seeing an increased number of ultra-luxury cruise ships sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula. So far this cruise, the topics have been more focused on relatable topics, like Maps of Antarctica; Penguins, Whales and Mammals, as opposed to 5 Kinds of Krill. While you don't have meals with the expedition staff like you do on some smaller, more rugged expedition ships, the team is available at the Bow and the Explorers Lounge, as well as an area called Expedition Central and The Studio. A list of birds and wildlife seen on the trip is regularly updated; avid birders meet daily.
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. Viking is also unique in that its ship carries two special operations boats. These speed boats were designed with accessibility in mind — they can be boarded more easily than Zodiacs and have comfortable, individual bucket seats with armrests and hand grips. If you're willing to pay several hundred dollars, you can also book an adventure in one of the ship's two six-seater submersibles. Always up for an adventure, I fought my fear of being completely surrounded by water as the driver took us 425 feet below the water's surface to gaze upon exotic starfish and coral.
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