Viking Polaris

VIKING CRUISES

ON DECK Route: Arctic to Antarctica Maiden Voyage: 2022 Owner: Viking Cruises Operator: Viking Expeditions Shipyard: Vard www.vikingcruises.com

Marking a major milestone in construction, Viking Cruises has completed the float-out of its second expedition vessel, the 378-passenger Viking Polaris. Due to depart for her maiden season around the Arctic and Antarctica in 2022, the Polar-Class 6 vessel has been moved to another of Vard’s docks for interior fit-out.

Designed by the same nautical architects and engineers behind Viking’s ocean ships, Polaris will feature public areas that are familiar to regular guests as well as new spaces created specifically for expeditions. Across the seven decks, highlights include The Laboratory, a research facility that upholds the group’s commitment to destination-focused learning, and the two-storey Explorers’ Lounge, where guests can take in the surrounding scenery through wraparound windows that extend overhead. Occupying the bow, the circular observatory has its own bar and a small terrace with open-air seating.

Designed in a contemporary Scandinavian style, the vessel’s 189 staterooms feature a Nordic Balcony – a first for polar expedition vessels – in which the sunroom converts into an al fresco viewing platform. The floor-toceiling, distortion-free glass at the very edge of the ship lets guests take the views in while keeping the elements out.

There’s also a panoramic auditorium at the stern; a spa with a sauna, snow grotto, hydrotherapy pool and hot tub; and an array of dining options including World Café, a new market concept with live cooking stations, a bakery, grill and sushi bar.

And in another first, Viking Polaris is equipped with The Hangar, an enclosed in-ship marina that permits the launch of excursion craft through multiple shell doors. Its 85ft slipway enables passengers to embark on RIBs from a stable surface shielded from wind and waves before venturing out on their expedition.