Viking Takes Delivery of Second Expedition Ship, Viking Polaris To Explore Antarctica and the Great Lakes
Travel news shows that Viking has announced that it has taken delivery of the company’s second purpose-built expedition ship, the Viking Polaris®. The delivery ceremony was held at Fincantieri’s VARD shipyard in Søviknes, Norway. This is the same shipyard where Viking’s first expedition ship, the Viking Octantis®, was delivered in December 2021.
The Viking Polaris is now en route to Amsterdam, and she will be named on September 30. Ann Bancroft, one of the world’s preeminent polar explorers, will be her ceremonial godmother.
The Viking Octantis is now sailing in the Great Lakes, will she also be named on September 30. Liv Arnesen, the world-renowned Norwegian explorer, lecturer, author and educator, will be her ceremonial godmother.
From Amsterdam, the Viking Polaris will pivot toward South America, and both ships will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica. When the time comes the ships will then travel north to the Great Lakes for a series of exciting voyages during spring and summer.
Viking Has Taken Delivery of the Viking Polaris
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman of Viking. He said of the Vikings latest accomplishment, “Today is a proud day for the Viking family as we welcome the Viking Polaris to our fleet. These are phenomenal ships, and we are very pleased with the positive reception from guests during the first season of our new expeditions.”
He added, “The great explorer, Ann Bancroft, has honored us by serving as godmother to the Viking Polaris, and we look forward to welcoming her first guests on board later this week.”
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman of Viking
The Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris each host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. The vessels are purpose-built for expeditions, which give them an ideal advantage in terms of safety and comfort while exploring remote destinations.
The signature Viking highlights are many and include the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge area just above sea level. Guests can relax and unwind among lava rock “firepits,” while takin in the spectacular scenery.
The Aula is a beautiful panoramic auditorium with a 4k laser-projected screen where guests can take in lectures, daily briefings, documentaries and films.
The Science Lab, at 380 sq. ft., was designed in partnership with the University of Cambridge supports vital research activities which can be viewed by guests while science is being conducted.
Viking Dining Choices Are Aplenty
Viking ships off top of the line dining options with an array of international flavors. Mamsen’s was named for the Hagen family matriarch and serves Scandinavian-inspired fare while Manfredi’s offers the finest Italian cuisine. World Café is a casual dining option with an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices.
At the end of long and fruitful day of exploration. Guest can avail themselves of the ships famous Nordic Spa. Guests have access to an indoor heated pool as well as wood-sided hot tub that is open to the outside.
Viking Amenities Are Many
All Viking guests have access to The Living Room which features floor-to-ceiling windows and a first class library that is curated by acclaimed London bookshop Heywood Hill, as well as Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute.
And, all staterooms on board Viking’s expedition ships feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera.
There are six stateroom categories to choose from, ranging from 222 sq. ft. to 1,223 sq. ft. These include the Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer Suites (580 sq. ft.) with wood detailing, additional storage and seating, an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, complimentary laundry. Each ship features one Owner’s Suite (1,223 sq. ft.) which features three rooms: a living room, a board/dining room and a bedroom, plus a stunning 792 sq. ft. private deck with a traditional Norwegian badestamp open to the invigorating outdoors.
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