The Hangar 

An industry first, this enclosed in-ship marina permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s slipway. Guests can embark on RIBs shielded from wind and waves from a flat, stable surface inside the ship and glide into the water to depart on their excursion. They re-enter The Hangar after excursions via the slipway to the protected marina before disembarking their RIBs.

RIBS

Our two, 12-seater oceangoing RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) are built for exploration. A dual water jet system, individually suspended seats and—when converted to a covered RIB—the option to sit in an enclosed cabin are all industry-leading features.

Zodiacs 

Designed for professional use in the harshest of environments, our fleet of Military Pro zodiacs are reinforced throughout yet comfortable enough for a day of exploring.

Kayaks 

Our 2-seater kayaks offer superb stability and are easy to operate. These Arctic-tested kayaks have a pedal system that lets kayakers glide through the water hands-free, maximizing photo opportunities, or guests can use a paddle if preferred.

Submarines 

Our large-capacity submarines comfortably accommodate 6 guests and a pilot for an incomparable undersea experience. The revolving seats plus nearly 270° spherical windows offer an undistorted view in all directions for every guest.

Viking Expedition Kit

The Viking Expedition Kit provides everything guests need, from the use of boots and binoculars to waterproof pants; plus, for polar regions, a Viking Expedition Jacket to keep. For relevant excursions, specialty items like trekking poles, snowshoes and skis are included with our Viking Excursion Gear.

Technology & Comfort 

Our expedition ships have a dynamic positioning mode that allows them to hover in place when anchoring is difficult, providing guests with more comfortable small craft embarkation for excursions. To further enhance guest comfort, our ships feature both fin stabilizers that reduce rolling while sailing and a U-tank stabilizer that reduces rolling by nearly 50% when the ships are stationary.

Sized for Discovery 

Our expedition ships are optimally sized for expeditions: small enough to navigate remote areas, yet large enough to provide speed, superior handling, and stability in the roughest seas. This is the latest in our legacy of award-winning ships including our Viking Longships®, built for Europe’s great rivers, and ocean ships, designed to dock in ports where larger ships cannot.

Designed for Views

With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. Public rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Aula, our panoramic auditorium, offers 270° views. Staterooms are also designed to maximize observation, from our Nordic Balcony Staterooms to Explorer Suites with verandas and gardens.

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.

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.

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 Bar & Terrace 

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.

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.

Finse Terrace 

Named after the village high on the mountain plateau of Hardangervidda, Norway, here you will find an outdoor paradise with comfortable seating, 270° views of nature around you, and two heated lava stone “firepits” to keep you warm.

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 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.

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.

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.

Exclusive Scientific Partnerships 

Viking has partnered with the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, whose scientists will undertake fieldwork on board our expedition ships and join our voyages to share their expertise with our guests. We have also partnered with the globally recognized Cornell Lab of Ornithology, whose ornithologists will regularly be on board, field testing new observation methods and providing guest advice and interaction.

Viking Resident Scientists 

Our partner institutions provide each expedition’s Viking Resident Scientists. Every journey will be accompanied by a team of at least 25 experts, including our Viking Expedition Team and Viking Resident Scientists, ranging from biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists, oceanographers and ornithologists to polar experts and researchers. These scientists will work in our onboard Laboratory and offer guests a unique opportunity to learn about and participate in ongoing research.

Experienced Expedition Team 

The Viking Expedition Team is led by Jørn Henriksen, who grew up and lived in Arctic Norway for over 45 years and worked there in expedition management for 25 years, and Dr. Damon Stanwell-Smith, a marine biologist with a 27-year career involved with the Antarctic. They are joined by our experienced expedition staff, photographer, and submarine pilots, as well as legendary polar explorers Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft, our ships' godmothers.

Choose from six dining options, all at no additional charge 

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.

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 Norwegian Deli 

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.

Aquavit Bar

Enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate or ship-matured aquavit and relax with new friends in this Viking inspired, light-filled space while taking in the stunning beauty that surrounds you.

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.

Employer of Choice 

Our highly experienced management brings many years of expertise in cruising to your entire journey and handpicks each member of our onboard team. Rigorous training and inspiring leadership make Viking the employer of choice, which allows us to select the very best people to care for you, from stateroom stewards to the Captain.

Warm Hospitality 

We are dedicated to providing warm hospitality to our guests and ensuring everyone feels at home on board our ships. We have the most loyal staff in the industry, and with over 90% returning year after year, you can expect the same quality service every time.

Our Service Guarantee 

At Viking, we have over 9,000 of our own staff worldwide, all devoted to making your stay on board the most memorable possible. We are so confident we will exceed your expectations that we are the only cruise line to guarantee its award-winning service.

Wildlife 

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.

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.

Citizen Science Program

Science is an important aspect of your experience. Participate in collaborative science during your excursions with experiential activities or fieldwork, facilitated via zodiac landings, RIB cruising or submarine journeys. Viking provides every opportunity for our guests to further their understanding of the world around them.

The Viking Age

From 800 to 1066 AD, the Vikings journeyed in their longships to explore and establish trade around Europe. Boldly, they also sailed across the open ocean to settle Iceland and Greenland, even landing in North America—becoming the first Europeans to do so.

Heroic Age of Exploration

In the late 19th and early 20th century, intrepid adventurers set out for the polar regions. Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first man to reach the South Pole in December 1911, and in 1926, he led the first flight over the North Pole.

Heritage of Firsts

Curiosity and wonder continue to drive us today. Building on Norway’s maritime legacy, Viking continues to innovate, first inventing modern river cruising, then reinventing ocean cruising, and now perfecting expedition cruising.

First, we invented modern river cruising. Then, we redefined ocean cruising. Now, experience all the comfort and elegance of our award-winning fleet with an expedition ship built specifically to explore the world's most remote destinations and allow you to immerse yourself in these regions.