Here’s a closer look at what it’s like on board.
Courtesy of Viking Cruises
To be honest, Antarctica was never on my must-visit list.
Trudging through knee-deep snow to spot seals or enduring biting winds while hoping to see a humpback?
Viking Polaris in Antarctica.Credit:Courtesy of Viking Cruises
I figured that was somebody elses ideal adventure, not mine.
How wrong I was.
Thats thanks in large part toPolaris, which was launched in 2022.
The Finse Terrace, an outdoor area on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.Courtesy of Viking Cruises
But as plush as the ship may be, it cant compete with the surroundings.
Penguins, whales, and towering icebergs were tantalizingly close, seemingly just a sliding glass door away.
If maximizing your time on terra firma is a priority,Polarismight not be the best choice for you.
A Nordic Junior Suite on Viking Polaris.Courtesy of Viking Cruises
It certainly changed my mind.
Viking Polaris
Staterooms and Suites
Polaris has half a dozen stateroom categories.
(I wouldve liked a volume control for the in-cabin speaker, over which announcements were often made.)
A Nordic Balcony stateroom on Viking Polaris.Courtesy of Viking Cruises
Bedside and deskside outlets have both 110- and 220-volt sockets and USB ports.
(Room service is also complimentary and guests on my sailing were raving about the southern-fried chicken.)
Elsewhere on board, World Cafe is the all-day buffet, with live cooking stations and open kitchens.
Viking Polaris in Antarctica.Courtesy of Viking Cruises
Mamsens is a small restaurant serving Norwegian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.
Across the ship, passengers with food restrictions are welcome to request appropriate substitutions.
Several bars play to the convivial spirit of mostAntarctica-bound passengers.
A Viking expedition in the seas off Antarctica.Courtesy of Viking Cruises
Second in popularity is the Hide, an intimate lounge secreted on Deck 1.
By day, its a quiet spot for reading or undisturbed post-lunch naps.
Vikings 13-day Antarctic Explorer itineraries begin with an overnight in Buenos Aires then a flight to Ushuaia for embarkation.
Penguins at Damoy Point, Antarctica.Courtesy of Viking Cruises
To control capacity on land, both options must be booked in advance.
Still, there were several opportunities to set foot on the seventh continent.
The only activity with an extra cost is a 30-minute dive on one of two submersibles aboard.
Viking guests taking in the view.Courtesy of Viking Cruises
Polarisand its sibling shipOctantisare the only commercial cruise vessels authorized to release weather balloons into the atmosphere.
Accessibility
Two Nordic Junior Suites on Deck 4 comply with ADA regulations.
Passengers on the ice.Courtesy of Viking Cruises
The Explorers' Lounge on Viking Polaris.Courtesy of Viking Cruises