Viking Polaris Cruises & Sailings | CruiseHuddle - CruiseHuddle

Viking Polaris Ocean Cruises & Expedition Voyages

Explore the world's most remote ocean destinations aboard Viking's ice-strengthened expedition ship, built for adventure in 2022.

CruiseHuddle Snapshot

47

Upcoming Sailings

1

Active Listings

$7,995

From

Viking Polaris

The Story

The Viking Polaris represents Viking Ocean Cruises' bold entry into expedition cruising, offering intimate ocean voyages to some of the planet's most extraordinary destinations. Launched in 2022, this purpose-built expedition vessel combines Viking's signature Scandinavian design with ice-strengthened capabilities, welcoming just 378 passengers on journeys that venture far beyond traditional cruise routes.

With a gross tonnage of 30,150, the Viking Polaris strikes an ideal balance between stability and maneuverability. Her ice-strengthened VARD-6 hull design allows her to navigate polar waters and remote ocean regions that larger ships simply cannot reach. The ship's expedition sailings depart from fascinating ports including Buenos Aires, Nuuk in Greenland, and even Toronto and Niagara Falls, positioning passengers for remarkable ocean adventures to Antarctica, the Arctic, and beyond. Current sailings start at $7,995, offering access to these bucket-list destinations with Viking's all-inclusive approach.

The Viking Polaris appeals to curious travelers who want more than a traditional cruise experience. If you're drawn to wildlife encounters, dramatic coastal landscapes, and the thrill of exploring remote ocean territories, this ship delivers. The smaller passenger count creates an intimate atmosphere where you'll actually get to know your fellow travelers, while the expedition focus means you'll spend your days exploring rather than lounging by the pool. With expert expedition teams, Zodiacs for shore landings, and enrichment programs that bring destinations to life, the Viking Polaris transforms ocean cruising into true exploration.

Ready to plan your expedition? Browse the 49 upcoming Viking Polaris sailings on CruiseHuddle and connect with other ocean cruisers who've experienced this remarkable ship.

Onboard Highlights

🔭

The Aula Observation Lounge

A dramatic glass-walled lounge with 270-degree views, ideal for polar scenery and Northern Lights.

❄️

Ice-Strengthened Polar Class Hull

Purpose-built VARD-6 hull design allows safe navigation through Antarctic and Arctic ice fields.

🛶

Special Operations Boats & Kayaks

Fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks launched from an in-ship marina for close-up expedition exploration.

🍽️

The Restaurant & World Café

Flexible dining venues serving regional and international cuisine with open-seating flexibility.

♨️

Nordic Spa With Infinity Pool

Heated infinity pool, sauna, and snow grotto offer a Scandinavian-style thermal retreat at sea.

🔬

The Science Lab Onboard

Dedicated laboratory space lets guests join citizen-science projects alongside onboard researchers.

Departures

Upcoming Sailings

Active Listings

Find Your Crew

By the Numbers

Ship Specifications

📅 Year Built

2022

👥 Passengers

378

👨‍✈️ Crew

260

🏢 Decks

7

🛏️ Cabins

189

⚖️ Gross Tonnage

30150 gt

📏 Length

203 m / 666 ft

↔️ Beam

24 m / 79 ft

⚡ Speed

18 kn / 33 km/h / 21 mph

🏳️ Flag

Norway

🔧 Builder

VARD shipyards (Tulcea Romania and Soviknes-Alesund Norway)

🏷️ Ship Class

ice-strengthened expedition ship (VARD-6)

🎀 Christened By

Ann Bancroft

⚓ Sister Ships

Viking Octantis

Questions

Viking Polaris is an ice-strengthened expedition ship designed for polar and remote ocean regions. With just 378 passengers and specialized equipment like Zodiacs, she focuses on exploration and destination immersion rather than traditional cruise ship entertainment and amenities.
Viking Polaris specializes in expedition voyages to polar and remote ocean regions. Departure ports include Buenos Aires for Antarctic expeditions, Nuuk in Greenland for Arctic adventures, and Toronto/Niagara Falls for Great Lakes and coastal explorations leading to ocean expeditions.
Viking Polaris sailings currently start at $7,995. Pricing varies based on itinerary, cabin category, and season. Viking's fares typically include shore excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and beverages, making them more all-inclusive than traditional ocean cruise pricing.
While Viking Polaris offers excellent service and comfort, expedition cruising differs significantly from traditional cruising. First-timers should be prepared for active exploration, potentially challenging weather conditions, and a focus on destinations over onboard entertainment. It's ideal for adventurous travelers.
With only 378 passengers, Viking Polaris offers an intimate, upscale expedition experience. Expect Scandinavian-inspired design, expert expedition staff, enrichment lectures, and daily excursions via Zodiac boats. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, attracting curious, well-traveled guests.
Beyond the fare

What Viking Ocean Cruises actually costs

These rates apply fleetwide across Viking Ocean Cruises.

Verified July 2026
Gratuities are included in the fare

Unlike most mainstream lines, Viking Ocean Cruises folds crew gratuities into the ticket price — so a fare that looks expensive next to a budget line may not be.

Gratuities included; Viking also includes Wi-Fi, beer/wine at lunch and dinner, and one shore excursion per port.

Published rates, not a quote. Cruise pricing changes frequently — confirm with the cruise line before booking.

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