Viking Expedition Ships

The Hangar was designed for this class of ship, and Danny calls it unique in the industry. Guests board the special operations boats from a platform inside, settle into shock-absorbing seats, and roll straight out through the stern marina. Zodiacs handle the landings ashore, kayaks wait nearby, and two yellow submarines take guests below the surface. Large side doors open as well, so getting on and off the water is easy and comfortable.

The Aula is a panoramic auditorium at the aft of the ship, inspired by the University of Oslo hall where the Nobel Peace Prize was once presented. It has stadium-style seating, a 4K laser projector and a giant screen. When the screen rises, floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the scenery for lectures from historians, astronomers and naturalists. Sliding glass walls open onto the Finse Terrace, with couches, sunken fire pits, blankets and wraparound views.

For an expedition ship this size, the Nordic Spa is exceptionally large, and its thermal suite is open to every guest at no extra cost. A large Vitality pool sits at the center, with a cold bucket shower, an experience shower, a steam room, a sauna and the Snow Grotto. Outside there’s a wood-style hot tub and heated stone loungers. There’s also a big fitness center, a yoga studio, a salon and a full treatment menu.

Expedition Central is the hub for everything that happens off the ship. Like a shore excursions desk, the team helps with your choices, but the onboard scientists also share what they’ve found, from bait balls of fish to the day’s submarine dives. Charts, maps and a big screen help explain each region. Life-size bird models, specially commissioned by Viking, are swapped for penguins in Antarctica, and a log tracks recent wildlife sightings.

The World Café is the main dining venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner, relaxed and casual, with made-to-order options. You walk in through an open bakery with fresh bread, pretzels and pizza. Hot dishes rotate daily, alongside a salad bar, charcuterie and fresh fruit. There’s a complimentary sushi bar, a grill that serves burgers at lunch and steaks in the evening, and house-made gelato with a chocolate fountain. Every table gets floor-to-ceiling views.

Fans of Viking’s ocean ships will find the Explorers’ Lounge familiar. It’s open over two levels, with forward-facing views, cozy faux fireplaces, a curated library and digital game tables. Constellations decorate the ceiling. The wraparound Explorers’ Bar is named for the Hagen family patriarch, with photos of famous explorers and clocks from around the world. It’s a social spot for a cocktail before or after dinner, and a step-out deck sits right up front.

The aft pool area sits under a glass roof, with loungers that tuck away, comfy seating and plenty of natural light. In the middle is the tepidarium, a pool guests can swim beneath to pop up outside with the view. On either side are the warm caldarium and the cold frigidarium, a nod to the Nordic tradition of moving between temperatures. Bring food out from the World Café, or stretch out on more loungers at the very back.

The two specialty restaurants are both included in the fare but require reservations, which open based on stateroom category through My Viking Journey. The Restaurant serves à la carte classics plus regional and seasonal dishes. Manfredi’s, named for a friend of Viking’s chairman, serves Italian favorites in a stunning room with an open kitchen and tables for two, four or larger groups. A private dining room between them can be reserved for special occasions.