While hiking on Petermann Island, Antarctica, snow flurries delicately descended from the sky. Hundreds of Adelie and gentoo penguins scurried about. A dramatic mountainous landscape stretched in every direction. And all I could do was pause in my tracks and exclaim to my travel companion, “Just look at where we are!”
It was my first time in Antarctica — and also my seventh continent — and I’ve never been so wondrously overwhelmed by a place in my life. Our introductory landing off of Viking Polaris was just the start of several more to come, and I was already deeply in love with the southernmost cruise destination.
I was already familiar with Viking’s expedition vessels, having sailed earlier on Viking Octantis in the Caribbean, but my time on sister-ship Polaris in Antarctica was an even greater showing of the line’s excellence in adventure cruising.
In fact, I’ve never felt safer on an expedition cruise. Whenever disembarking — often from a Zodiac to wet and slippery shores — was particularly challenging, the staff lined up along the path to offer a helping hand to visitors every 10 feet or so to ensure no one ever took a tumble. Given Viking’s mostly mature yet mobile demographic, this was most welcome, and even as a millennial, I appreciated the extra effort that was always made on our behalf.
Exploring Antarctica
The 13-day “Antarctic Explorer” itinerary is bookended by more than a day of sailing the Drake Passage, notoriously known for its rough seas. We lucked out with moderate conditions — not quite the “Drake Lake,” but not the “Drake Shake,” either — both going and returning. Our captain was so conscientious of ensuring a comfortable ride that he made the decision to depart the continent a day early to avoid a weather system other cruise ships chanced — a decision fellow seasickness-prone passengers applauded.
Still, our six days squarely in Antarctica were marvelous, and our 269-square-foot Nordic Penthouse served as a perfect home base back onboard. Viking’s usual Scandinavian style and comforts, especially ample bathrooms and oversize showers, carry over from the line’s larger ocean ships. And Nordic balconies, found only on its expedition ships, encompass more climate-controlled space inside while still opening to the outside by mechanically lowering a window to expose a veranda railing. Also unique to Octantis and Polaris are drying closets common to all cabin categories for storing wet outer garments and boots between jaunts off the ship — and premium Freyja toiletries that extend to much-needed hand lotion, sunscreen and lip balm on Antarctica voyages.
Nordic Penthouses feature the line’s specially designed balconies.
Credit: 2023 Jason LeppertAll excursions are included on Viking expedition trips — landings, Zodiac rides, kayaking, Special Operations Boat trips (a sort of high-speed, high-capacity jet ski that lets guests traverse more area in a short period of time) and, yes, even submarine rides. However, they are all first-come, first-served, and spots on the sub can be difficult to snag.
In my experience, traditional landings and Zodiac cruises are still exciting enough for a full Antarctic adventure. I never once grew tired of seeing penguins in the wild, chock full of playful personality. It was also a bonus that massive but graceful humpback whales frequently flanked the ship, and we saw a wide variety of exotic sea birds.
Onboard Polaris
On the occasional clear and dry day, the ship hosted alfresco barbecue lunches on the sun deck — and what Viking served here were none other than complimentary porterhouse steaks, lobster tails and one-pound burgers. To say that the food on Polaris is hearty (and as healthy as desired) would be an understatement. And the line’s signature Mamsen’s Norwegian deli and standout Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant are also included in the fare.
Daily destination briefings are held in The Aula.
Credit: 2023 Jason LeppertEven the inviting Nordic Spa thermal suite is free to use, and was the perfect interlude between chilly outings. Its toasty indoor thalassotherapy-style pool is lined with panoramic windows, and its badestamp (a traditional Norwegian outdoor hot tub) also offers stunning views. An additional three pools at the Aquavit Terrace are set at various temperatures for all preferences.
Meanwhile, there is plenty of other public space on the ship. Not surprisingly, onboard entertainment is relatively sparse beyond a large library of free on-demand content and occasional film screenings. But The Aula is an architecturally stunning double-level theater with wraparound windows (and the outdoor Finse Terrace behind) overlooking the stern that stages daily briefings and lectures from Polaris’ outstanding expedition staff. Crew interactions are further showcased at The Science Lab and Expedition Central for those looking for a deep dive, but hands-on workshops in the former are no longer offered.
The double-decker Explorers’ Lounge is a great spot to hang out.
Credit: 2023 vikingAdditionally, an expansive double-decker Explorers’ Lounge observation venue is at the forward top of the ship, and The Living Room and The Library are equally scenic just behind. However, the real gem onboard is The Hide, a secondary observation lounge and evening speakeasy-like sipping bar nestled in the bow itself — with cozy seating and angled windows just above the sea where guests can witness the ship cutting through the waves as it navigates to its next great adventure.
More rugged, helicopter-sightseeing and polar-plunge experiences are probably available on other lines visiting Antarctica, but clients looking for the most comfortable (and tasty) way to visit the icy continent should certainly consider Viking.
