Viking Polaris

Viking Expedition Cruises runs voyages to some of the most remote, striking places on Earth, pairing real adventure with the refined experience Viking is known for. Expert-led expeditions, purpose-built ships, and a genuine commitment to scientific work bring comfort, learning, and discovery together. Whether you are crossing the icy waters of Antarctica, sailing the Great Lakes, or reaching the wild Arctic, these voyages are built for curious travelers after authentic, meaningful experiences.

Innovative Expedition Fleet and Onboard Experience

Viking's expedition fleet is two purpose-built ships, designed for polar and remote-region travel.

Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris launched in 2022. They are Polar Class 6 ships, built to operate safely in first-year sea ice, and each carries only 378 guests, which keeps things intimate and personal.

The design includes a reinforced straight bow for fuel efficiency and added stability, so the ships handle polar ice and varied expedition conditions well.

Enrichment spaces shape the days. The Aula is a panoramic auditorium for lectures, while The Hangar is an enclosed in-ship marina for launching Zodiacs (inflatable landing boats), kayaks, and two six-guest submarines for underwater exploration.

With its focus on education and scientific work, Viking offers more than sightseeing. You can meet the experts, take part in research, and come away with a deeper grasp of the natural world.

Handpicked Destinations and Expert-Led Exploration

Viking Expedition Cruises builds carefully curated itineraries that bring you to some of the most remote, captivating regions on the planet.

Antarctica voyages reach the untouched landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, among towering icebergs, vast glaciers, and distinctive wildlife, with onboard scientists to explain what you are seeing.

Great Lakes voyages explore one of North America's most varied ecosystems, sailing Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Ontario, with stops in Toronto, Milwaukee, and Quebec City.

Arctic and northern voyages take in the fjords of Norway, the icy waters of Svalbard, and the striking landscapes of Greenland, where polar bears, whales, and dramatic glaciers wait.

Each itinerary is built for depth, with extended time in port, Zodiac landings, and guided excursions that foster a closer connection to the place.

Scientific Discovery and Citizen Science Programs

Viking Expedition Cruises works with leading scientific organizations and research institutions, so you can take part in real research while you travel. That hands-on engagement is a rare chance to contribute to conservation and understand the natural world more closely. You can join in several ways.

Wildlife tracking and observation programs cover whale and seabird monitoring.

Glacial and climate research runs in partnership with respected scientists.

Onboard laboratory studies let you help with data collection and analysis.

That focus on education and conservation makes Viking a strong fit for travelers who want to explore responsibly and learn as they go.

A Curated Selection by Small Ship Travel

We keep our recommendations tight because we book what we know. After a close look at how Viking delivers on adventure, comfort, and sustainability, we were glad to add Viking Expedition Cruises to our collection for its depth of exploration.

Working with Viking, we arrange access, tailored itineraries, and the practical logistics that keep a trip calm rather than complicated. Whether you are drawn to the landscapes of Antarctica, the cultural reach of the Great Lakes, or the drama of the Arctic, we shape the adventure around what you want.

Book With Confidence

Booking through Small Ship Travel brings you advisor guidance, personal service, and added benefits on your Viking Expedition voyage. From pre- and post-cruise hotel stays to private shore excursions and travel logistics, we handle every detail so you can be present for the expedition.

Set out on a remarkable voyage with Viking Expedition Cruises and Small Ship Travel, where adventure, discovery, and comfort come together.

Get in touch and we will start planning your next voyage.