Viking Polaris

Encounter some of nature’s most fascinating wildlife north of the Arctic Circle, from polar bears to walruses, whales, ringed seals and Svalbard reindeer. In Antarctica, guests are likely to see seals and whales, as well as a variety of penguin and migratory bird species. The Great Lakes also house abundant wildlife diversity: moose, black bears, beavers, grey wolves, bald eagles, and a wide range of bird species can be commonly found.

We do on board expedition ships sailing our polar, Great Lakes and Grand Journeys itineraries. We have a fleet of custom designed, easy to operate 2-seater kayaks that feature a pedal system which lets you glide through the water hands-free, maximizing your photo opportunities. (Optional paddles are available, and the seat can be removed and reconfigured for a single guest if requested.)

This onboard area offers a multipurpose space facilitating enrichment experiences with the Viking Resident Scientists. On the wall are felt replicas of the primary avian species that inhabit or migrate to the locations we visit. Here, guests can learn to identify different birds, practice photography techniques, or learn more about their various habits with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s ornithologists—part of our Viking Resident Scientists program.

Viking vessels are generally nonsmoking. In order to accommodate guests who choose to smoke, there is a designated outdoor smoking area. All other areas of the ship, including your stateroom and veranda, are designated nonsmoking areas. Smoking restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes.

For Antarctic expeditions, smoking is not allowed on shore in Svalbard and Antarctica.

Viking welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize there are inherent risks associated with traveling on board ships that are unique to cruise travel. For people who are ill, or have a mental or physical disability or impairment, the risks can be more significant. Guests must be able to independently move around the ship in case of an emergency or rough seas, deal with the lack of immediate access to medical services in certain parts of the world, and acknowledge that access to some areas of the ship and ports of call may be limited or impossible. Shore excursions may require the ability to traverse cobblestones or go up and down stairs. We reserve the right to determine whether a guest is fit to travel and to deny boarding in the event that a guest represents a risk to themselves or to the safety and well-being of those on board the ship.

When you make your reservation, please advise us of any disability that will require special attention while sailing on a Viking cruise and provide a completed Fit to Travel Form along with a physician’s letter. Should you have any medical, physical or other special needs, check the fleet information on our website to gain an understanding of the layout of any particular ship and contact a Viking Expert at 1-855-884-5464 (1-855-8-VIKING) directly with additional questions and to obtain a copy of our policy statement.

In most cases, we can. Every meal has vegetarian options and our chefs will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special requests. Guests requiring special meals (low salt, diabetic, gluten-free or low cholesterol) should alert us 90 days prior to departure over the phone at 1-855-884-5464 (1-855-8-VIKING) or online on the Dietary Restrictions page in your My Viking Journey account. Guests should also inform the Maître d’ when on board.

While we take steps to minimize the risk of cross contamination, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free kitchen.

Wheelchair accommodations & elevators

Guests who have a disability, physical or otherwise, must travel with an able-bodied companion who can assist them as the staff is not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs. Guests need to provide their own wheelchairs, except in an emergency. Wheelchairs must not exceed 22" in width. For details regarding bringing a wheelchair on board, guests must complete the Accessibility Form and return to Viking no later than 30 days prior to departure. Motorized scooters are not typically suitable for international cruises and cannot be accommodated. While our ocean vessels have elevators, there may still be thresholds that could make movement difficult.Contact a Viking Expert at 1-855-884-5464 (1-855-8-VIKING) directly with additional questions and to obtain a copy of our Accessibility Form and policy statement.

You will have the use of a complimentary washer and dryer during your time on board. Irons and ironing boards are additionally available free of charge. 

We have a physician on board all expedition ships. The doctor is available at any time in case of emergency.

The Great Lakes

We ensure we follow the best travel practices and support scientific research to help preserve the wildlife and landscapes of this vast freshwater ecosystem. We support efforts to preserve, promote, and protect the regions and communities we visit, from the United States' National Parks to the Canadian First Nations Peoples with whom we interact.

The Arctic & Antarctic

We work closely with leading organizations to ensure we employ best travel practices, promote awareness, support scientific research and protect the fragile ecosystems and environments in which we travel. Our partnerships with the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology help further scientific research in these remote areas. We are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).