Fans of the Viking Longships sailing on rivers of the world and those who have found Viking Ocean sailings a good fit as well are good candidates for Viking Expeditions too. A version of familiar features found on existing river and ocean vessels will also appear on expedition craft.

The Hangar is an enclosed, in-ship marina from which small excursion craft are launched through the ship’s multiple shell doors. Unique here is an 85 ft. slipway which allows Viking travelers to embark on rigid inflatable boats (RIBS) from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded them from wind and waves. Also in the hangar is a FerryBox, a set of instruments that continuously collect and display data on water quality, oxygen content, plankton composition and more.

The Laboratory highlights the fact that Viking expedition vessels are also working research vessels with an onboard team of Viking Resident Scientists working on a variety of studies. The Laboratory is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities, a sample processing area, fume cupboard, freezer and cool storage, comprehensive microscope optics and extensive bench space for analysis-specific instruments. Viking guests will have supervised access to The Laboratory, which is located in a glass-enclosed mezzanine above The Hangar, to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research.

Expedition Equipment: The Viking expedition experience will include

• A fleet of military pro zodiacs designed for professional use in the harshest of environments;
• A fleet of two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks
• Two 12-seater convertible RIBs.
• Two six-guest submarines that feature revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows
• Viking Expedition Kit will contain items like boots, binoculars and waterproof pants;
• Safety Equipment, such as satellite phones, VHF radios, ropes, life jackets and a comprehensive shore survival kit;
• All guests will receive complimentary use of Viking Excursion Gear, which includes specialty items like trekking poles, snowshoes and skis.

 The Aula & Finse Terrace: On Viking expeditions it’s all about learning at sea with The Aula, a stunning panoramic auditorium at the stern with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views. The Finse Terrace is an outdoor lounge area with comfortable couches and warming lava rock “firepits” – perfect for panoramic views of the surroundings.

Together the two spaces can be combined to create an unmatched indoor-outdoor al fresco experience for guests to be immersed in nature.

Nordic Balcony: A first for polar expedition cruise vessels, all staterooms feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform, sort of like that on new Celebrity Edge. But probably cooler. The Nordic Balcony’s floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass at the very edge of the ship lets guests take in the views and keep the elements out. The top of the panoramic glass lowers to transform the stateroom into a sheltered lookout, with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera.

Choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft to 1,223 sq. ft: Nordic Balcony, Deluxe Nordic Balcony, Nordic Penthouse, Nordic Junior Suite, Explorer Suite and Owner’s Suite.

All staterooms feature a Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.

Expedition Ship Suites: Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer Suites (580 sq. ft) look to be similar to those on Viking’s fleet of ocean ships. Amenities in either space include

• additional storage and seating,
• an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome champagne,
• a fully-stocked mini-bar replenished daily,
• complimentary laundry and shoeshine services,
• priority restaurant reservations and more.

Top end Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda.

Additionally, each ship features one Owner’s Suite, which at 1,223 sq. ft, is twice the size of the Explorer Suites. With the most exclusive accommodations and amenities on board, it features two separate rooms – a living room with six-seat dining table and a bedroom – as well as a 792 sq. ft. private garden with a traditional Norwegian badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) and outdoor dining table.

Aquavit Terrace & Pools: Located at the stern and featuring a retractable glass dome, this indoor-outdoor heated sanctuary will allow guests to be surrounded by their destination as they swim and lounge in three different temperature-controlled pools, including an “inside-out” swimming experience.

The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center: In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Nordic Spa on board is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind – with a thermal suite that features a Sauna, Snow Grotto and chaise lounges, as well as a warm hydrotherapy pool and badestamp (hot tub), surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. A state-of-the-art Fitness Center will also provide the latest equipment and workout gear.

Explorers’ Lounge: Similar to Viking’s ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris have a two-deck Explorers’ Lounge at the bow of the ship, offering the perfect spot for taking in stunning scenery through double-height windows over a mug of mulled wine or glass of Norwegian aquavit.

Dining Choices: Viking’s expedition ships will offer an array of dining options that build on the successful venues from Viking’s ocean ships, but which have been redesigned for expeditions.

• The Restaurant will offer fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics;
• The World Café features live cooking, an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices
• Mamsen’s, named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare;
• Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine;
• 24-hour room service will be complimentary for all guests.

Enrichment On Board and On Shore:  As part of Viking’s commitment to destination-focused learning,

• Viking’s exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will match leading researchers and educators with each expedition.
• The onboard expedition program is designed to prepare guests for their onshore experiences, with more than 25 experts accompanying each journey including the Viking Expedition Team (expedition leader and staff, photographer and submarine pilots) and Viking Resident Scientists (biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists, oceanographers, ornithologists, polar experts and researchers).
• Engaging Onboard Experience- On board, guests will enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about their destination – and engage with working scientists from renowned academic institutions in The Laboratory or participate directly in citizen science programs.
• Engaging Experience Ashore– On shore, guests can assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities during landings – such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns; accompanying scientists to collect samples; or taking their cameras ashore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes.

Sustainable Features: Viking’s expedition ships minimize environmental impact and meet the most stringent emissions and biosecurity standards. Additionally, the straight bow reduces fuel consumption, and a dynamic positioning system enables the ship to hover over the seabed without anchoring, allowing access to pristine environments without damage.

Viking Inclusive Value: Every Viking Expeditions cruise fare includes

• a Nordic Balcony stateroom or suite,
• virtually all shore excursions,
• all onboard meals,
• all port charges and government taxes.
• Beer and wine with lunch and dinner service;
• premium dining reservations;
• lectures;
• Wi-Fi;
• self-service laundry;
• access to The Nordic Spa
• 24-hour room service.
• Charter flights for hard-to-reach locales
• Viking Expedition Gear specialty equipment for land and sea excursions.
• On polar itineraries, guests also receive their own Viking Expedition Kit, which includes everything needed to be comfortable – as well as a Viking Expeditions Jacket to keep.

Coming up in part four of this three part series, (I know, just go with it.) we move along to thoughts on the ship, cruise line and what to look for in small ship cruising.