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We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. And that atmosphere of fun exploration and camaraderie, while still living large, is why I'm so happy that I went with Viking for my first Antarctica trip. I still want that excitement and adventure that Antarctica brings, but without the pressure to wear myself out. Viking is bringing people to Antarctica with a minimum of stress -- and I see that as appealing to a wide swath of travelers. We did go out that morning and were rewarded with fabulous icebergs, some as high as office buildings, in all kinds of sculptural formations.
Onboard Polaris
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click here. I'm somewhere around 65 degrees latitude, sipping a latte and posting photos from my first Antarctica Zodiac ride on Facebook, seated on a leather sofa with a Nordic blanket around my legs. Sail the Drake Passage; its waters are among the coldest and the deepest on Earth. The World Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and does not require a reservation.
Researchers on Viking Expedition Ship Discover New Penguin Colony in Antarctica - TravelPulse
Researchers on Viking Expedition Ship Discover New Penguin Colony in Antarctica.
Posted: Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Viking Polaris has Fewer Landings, But You Aren't As Rushed
Pass through the scenic Canadian Maritimes, sail along the famed St. Lawrence Seaway and visit historic cities along the East Coast. Navigate the striking Chilean Fjords, before exploring the icy realm of Antarctica. Once in the Zodiac, we'd race to shore for a landing, cruise the sea looking for whales or transfer into kayaks (my favorite) for a quiet paddle. The transfer from the Zodiac to the kayak and back again is not exactly a graceful endeavor, but anyone who wants to paddle must prove their agility in an on-ship trial before being allowed to take their skills to the water.
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Instead, our shipmates on this no-kids-allowed ship were mainly retired couples with the occasional family group of older parents with adult (30-plus) children looking to visit a bucket list destination in safety and comfort. Some of us might have been a tad disappointed that guests couldn't participate in most of the real data collection on board. The consolation is knowing that your vacation dollars are doing more than putting money in the pockets of travel company owners — they're funding actual scientific research, as well. The ship's working lab is off-limits to passengers except for a few times during a cruise when they're welcomed in to look at microplastic samples or phytoplankton under microscopes. These events were always well attended, so much so that sometimes it was hard to get a good view of the scientists.
Observe the wildlife of South Georgia and keep watch for king penguins and seals. Explore the waterways of Charleston by kayak and search for Low Country birdlife. Discover hidden inlets by kayak or admire scenic vistas while hiking historic trails. Set out by kayak to explore the waterways of Greenland’s coast or embark on a hike.
That's because IAATO -- the organization that regulates tour operators in Antarctica -- limits the number of people who can be at landing sites at the same time. To be able to get all passengers on land, Viking Polaris needs two consecutive time slots at each site, which can be difficult to snag during the short high season. The company, under the leadership of Chairman Torstein Hagen, started out by modernizing river cruising. Viking then took on ocean sailings with a remarkably well-designed series of 930-passenger ships, meant to appeal to a more intellectual type of traveler who still wants plenty of amenities. Witness stunning vistas, unique wildlife and diverse cultures as you journey on a memorable voyage from the Earth’s far north to the extreme south. Admire Nuuk’s rugged beauty and the icy wilderness of the Canadian High Arctic.
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Sail in the wake of intrepid explorers as you traverse the waters of the Chilean fjords. Sail the legendary waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the route of explorers for centuries. Celeste was not the only crew member to go above and beyond to make our stay on Viking Polaris memorable.
Viking Polaris Has a Great Fitness Center and Spa
The Viking Octantis will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, before traveling north to be named in April 2022 in New York City by her ceremonial godmother, Liv Arnesen, the world-renowned Norwegian explorer and educator. Arnesen became the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 1994. She sailed on board the Viking Octantis for the ship’s first two expeditions to Antarctica and recorded a special video message to welcome guests, which can be viewed here. And while every expedition ship in Antarctica sets sail with an expedition team, only Viking employs a full-time crew of scientists who record actual data on board and send it off to the line's research partners to analyze.
Viking Marks Third Expedition Season in Antarctica - Cruise Industry News
Viking Marks Third Expedition Season in Antarctica.
Posted: Wed, 29 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
It currently houses 16 kayaks, 17 zodiacs, two special operations boats, and two yellow submarines (named John and Paul, as if there were any other option; the Polaris will have George and Ringo). One place where Viking Polaris passengers benefit from the larger size is in the extra amenities, such as the fitness center and spa. Similar to Viking's ocean ships, Viking Polaris' fitness center has two rooms, one with cardio and weight equipment and the other with mats for yoga. Our SOB trip brought us within 20 meters of humpback whales, so close that we could hear them as they dove. The SOB itself is a game changer, and Viking is the only cruise line that has boats like this.
Celebrate an unforgettable holiday season on this ultimate adventure that features two additional days of discovery on the Antarctic peninsula. Witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, massive icebergs and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing. In the footsteps of explorers such as Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott, you will be one of the few to discover the world’s last truly wild frontier. Each day brings new surprises and the opportunity to change plans to maximize wildlife sightings and adapt to ever-changing weather. The 13-day “Antarctic Explorer” itinerary is bookended by more than a day of sailing the Drake Passage, notoriously known for its rough seas.
This ultimate adventure takes you to the Antarctic peninsula, where you will witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, immense icebergs and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing. Excursions include scenic outings to view wildlife and scenery; trips to Antarctica, where guests explore the area; submarine trips down to the ocean’s depths; and kayaking. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Maximize the value of your overseas flight and enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. On an Antarctica cruise, you spend a perhaps surprising amount of time on your cruise ship. It takes nearly two days each way to wend your way through the Beagle Channel and sail through the rocking and rolling Drake Passage between Ushuaia, Argentina, and the Antarctic peninsula with no stops.
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. Viking has started its third expedition season in Antarctica with the arrival of the Viking Octantis and her sistership, the Viking Polaris, to the Antarctic Peninsula. The two expedition cruise ships will spend the entire southern summer sailing around the white continent. In addition to being comfortable passenger cruise ships, Octantis and Polaris are research vessels.
But when you are actually in Antarctica and facing the prospect of donning multiple layers to go out into the snow on a Zodiac, the less frantic pace can be delightful. By Day 4 of our exploration time, fewer passengers were showing up for the Zodiac cruises. The windy conditions and driving sleet proved to be a deterrent to many people, who would rather stay warm with a leisurely breakfast. Viking is known for its well-designed ships that sport Scandinavian designs with soft colors. The ships’ configurations and artful design elements create a comfortable, relaxing environment. Furthermore, the expedition ships have impressive artwork, including paintings, photography, and sculptures, many celebrating Norwegian culture.
Since there are no formal nights aboard Viking ships, guests are encouraged to dress in “elegant casual” attire in the evenings. Outside, the ship has plenty of lounging space, with comfortable seating and firepits, on the deck and the Shelter (a covered outdoor space with seating). Learn about the exciting adventures of Antarctic explorers, including Sir Ernest Shackleton. I admit I was nervous about spending 11 nights on a cruise ship in the middle of nowhere, but by the time we disembarked in Ushuaia, I found I was a bit teary about leaving. The ship had quickly become my home, and the crew and my shipmates my family, and I knew I would miss them all. The friendly ethos of the crew quickly spread to the guests — or maybe Viking passengers self-select for congeniality.
Viking Octantis will sail cruises from Milwaukee, Toronto, and Duluth, while Viking Polaris will sail cruises from Toronto, New York, Milwaukee, and Duluth. Viking operates two identical state-of-the-art Polar Class 6 Expedition ships, Octantis and Polaris, each carrying 378 guests. Come face-to-face with penguins as you explore the rugged beauty of the Falkland Islands.
Uncover the rich and intriguing whaling history of Red Bay and its surrounding waters. Set out to explore the stunning polar landscapes of the remote Canadian High Arctic. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don’t cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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