South America Adventure: Viking Polaris Ship Review and Behind-the-Scenes Tours

This is more than a blog; it is a detailed ship guide. It is long and has a lot of content. If you’re interested in a specific area, use the table of contents to jump directly to cabins, dining, public spaces, or behind-the-scenes tours.

In This Guide:

• Introduction
  • Patagonia and Viking Expedition Cruise
  • Why We Chose Viking
• Viking Polaris
• Cabin Overview
  • General Cabin Information
  • Why We Chose Junior Suite
• Cabins
• Why We Chose the Junior Suite
• Public Areas
• Behind the Scenes Tours
  • Bridge
  • Galley
  • Hangar
  • Science Lab/Balloon Launch
  • Laundry
• Pink Bear Rating
• Final Thoughts

This guide focuses on the Viking Polaris expedition ship and our experience on our Argentina and Chilean Fjords cruise.  To follow our entire South American retirement adventure, go to:

South American Retirement Adventure

Introduction 

Patagonia and Viking Expedition Cruise Choice

The main attraction on a vacation to Patagonia is the natural beauty.  There are immense fjords filled with towering rock walls, icebergs, and glaciers.  The Chilean Fjords are a network of inlets and channels stretching over 1,600 km across the southern tip of Patagonia. Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords have been on the Pink Bear bucket list for many years. 

For retired senior travelers, one of the easiest ways to visit Patagonia and the Chilean fjords is a cruise.  Cruises offer the opportunity to unpack once and experience many different areas. Most details are taken care of by the cruise line,  including itinerary, meals, and entertainment. For us, like many experienced senior travelers, we are no longer interested in cruising on large party ships with masses of people. 

For a trip to Patagonia and Chilean fjords, luxury or expedition cruises were our best options.  In Patagonia, expedition cruises prioritize active exploration and remote access using small, maneuverable ships and many direct from the ship excursions. In contrast, luxury cruises focus on high-end, resort-style experiences, but their larger ships often limit close-up access to narrow fjords and landing sites.  As healthy, active seniors, the expedition cruise was much more appealing than the luxury cruise.

Why We Chose Viking

Many cruise lines offer expedition cruises to the Chilean Fjords. Some of the best-known operators include Viking Cruises, Quark Expeditions, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea, and Seabourn. While each company has its own strengths, they all share a common goal: taking travelers beyond traditional cruise ports and providing opportunities to explore remote regions through Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters, and expert-led excursions. When planning our Patagonia adventure, Pink Bear spent considerable time comparing expedition cruise options. We ultimately selected Viking because it offered the combination that best matched our travel style. Viking offers casual comfort as well as the more adventurous expedition experience. At our age, while we want a more intimate expedition experience, we are not looking for aggressive adventure travel. We had previously traveled on Viking River cruises and were familiar with their style.  Viking offered an expedition cruise to Argentina and the Chilean fjords on the Polaris, and that was our ultimate cruise choice.

Our South America Itinerary

• Buenos Aires, Argentina (4 days)
• Iguazu Falls, Argentina (3 days)
• Buenos Aires Pre-cruise with Viking (1 day)
• Viking Polaris Expedition Cruise (12 days)
• Santiago, Chile (3 days)

Viking Polaris – Overview

This blog will focus on our experience, but I would also like to provide some facts and general information about Polaris first. I believe that this basic understanding will help the reader appreciate our experience.

The Viking Polaris is one of Viking’s purpose-built expedition ships, designed specifically for exploring some of the world’s most remote destinations. Launched in 2022, she was built to navigate polar regions, Antarctica, the Arctic, and expedition destinations such as Patagonia, the Chilean Fjords, and the Great Lakes.

Unlike traditional cruise ships that focus on entertainment and bigger-than-life attractions, the Polaris is designed around exploration, science, and destination immersion. With a capacity of just 378 guests, the ship offers a much more intimate experience than the mega-ships that carry thousands of passengers.

Quick Facts

• Entered Service: 2022
• Guest Capacity: 378 passengers
• Crew: Approximately 256
• Length: 665 feet (203 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: Approximately 30,150 GT
• Expedition Equipment:
• Fleet of Zodiac landing craft
• Special Operations Boats (SOBs)
• Kayaks
• Two six-passenger submarines
• Science laboratories and research facilities
• Polar Class 6
• All-veranda staterooms

Viking Polaris Deck Overview

Deck	Highlights
Deck A	Hangar Expedition Access
Deck 1	Hangar, Manfredi’s, The Restaurant, Guest Services, The Hide
Deck 2	Cabins, Spa, Fitness Center, Aula, Expedition Central
Deck 3	Cabins, Aula, Gift Shop
Deck 4	Cabins, Explorer’s Lounge
Deck 5	Mamsen’s, World Cafe, Aquavit Terrace, Outdoor pool, Living Room, Explorer’s Lounge
Deck 6	Owner’s Suite, Explorer Suites

Cabin Overview

General Cabin Information

Viking cabins focus on comfort, functionality, and efficient use of space. The result is a stateroom that feels more like a high-end Scandinavian hotel room than a traditional cruise ship cabin. We have found cabins on Viking cruises to be some of the most comfortable in the cruise industry and one of the many reasons we keep coming back to Viking.

Another thing we like about Viking is that every stateroom on the Viking Polaris includes a Nordic balcony. All the cabins feature Viking’s enclosed balcony design instead of a traditional outdoor veranda. There are also no interior cabins, which means every guest has access to natural light, fresh air, and the incredible expedition cruise scenery.

The accommodations on Polaris range from comfortable Nordic Balcony staterooms to spacious Owner’s Suites, allowing travelers to choose the level of luxury and space that best fits their budget and travel style.

Cabin Choices at a Glance

Key Cabin Features We Enjoy:

• Nordic balcony
• Comfortable sitting area with couch and desk
• Lap blanket
• King-size Bed (convertible to two twins)
• 55-inch flat-screen television
• Complimentary Wi-Fi/USB outlets
• Individual climate controls
• Mini bar stocked with beverages and snacks
• Coffee maker (Nespresso) with premium coffee and tea selections
• Binoculars
• Robes and slippers
• Toiletries/Hair dryer
• Heated bathroom floors and towel rack
• Spacious glass-enclosed shower
• Ample storage (plenty of closet space, dresser and under bed storage)

Some Key Suite Benefits

• 11:00AM Priority cabin access
• Early access expedition booking (varies based on category)
• Additional reservations for The Restaurant and Manfredi’s (varies based on category)
• Mini bar with alcoholic beverages
• Bridge tour invitation

Why We Chose the Junior Suite

As part of our retirement travel strategy, we allow ourselves a certain degree of luxury, as our budget allows.  That includes booking larger hotel rooms and ship cabins.  For this cruise Pink Bear assessed cabin size, features and benefits and we agreed the Junior Suite was a good choice.  The price for the Junior Suite was more than the Nordic balcony but not as steep as the Explorer or Owner’s suite.  We did a cost benefit analysis and the Junior Suite won. We were very happy with our choice, so much so that we booked another Junior Suite on the Polaris to Greenland.

Some of the features we especially like about the junior suite as compared to regular Nordic Balcony cabins were:

• The larger sitting room area
• The larger bathroom
• Double sinks in the bathroom
• Extra width between bed and dresser
• Priority dining and spa reservations
• Bridge Tour invitation

As far as cabin location, we chose cabin 4040 located mid-ship.  We absolutely loved this location.  It was one deck below and convenient to the World Cafe.  I loved that I could run up and grab a coffee any time of the day or night.

Public Areas

One thing we love about an expedition cruise is the size of the ship.  There is plenty of room to roam without being overwhelming.  The Polaris is well laid out and easy to get around, there are only 6 decks.

Viking Polaris Public Areas at a Glance

Deck	Highlights
Deck A	Hangar Expedition Access
Deck 1	Hangar, Manfredi’s, The Restaurant, Guest Services, The Hide
Deck 2	Spa, Fitness Center, Indoor Pool, Aula, Expedition Central
Deck 3	Aula, Gift Shop
Deck 4	Explorer’s Lounge
Deck 5	Mamsen’s, World Cafe, Aquavit Terrace, Outdoor pool, Living Room, Explorer’s Lounge
Deck 6	Owner’s Suite, Explorer Suites

Hangar

The Hangar is one of the most unique features of Viking expedition ships.  It is the heartbeat and beginning of all the excursions. 

Manfredi’s

Manfredi’s is the Viking signature table service Italian restaurant.  It is a bright and inviting space with floor to ceiling window, so you have dinner with a view.  Everything we tried was delicious, we especially liked the fresh bread, caprese salad and decadent desserts.  The only thing a bit disappointing was that the menu was basically the same every night we went there.  Therefore after a few times on a 12 day cruise it became repetitive.

The Restaurant

The Restaurant is the Viking signature table service restaurant.  It offers fine dining with a view.  All our meals were excellent, and the food was fresh and tasty.  The menu varied; however, we found the selections to be somewhat limited over a longer cruise.

The Hide

The Hide is a hidden, quiet observation lounge located at the very forward bow of the Viking Polaris on Deck 1. Sitting nearly at the waterline, it provides dramatic views of the ocean waves and passing scenery.  Because it is intentionally designed as a secret, you won’t find it easily.

To find it:

·  Go to Deck 2 Forward.

·  Locate the forwardmost stairs or elevators and proceed down to Deck 1.

·  Walk all the way down the forward hallway until you reach a steel door simply stamped with “The Hide”

Nordic Spa

The Nordic Spa on the Viking Polaris is a complimentary, Scandinavian-style wellness sanctuary. It features an open-air hot tub, an indoor hydrotherapy pool with an “inside-out” pass-through, a snow grotto, a sauna, steam rooms, and heated loungers.  The entire thermal suite and Nordic bathing area is free to use for all passengers. Additional services like massages, facials, and grooming at the hair salon incur an extra charge

Aula

On the Polaris the Aula is a state-of-the-art, two-deck-high panoramic auditorium and theater located at the aft (rear) of the ship. It serves as the primary hub for learning, lectures, and daily expedition briefings.

Expedition Central

Expedition Central on the Polaris serves as the central planning and consultation hub for all expedition activities. Located on Deck 2, it is where guests interact with the onboard expedition team, marine biologists, and guides.

Explorer’s Lounge

On the Polaris, the Explorers’ Lounge is a two-story forward-facing observation venue spanning Decks 4 and 5. It serves as the ship’s primary indoor hub for relaxation, offering panoramic views.  In the lounge there is a bar that serves coffee and signature cocktails.  There is an area known as the library that has an array of books and puzzles.  Reading and jigsaw puzzles is a favorite past time for passengers on Viking expedition ships.

World Cafe

The World Café on the Polaris is the ship’s largest dining venue. It operates like an upscale, market-style buffet. Located aft on Deck 5, it provides a casual dining environment with floor-to-ceiling windows and direct access to al fresco seating on the Aquavit weather permitting.

Main Features

·  Live Cooking Stations: Open kitchens where chefs prepare fresh dishes to order

·  The Grill Section: Serves made-to-order premium items like steaks, lamb chops, burgers, and lobster tails.

·  Sushi & Seafood Bar: Fresh sushi, sashimi, rolls, and cold seafood.

·  Bakery & Dessert Station: Offers fresh pastries, a dedicated bread counter, and a gelato bar that crafts rolled ice cream sundaes.

In addition to standard items at cooking stations and grill, there are daily specials, often rotating based on the geographic region the expedition ship is exploring.   Our favorite feature is the Grill made to order steak and lobster tails.  The World Cafe is one of the most impressive buffets we have experience on our cruise travels.

Mamsen’s

On Polaris Mamsen’s is the small cafe across from the World Cafe.  It provides waffles and light breakfast items as well as a light lunch and late-night snacks.

Aquavit Terrace Pool Area

The Viking Polaris features a unique pool area at the aft of the ship. It consists of interconnected indoor/outdoor pools at the Aquavit Terrace on Deck 5. Designed for soaking and taking in polar views rather than swimming, these varying-temperature pools allow guests to comfortably swim in cold climates while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Behind the Scene Tours

Bridge

Pink Bear thinks the Bridge is one of the most exciting and interesting parts of a cruise ship, and we agree.  So when we received a call inviting us to tour the Bridge of Polaris we jumped at the chance.  We love to take bridge tours since they offer a chance to learn about the advanced technology and navigation technics and even learn a bit about the captain controls these massive cruise ships.  Having a chance to visit the bridge of an expedition ship was even more exciting. Unlike bridge tours on many cruise ships that have a cost associated, bridge tours on expedition ships are by invitation and they are free. I am guessing they are offered to suite guests first, so it is another reason we are happy we booked a suite.

We met our tour group on Deck 1 near Guest Services. It was a small group of only 6 people.  We were escorted to the bridge and were shown some of the controls and their operation.  We briefly met the captain, but he was busy and had to rush off so I did not get a photograph. Standing on the bridge and gazing out over the vast ocean was a spectacular experience.  If given the opportunity I would recommend jumping at it.

Galley

The galley tour on Polaris was offered once we were on board.  We signed up via the Viking app and were given a date and time. It was a popular tour and so we were broken in two groups of about 10-15 each.  All the food on Polaris is made fresh on board, including the gelato, breads, cakes, soups, meat and fish dishes.  We also learned about cleaning and food storage.  Finally we visited the crew dining area. Viking food service is an impressive operation.  We have found the food on Viking ships to be some of the best at sea.

Hangar

A tour of the Hangar was offered once during our cruise and sign up was via the Viking app.  It was a large group and after we were escorted into the Hanger storage area we mostly walked though on our own.  There were crew available to answer questions.

Science Lab

The Polaris features a state-of-the-art, Science Lab designed in collaboration with academic institutions like the University of Cambridge and Cornell. It serves as an active research center where experts conduct fieldwork and host interactive sessions.  Once during each expedition cruise a weather balloon is launched, and this is where prep and monitoring occurs.

Balloon Launch

Laundry

Laundry is boring task, but touring the laundry facilities aboard the Polaris was anything but boring.  The massive amount of laundry that is processed daily is incredible.  Because so much laundry must be handled daily, the machinery is high tech and impressive.  I was particularly impressed with how sheets are processed and pressed.

Pink Bear Retirement Vacation Rating:

⭐ Retirement Comfort Level: 10/10 – Viking is a wonderful choice for active retirees
⭐ Adventure Level: Calm/Moderate/Active  – Viking does a wonderful job accommodating all levels of fitness
⭐ Pink Bear Approved: Yes

⭐ Submarine Experience: 10/10 (if your budget allows)

⭐ Behind the Scenes Tours: 10/10

⭐ Cabin: 10/10

⭐ Public Areas: 10/10

Final Thoughts

Before this trip, we spent a lot of time researching the Viking Polaris and expedition cruising. We found plenty of marketing information, but not much that showed what it was really like to live on the ship for almost two weeks. Hopefully this blog helps answer some of those questions.

What impressed us most about the Polaris was how well Viking balanced expedition travel with comfort. During the day we were boarding Zodiacs, exploring glaciers, and learning from the expedition team. Then we would return to a comfortable cabin, enjoy a good meal, relax in the spa, or watch the scenery from the Explorer’s Lounge.

The ship is not about waterslides, casinos, or constant entertainment. It is about the destination. Everything on board seems designed to support exploration while still providing the comfort that many travelers appreciate.

Would we sail on the Polaris again? Absolutely. In fact, we already have another Polaris cruise booked to Greenland. That probably says more than any review I could write.

As for Pink Bear, she gives the Viking Polaris two paws up and a spot near the top of her retirement travel favorites list.