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Viking Expedition Vessels - A Full Overview of All the Public Spaces

Updated: Jul 27

Viking Expedition, Viking Cruises, Viking Octantis

Viking has long been known for their river and ocean cruises, and for their onboard enrichment programs. In the more recent years, Viking has begun to dig even deeper into exploration and learning with the creation of their expedition vessels- Octantis and Polaris. These incredible ships take guests on magical journeys to far-flung parts of the globe that most people will never get to experience. From the wilds of the arctic, to the frozen tundra of Antarctica, to deep inside the Great Lakes- Viking is giving guests the chance to be adventurers and explorers onboard these two beautiful ships.


At Harr Travel, we have had the privilege of seeing these amazing vessels up close, and appreciate just how much thought and research has been put into creating the most comfortable and enriching experience for Viking guests. These ships offer some fan favorite spaces, as well as all-new venues that enhance life onboard. Here are all the public spaces onboard both Viking Octantis, and Viking Polaris:



Viking Expedition, Explorer's Lounge, Viking Cruises, Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris

THE HANGER | Expedition cruising is all about exploring the destinations you are visiting up close and personal. The Hanger is the space that houses everything you will need to do just that. Here you will find the zodiacs, kayaks, as well as submarines guests can utilize to explore below the surface and learn even more about the region.


THE SCIENCE LAB | Viking's expedition ships are also active, scientific research vessels. There are onboard scientists who study the flora and fauna of the regions that the ship is traveling to, and can share all their discoveries and findings with the guests throughout the cruise.


THE HIDE | This intimate lounge is a cozy space where guests can enjoy tales by the expedition staff, or informative lectures, as well as whiskey tastings and other complimentary onboard enrichment programs.


GUEST SERVICES | This is where you can talk to the staff about any needs you have, or any questions you may want answered about your voyage. The Viking Expedition staff is highly-trained, and are happy to answer any question you may have during your time onboard.


THE AULA | Inspired by the design of the University of Oslo's auditorium where the Nobel Peace Prize was once presented, the Aula is a large space with stadium-style seating where guests can enjoy movies, documentaries, live music, educational lectures, and more! At the very front of the space are incredible floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the aft the ship and the beautiful Finse Terrace.


FINSE TERRACE | Just beyond the Aula is the Finse Terrace. Here guests can relax in the comfortable sitting areas surrounding the outdoor fire pits, as well as enjoy astronomy nights when they set up telescopes for star-gazing.


NORIC SPA / SALON | The Nordic Spa is the ultimate relaxation space onboard the ship. Here you can book massage and facial treatments, as well as a haircut or hair styling service. Open to all guests is the thermal suite. Here guests can enjoy the nordic circuit such as the ice bucket, sauna, hot stone loungers, and the traditional wooden hot tub.


FITNESS CENTER | The fitness center onboard offers many different styles of workout equipment and weights, as well as fitness classes, so you won't have to change up your workout routine while you are onboard.


EXPEDITION CENTRAL | This is the heart of the ship, and the heart of every expedition. Here guests can gather and you can learn even more about the places you are visiting throughout the world. You can talk with the onboard scientists about the flora and fauna of the region, as well as the discoveries and scientific research being done right there onboard the ship.


THE SHELTER | Located at the very front of the ship, the Shelter is an indoor/outdoor space where guests can sit, relax, and enjoy fresh air- while staying sheltered from any inclement weather.


SUNDECK | All the way at the top of the ship you will find the sundeck space. This large open area offers extra comfy loungers for laying in the sun, as well as cozy sitting areas, making it the perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy the amazing views all around.


WORLD CAFE | This is the main dining option onboard Viking Expedition vessels. The World Cafe is the traditional buffet-style eatery, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here guests can enjoy pastas, pizza, soups, a carving station, a raw bar with sushi and sashimi, fresh baked bread and pretzels, an array of desserts, and even a chocolate fountain.


AQUAVIT TERRACE | The World Cafe extends around to the Aquavit Terrace. This is an indoor/outdoor dining space where you can enjoy your meal from the buffet. In the middle is a large bar offering cocktails and coffee drinks throughout the day.


POOL | Just off the Aquavit Terrace is the pool. The pool is unique, with an indoor and outdoor portion you can access when swimming through a small opening in the glass wall. Once outdoors you can enjoy the main pool, or dip into the hot pool or cold plunge pool for the full nordic circuit experience.


MAMSEN'S | Named after the Hagen family matriarch, Mamsen's is all about delicious home cooking, some dishes created from Mamsen's own recipes. Stop here for a casual bite to eat throughout the day, and be sure to grab some traditional Scandinavian waffles during your cruise.


THE EXPLORER'S LOUNGE | One of the most popular spaces on the Viking Ocean ships is the Explorer's Lounge, so it is no surprise that you can also find this space on the Expedition vessels as well. This is where passengers can relax and take in the amazing views off the front of the ship; but more than that it is a gathering place. Here guests can socialize, grab a drink from the Pap's- the Explorer's bar, or a bite at Mamsen's, and then enjoy a good book or a game with fellow passengers as you sail to distant parts of the world.


THE LIVING ROOM | Locate behind the famed Explorer's Lounge, the Living Room is all about enrichment. Here guests can gather for live music, to listen to guest lecturers, and learn more about the places you are visiting. There is a large tv screen with surrounding seating- a space that can be utilized for the lectures, or for movies throughout the cruise. There is a large curated library and game room in this area as well, making this space a versatile area for relaxation, socialization, and learning.


MANFREDI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT | Named for a Hagen family friend, and cruising pioneer, Manfredi's is the delicious onboard Italian restaurant. Here guests can enjoy delicious handmade pastas, antipasti, and incredible Italian desserts, all cooked in the open-concept kitchen. This is a specialty restaurant, so it does require reservations.


THE RESTAURANT | This elevated dining space offers classic dishes, as well as a la carte options for dinner, including rotating regional and seasonal dishes based off of where in the world you are sailing, as well as what produce is available at that time of the year. This space, while reminiscent of a main dining room, does require reservations.



Booking Your Cruise

Now that you are ready to book your cruise on one of these incredible expedition vessels, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the spaces inside and out, and have an amazing relationship with Viking. Our advisors will craft the cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.



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