GRAND DESIGNS

GRAND Designs GRAND Designs

Journalist Oonagh Turner reviews the design features Journalist Oonagh Turner reviews the design features incorporated into the new Viking expedition ships incorporated into the new Viking expedition ships

Left: Viking guests will have the opportunity to explore their surroundings via kayak, submarine, Left: Viking RIB and zodiac guests will have the opportunity to explore their surroundings via kayak, submarine, RIB and zodiac Making waves from 2022, Viking Expeditions will be launching two brand new purpose-built Polar Class 6 expedition ships, Viking Octanis and Viking Polaris, both stateof-the-art vessels that look to the Making waves from 2022, Viking Expeditions will be launching two brand future of cruise travel. Designed by new purpose-built Polar Class 6 the nautical architects responsible expedition ships, Viking Octanis for Viking ocean ships, these vessels and Viking Polaris, both statewill bring another two luxury of-the-art vessels that look to the vessels to the fleet, both with that future of cruise travel. Designed by signature Viking stamp. Both the nautical architects responsible ships are set to make their maiden for Viking ocean ships, these vessels voyages in 2022, with Viking will bring another two luxury

Octanis setting sail to Antarctica vessels to the fleet, both with that in January, and Viking Polaris signature Viking stamp. Both headed on the Arctic Adventure ships are set to make their maiden journey in August 2022. voyages in 2022, with Viking Doubling as luxury cruise ships Octanis setting sail to Antarctica and research vessels, both Viking in January, and Viking Polaris

Octanis and Viking Polaris have the headed on the Arctic Adventure space to host up to 378 guests in journey in August 2022. 189 elegant and stylish staterooms. Doubling as luxury cruise ships

Guests can expect a similar format and research vessels, both Viking and design to other Viking vessels, Octanis and Viking Polaris have the but the difference is that these ships space to host up to 378 guests in are tailored to expedition cruising. 189 elegant and stylish staterooms.

This means straight bows, longer Guests can expect a similar format hulls and fin stabilisers for cutting and design to other Viking vessels, straight through the roughest but the difference is that these ships waves, as well as ice-strengthened are tailored to expedition cruising.

Polar Class 6 hulls and u-tank This means straight bows, longer stabilisers to significantly decrease hulls and fin stabilisers for cutting rolling by 50 percent while straight through the roughest stationary. The Viking Expedition waves, as well as ice-strengthened ships promise to minimise Polar Class 6 hulls and u-tank environmental impact, prioritising stabilisers to significantly decrease the protection of the most remote rolling by 50 percent while regions in the world. The bow stationary. The Viking Expedition on the ships has been designed ships promise to minimise to reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact, prioritising a dynamic positioning system the protection of the most remote regions in the world. The bow AUTUMN 2020 | VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK 21AUTUMN 2020 | VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK 23on the ships has been designed to reduce fuel consumption and a dynamic positioning system

means the ship is able to hover over the seabed without needing to anchor.

Elevating the Viking cruise ship to a whole new level means both vessels are kitted out with the latest expedition equipment. New additions onboard include the hanger station – an in-ship marina to allow the launch of small excursion craft and an 85ft slipway that allows guests to embark on RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) from a flat surface inside the ship to avoid getting wet. Other state-of-the-art expedition equipment includes a fleet of military pro zodiacs designed for professional use in such harsh climates. Onboard there is a fleet of two-seater Arctictested kayaks and two 12-seater convertible RIBs. The ships will also feature two six-guest yellow submarines with revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows for a once-in-a-lifetime underwater

experience. Guests will be provided with everything they need in their Viking Expedition Kit. This will contain boots, binoculars, and waterproof overalls. Guests will also be able to make use of complimentary trekking poles, snowshoes and skis.

Aside from the usual Viking onboard amenities, the vessels’ laboratory is a ground-breaking addition that will ensure guests are fully immersed in their surroundings. Developed in consultation with Cambridge University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, The Laboratory has been expertly designed so that guests can participate in every level of scientific research. On board every expedition will be over 25 experts and scientists in a broad range of disciplines, from marine biology and glaciology to botany and ornithology. The team will help assist in fieldwork while ashore, will support activities like monitoring birds to identify migration patterns, and will also bring their wealth of professional photography experience.

Captaining the expedition team is Jorn Henriksen, Director of Expedition Operations, who grew up and lived in Arctic Norway and brings his heritage and experience to the team. Also unique to these ships is the onboard panoramic auditorium, The Aula, with the capacity for half the ship’s guests at one time, and offering an excellent venue for lectures, talks, workshops and entertainment. The Aula has been designed based on the University of Oslo’s famous ceremonial hall where the Nobel Peace Prize was historically awarded.

The Laboratory has been expertly designed so that guests can participate in scientific research during their trip

EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT

The Hangar – A Viking exclusive, this unique, in-ship marina is sheltered from wind and waves.

Easy Launch Access – Nine shell doors located around the ship enable launching from the most protected section of the ship.

A fleet of military pro zodiacs – Designed for professional use in the harshest of environments, the zodiac MilPro MK5s are reinforced throughout, yet comfortable enough for a day of exploring.

Two six-seater submarines – These large-capacity Uboat Worx Sub 7 submarines accommodate six guests and a pilot for an incomparable undersea experience. The revolving seats and spherical windows offer an undistorted view in all direction.

A fleet of two-seater kayaks – With suberb stability, these easy-to-operate, Arctic-tested kayaks have a pedal system that lets you glide through the water hands-free.

Two 12-seater convertible RIBs – These oceangoing inflatable boats feature individually suspended seats and a duel water jet system.

A first for polar expedition cruise vessels, all staterooms onboard will offer a Nordic Balcony that converts into an outdoor viewing platform with the top of the glass lowering to transform into a lookout so you can feel even closer to nature. There are six staterooms categories to choose from, all featuring a Nordic Balcony, with excellent views as well as a king-size bed and bathroom. The sizes span from 222 sq ft to 1,223 sq ft. Pick from the Nordic Balcony, Deluxe Nordic Balcony, Nordic Penthouse, Nordic Junior Suite, Explorer Suite or the Owner’s Suite. The rooms feature aesthetically pleasing wood detailing and large, private bathrooms with extended shower and double sinks, plus a fully stocked mini-bar, laundry and even shoe-shine services.

The ships are also fitted with modern spa areas so you can take time to relax as you sail. At the stern is the Aquavit Terrace and pools, with a retractable glass dome. This indoor-outdoor heated sanctuary allows guests to enjoy an al fresco swimming experience. In-keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Nordic Spa includes a sauna and snow grotto, with a hydrotherapy pool and luxurious hot tub, surrounded by floor-toceiling windows – all of which is included in the price of the cruise. There is also a fitness centre with the latest equipment, so guests can work out throughout their trip. Another place to explore is the intimate library space, where guests can reflect with a good read.

The Finse Terrace can be found at the stern of the ship and is a chic outdoor lounge area with a warming lava rock fire-pit and comfortable sofa area from where you can admire the awe-inspiring views. On board, guests will be able to take advantage of the Explorers’ Lounge, a two-deck lounge at the bow of the ship, offering the perfect place to appreciated the panoramic views through the double-height windows. The ship also offers an excellent array of dining options, including The Restaurant, boasting a fine dining experience. There is also the World Café, with live cooking from the open kitchen, a bakery, seafood and sushi. Mamsen’s serves Scandi-inspired dishes, while Manfredi’s is the onboard Italian.

Other onboard facilities include the 360-degree promenade where guests can stroll the entirety of the ship and admire the views, the Aquavit Bar for cocktails and a smart atmosphere, and the Nordic Shop with a range of special momentos to mark every voyage.

Clockwise, from above:

Staterooms feature a Nordic Balcony; the Finse Terrace and The Aula auditorium are both newly designed areas on both Viking expedition ships; the Hangar allows for easy access to the water