Cruising Viking Expedition Ships
Updated: Sep 23
Sailing Baffin Bay
September 22, 2026
Today is a sea day, as we travel from Greenland to Arctic Canada. Usually sea days are days to relax and enjoy the many amenities on the Expedition Ships.
There are two Viking Expedition ships, the Octantis and the Polaris. This trip we are cruising on the Polaris. (Polaris refers to the North Star, which has guided mariners in their travels since ancient times.) One of the reasons they are called Expedition Ships is because the science staff collaborate with various universities and other institutions on scientific studies of theses areas. And, sometimes, passengers get to help with Citizen Scientist projects... very cool!
These are Polar Class ships, with excellent stabilization systems, science stations, and room for storing lots of "toys". Toys on the expedition ships include Zodiac boats, Special Operation Boats, submersibles (submarines), and Kayaks.
Expedition ships have a capacity of 378 guests and 256 crew members. Besides the high-quality guest services staff, there is also a staff of 23 members of the Expedition teams, which include scientists, local cultural and science experts, and pilots/guides for the toys. Below is the Expedition Team, and Niels - our Lead Bear Guard. Cool job title and I know he will keep us safe!
Here are some pictures from Expedition Central (science stuff!!). The white boards have lists of plants, birds, and mammals that have been spotted on this cruise.
Fun Facts
All guests on an Expedition ship must go through a BioSecurity screening before going ashore in the remote, pristine areas of the region to ensure no non-native seeds, micro-organisms, or insects are attached to the clothing we will be wearing when we go ashore.
Ship Staff members - Viking Staff are fantastic!
Room Stewards:
Food Service/Bar/Chefs etc... Excellent service and meals
Guest Services: They are very helpful and friendly!
Parts of the Ship:
Places to eat!!!
Descriptions are left to right in each row: Mamsens; breakfast pastry; bread station; desert station; salad bar
And one of our favorite spots in the World Cafe is The Grill, which serves steaks and other meats cooked to order on a grill, along with lobster, potatoes, and vegetables for dinner every night. And hot dogs and hamburgers, with fries or onion rings, at lunch. Delicious food!
Other areas of the ship:
From left to right: the Aula is used for shows and lectures, and the windows can be covered with art, or uncovered to see the view; the Library is a quiet place to read and relax; a warm cozy area near the library; the Explorer's Lounge with a deck outside, bar, and beautiful views.
Wine Tasting Today
Of course we signed up for the wine tasting! The tasting took place in the Hide (a cozy little hidden room on the ship.
Selfie of the Day:
We are heading to a remote Innuit Community at Pond Inlet which is at the northern end of Baffin Bay Island in Nunavut, Canada. Join us tomorrow if you can!
I didn’t realize some of the Expedition ships staff collaborated with universities but it makes sense. The food & the menu look amazing - I shouldn’t have opened this post on an empty stomach.
Great tour of the tour boat. I want to sign up — you should get a cut or at least a lobster dinner for this Viking promo!
Oh -you already do!
Have fun!
That is quit a large ship and beautuful I might add. So many areas, food looks very yummy, the area to sit with the large windows was my favorite. Ther are rules to be fallowed soo humans do not contaminate the land I found that very interesting. Lots of science Nancy must be her element. Hope you get to see a Polar Bear. Thanks for all the pictures can't wait for my trip to Alaska.
Such a fun tour. Baby really wants a pastry now!