Viking Polaris

Age Restrictions

All guests must be 18 years old on or before the day they are scheduled to embark on their cruise; we do not maintain facilities or services on board for younger individuals.

Wi-Fi

Our expedition ships offer free Wi-Fi. You may use your personal device or one of the ship’s computers. Our connection relies on a VSAT satellite terminal—the best possible solution for ocean cruising. Due to the nature of data bandwidth and latency, as well as potential interruptions in satellite signals based on terrain and weather, you may experience slower online connections than you are accustomed to at home. Please note that satellite signal interruptions are more common at the higher latitudes of the polar regions. In order to ensure fair usage for all, we reserve the right to limit heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads or software upgrades so that all our guests have access to Wi-Fi. We suggest that guests limit large uploads/downloads and live streaming. Please download your content prior to your cruise, as bandwidth will affect your service and cannot be guaranteed. We will be happy to help you with your device settings when you are on board. We hope you will understand that we will do our very best to provide you with an enjoyable online experience. Please remember that you will likely be able to access standard Wi-Fi and data roaming services on shore in most of the towns and cities you visit.

Mini-bar services

On board our Viking expedition ships, each stateroom is equipped with a mini-bar. Depending on your stateroom category, your mini-bar may be replenished daily with drinks and snacks. Purified water is provided in all staterooms and refilled daily. A full listing of amenities by stateroom category can be found on each ship page.

Stateroom Amenities

All stateroom bathrooms are equipped with premium bath toiletries. A hair dryer is also provided, and irons are available in the complimentary self-service launderettes. Depending on your stateroom category, laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services may be complimentary. If your stateroom category does not include these services, they may be purchased for a modest fee.

Smoking Policy

Viking vessels are generally nonsmoking. In order to accommodate guests who choose to smoke, there is a designated outdoor smoking area. All other areas of the ship, including your stateroom and veranda, are designated nonsmoking areas. Smoking restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes.

For Antarctic expeditions, smoking is not allowed on shore in Svalbard and Antarctica.

Disabled Facilities

Viking welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize there are inherent risks associated with traveling on board ships that are unique to cruise travel. For people who are ill, or have a mental or physical disability or impairment, the risks can be more significant. Guests must be able to independently move around the ship in case of an emergency or rough seas, deal with the lack of immediate access to medical services in certain parts of the world, and acknowledge that access to some areas of the ship and ports of call may be limited or impossible. Shore excursions may require the ability to traverse cobblestones or go up and down stairs. We reserve the right to determine whether a guest is fit to travel and to deny boarding in the event that a guest represents a risk to themselves or to the safety and well-being of those on board the ship.

When you make your reservation, please advise us of any disability that will require special attention while sailing on a Viking cruise and provide a completed Fit to Travel Form along with a physician’s letter. Should you have any medical, physical or other special needs, check the fleet information on our website to gain an understanding of the layout of any particular ship and contact a Viking Expert at 1-855-884-5464 (1-855-8-VIKING) directly with additional questions and to obtain a copy of our policy statement.

Dietary Requirements

In most cases, we can. Every meal has vegetarian options and our chefs will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special requests. Guests requiring special meals (low salt, diabetic, gluten-free or low cholesterol) should alert us 90 days prior to departure over the phone at 1-855-884-5464 (1-855-8-VIKING) or online on the Dietary Restrictions page in your My Viking Journey account. Guests should also inform the Maître d’ when on board.

While we take steps to minimize the risk of cross contamination, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free kitchen.

Wheelchair accommodations & elevators

Guests who have a disability, physical or otherwise, must travel with an able-bodied companion who can assist them as the staff is not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs. Guests need to provide their own wheelchairs, except in an emergency. Wheelchairs must not exceed 22″ in width. For details regarding bringing a wheelchair on board, guests must complete the Accessibility Form and return to Viking no later than 30 days prior to departure. Motorized scooters are not typically suitable for international cruises and cannot be accommodated. While our ocean vessels have elevators, there may still be thresholds that could make movement difficult.Contact a Viking Expert at 1-855-884-5464 (1-855-8-VIKING) directly with additional questions and to obtain a copy of our Accessibility Form and policy statement.

Laundry

You will have the use of a complimentary washer and dryer during your time on board. Irons and ironing boards are additionally available free of charge. 

Medical Facilities

We have a physician on board all expedition ships. The doctor is available at any time in case of emergency.

Dress Code

During the day, dress is casual—slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes/boots that are appropriate for excursions/landing or enjoying the ship. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center and pool areas. There are no “formal nights” in the evening; evening dress is “elegant casual” for all dining venues, performances and special events. On these occasions, required attire for ladies includes a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional; jeans are not permitted. The evening dress excludes the World Café, where the dress remains casual, including jeans and boots, after 6:00 PM.

Responsible Travel

The Great Lakes

We ensure we follow the best travel practices and support scientific research to help preserve the wildlife and landscapes of this vast freshwater ecosystem. We support efforts to preserve, promote, and protect the regions and communities we visit, from the United States’ National Parks to the Canadian First Nations Peoples with whom we interact.

The Arctic & Antarctic

We work closely with leading organizations to ensure we employ best travel practices, promote awareness, support scientific research and protect the fragile ecosystems and environments in which we travel. Our partnerships with the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology help further scientific research in these remote areas. We are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).