Viking expedition ship · Viking · In service since 2022
Viking Polaris
Viking Polaris is a Viking expedition ship cruise ship operated by Viking, in service since 2022. At about 30,114 gross tons, it carries roughly 378 guests and ranks #8 by size in the 8-ship Viking fleet we cover.
- 30,114 gross tons
- 378 guests
- 673 ft long
Photo: Nolabob, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Viking
- Ship class
- Viking expedition ship
- Entered service
- 2022 (4 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 30,114
- Guests
- 378
- Length
- 673 ft (205 m)
- Builder
- Vard Group
- Flag
- Norway
- IMO number
- 9863209
About Viking Polaris
Viking Polaris is the second of Viking’s two expedition ships, entering service in 2022 as a twin of Viking Octantis. She is built for polar waters, with a strengthened hull, stabilizers designed for rough seas and a large expedition team, yet she feels like a Viking ocean ship inside, with a Nordic spa, warm interiors and excellent dining. The Hangar lets guests board Zodiacs and special operations boats from inside the ship. She has sailed Antarctica and the Arctic, alongside other regions, so check the current schedule if you want a specific destination.
Best for: Travelers who want an expedition voyage to Antarctica or the Arctic with the comfort and polish of a luxury ship.
Viking Polaris highlights
- Two submarines named George and Ringo
- The Hangar, an internal marina for Zodiacs and fast boats
- The Laboratory, with research projects guests can join
- Aula auditorium for lectures, with panoramic windows
- LivNordic Spa with a Nordic bath and sauna
How Viking Polaris compares in size
- Viking Orion47,861
- Viking Sky47,842
- Viking Venus47,842
- Viking Mars47,842
- Viking Star47,800
- Viking Sea47,800
- Viking Jupiter47,800
- Viking Polaris30,114
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Viking expedition ship sister ships
Sailing with Viking
Viking is an adults-only (18+) cruise line for curious travelers, running river cruises in Europe, Egypt, Asia and the US alongside small, elegant ocean and expedition ships. Fares include a shore excursion in every port, wine and beer with meals, Wi-Fi and specialty dining, and there are no casinos, kids or upsell-heavy extras. It suits older, culturally minded travelers, less so anyone wanting nightlife or family fun.
Read our full Viking guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
Viking Polaris FAQs
How big is Viking Polaris?
Viking Polaris measures about 30,114 gross tons and is about 673 feet (205 m) long. That makes it #8 of 8 Viking ships we cover by tonnage, and #236 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Viking Polaris carry?
About 378 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was Viking Polaris built?
Viking Polaris entered service in 2022 and was built by Vard Group.
What class of ship is Viking Polaris?
Viking Polaris belongs to Viking's Viking expedition ship, alongside Viking Octantis. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Viking Polaris good for families?
Viking is designed mainly for adults, so Viking Polaris isn't the best fit for young children. Families, since nobody under 18 can sail
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Viking official site.