Here comes the Viking Polaris, a Norwegian-flag expedition cruise ship built in 2022. She measures about 673 ft long and 78 ft wide, with a draft of ~20 ft, and is rated at 30,114 gross tons. Designed for remote exploration, her service speed is about 19.0 mph.
Polaris spends summers exploring the Great Lakes, including this Toronto-to-Duluth route, then heads south for Antarctica when our lakes turn icy. Instead of ore or grain, she carries curious travelers—and a science team—with a working science lab and a sheltered boat Hangar for Zodiacs and special operations boats. That distinctive bow you see is the Ulstein X-BOW, shaped to cut through waves more smoothly and reduce spray—handy on Lake Superior’s moodier days.
In late 2022, while crossing the Drake Passage, Polaris was struck by an abnormally large breaking wave; investigations followed and she soon returned to service—an episode now part of modern expedition-ship lore.
Polaris’s two bright-yellow submersibles are nicknamed “George” and “Ringo,” a wink to the Beatles—just one example of Viking’s playful streak amid serious science. Farewell Viking Polaris—enjoy the lift bridge salute!
