Viking Polaris departed Duluth 08/11/2025

 

 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!

Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth 08/11/2025

 

 Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth early this morning for a day visit.

Viking Polaris departed Duluth 06/30/2025

 

 Viking Polaris departed Duluth after a day of warm sunshine.

Viking Polaris departed Duluth 06/06/2025

 

 Viking Polaris departed Duluth this evening after a good time in Duluth.

Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth 06/06/2025

 

 The cruise ship Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth this morning for a quick visit. She will be departing later today.

"Bon Voyage" Viking Polaris departed Duluth 09/14/24

Viking Polaris departed Duluth after a day visit in beautiful September weather.

"Just Cruisin!" Arthur M Anderson departed and Viking Polaris arrived in...

Arthur M Anderson departed early this morning with iron ore pellets and the Viking Polaris stopped into Duluth with passengers to experience September in Duluth.

Viking Polaris, HEERENGRACHT & Edwin H Gott arrived in Duluth 07/20/2024

Viking Polaris, HEERENGRACHT & Edwin H Gott arrived in Duluth Saturday morning.

"True North" Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth 06/12/2024

Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth early this morning with passengers.

"Anchors Aweigh" Viking Polaris departed Duluth 09/12/2023

The Viking Polaris departed Duluth Tuesday evening with passengers bound for Antarctica.

"Polaris Arrival" Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth 09/12/2023

Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth this morning to greet passengers from around the world that will be embarking on a 71 day cruise to Antarctica and beyond.

"Early Moring Arrival" Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth 07/22/2023

Viking Polaris quietly slipped into the Duluth Harbor before dawn.

"Big Boats Passing" Mesabi Miner & Viking Polaris 06/24/2023

Mesabi Miner arrived and the Viking Polaris departed Duluth Saturday evening.

"Polaris Arrives" Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth 06/24/2023

Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth this morning with passengers.