Fincantieri's Vard delivers Viking's second expedition ship, Viking PolarisFincantieri's Vard delivers Viking's second expedition ship, Viking Polaris

Viking Octantis was delivered last December in Søviknes.

‘Together with her sister, Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris is an amazing and unique ship that represents innovation and development of the cruise segment for both Viking and Vard,’ said Attilio Dapelo, general manager for cruise at Vard.

‘Both vessels are over 200 meters long and the largest vessels built by Vard so far and once again confirm Vard’s capabilities to build excellent vessels at the highest standards of cruise ships. I am grateful to everyone involved in the project for being dedicated to their tasks and to the commitment to deliver Viking Polaris on time and with high quality... A special thanks to Viking for the trust and excellent, fruitful, and continuous cooperation all along the designing and building process.’

Design

The vessel is 205 meters long with a beam of 23.5 meters, and specially designed and developed for expeditions in Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes.

Like Viking Octantis, it can host 378 passengers in 189 staterooms. Both vessels have Polar Class 6 certification, and their dimensions allow navigation of remote areas and the St. Lawrence River, and provide superior handling and stability in rough seas.

In addition to their ice-strengthened hulls, the vessels have longer hulls, straight bows and the latest fin stabilizers for smoother sailing, while u-tank stabilizers decrease rolling by up to 50% when the ships are stationary.

Viking Polaris' hull was built at Vard Tulcea in Romania, which partly outfitted the ship.

Remarked Vard Søviknes Director Arnt Inge Gjerde, '...Viking Polaris is equipped with the latest technology and automation systems, all commissioned and tested by Vard in very close cooperation with Viking. Our in-house competence in innovative design and technology, executed at our yards through all steps in the process, is a huge strength which is supported by our owner Fincantieri.’ 

Modern Scandinavian touch

Designed by the same nautical architects and engineers that designed Viking’s ocean ships, the new vessel features modern Scandinavian design, intimate spaces and attention to detail, as well as public spaces that are favorites on Viking’s ocean ships plus new spaces created specifically for expeditions.

Continued collaboration

The collaboration between Fincantieri and Viking counts spans 18 vessels, including the four that were announced September 9 based on a May 2018 contract.

Recent Viking ship launches

Last month, Viking launched three purpose-built river vessels for the Mekong (Viking Saigon), Nile (Viking Osiris) and Mississippi (Viking Mississippi). Viking Neptune launches later in the year.