Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Viking-Polaris

A gastrointestinal illness outbreak has been highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the cruise ship 'Viking Polaris' during its voyage between April 11 and April 23, 2025. Of the 355 passengers on board, 28 displayed symptoms typical of acute gastroenteritis, such as vomiting and diarrhea. The situation also affected four out of the 260 crew members onboard. The specific pathogen responsible for the outbreak has yet to be determined, and health officials are currently collecting stool samples for further testing. In response, Viking Expeditions has implemented rigorous cleaning and disinfection measures, isolated those who displayed symptoms, and is working closely with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) to enhance sanitation protocols and improve illness reporting. The VSP is actively monitoring the scenario remotely, reviewing the ship's outbreak handling and sanitation initiatives. The 'Viking Polaris' is scheduled to dock in New York on April 23, thereby concluding its 12-day expedition through Canada.

The Accident Investigation Board has unveiled the findings of its investigation into the tragic incident involving the 'Viking Polaris' that occurred on November 29, 2022, off the rugged coast of Cape Horn. This report has determined that the vessel's windows were undersized, a factor that played a pivotal role in the accident that resulted in one passenger's death and injuries to eight others. During the incident, the cruise was abruptly interrupted for a medical evacuation after seven cabins were left with shattered windows. The investigation confirmed that the sheer pressure exerted by the breaking wave far exceeded the design specifications of these windows. The Accident Investigation Board pointed out that the windows were ill-equipped to withstand the force generated by such powerful breaking waves. Moreover, the findings suggest that existing regulations from the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) may underestimate the necessary structural integrity required for vessels to endure the pressures associated with breaking waves. The report concluded that the Viking Polaris was struck by an unexpectedly forceful wave, compounded by the ship's speed and trajectory, leading to the catastrophic failure of the windows. At the time of the incident, crew members were not adequately prepared to foresee the threat posed by a breaking wave impacting so high on the ship, which calls into question both training protocols and regulatory standards. The investigation highlights a critical need for reevaluating safety measures within the maritime industry to enhance passenger safety in the face of unpredictable ocean conditions.

The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has initiated an investigation into the tragic accident involving the cruise ship 'Viking Polaris'. This incident occurred on November 29, 2022, as the vessel encountered a powerful wave south of Cape Horn, resulting in the death of one U.S. citizen and injuries to four others. Just a day prior, on November 28, a serious incident was reported when an inflatable boat from the 'Viking Polaris' suffered a keel-tube failure near Damoy Point, injuring a U.S. passenger and prompting the ship to return to Ushuaia for urgent medical assistance. Given the involvement of American nationals, U.S. authorities are participating as a 'substantially interested state'. While Argentine port authority investigations into the matter have concluded, Norway, the flag state of 'Viking Polaris', will spearhead a comprehensive inquiry into both incidents. Teams from the U.S. Coast Guard and NTSB have deployed to Ushuaia to collaborate in the investigations, aiming to enhance operational safety measures within maritime operations.