This ship has toys

This ship is an expedition ship and as such its total journey is to help the passengers become familiar with science and the physical world. To do that, they must provide opportunities to get the passengers into nature. These ships( rated as polar class ships) provide those opportunities through various methods. We have on land excursions often including nature hikes, bird sanctuary visits, botanical gardens and the like. 

Special Operations Boats 

The seats have their own shocks! 

Sleek and fast

Huge motors and really fast!

Zodiacs. These enable us to get in really close to shoreline and using our binoculars to see both aquatic and animal sightings. Finally:

The yellow submarines!! Our ship has George and Ringo. These subs can go about 1000 feet if needed(, although I think they try for around 500). Al has signed up to try a ride and I really hope he gets a chance! That’s a big NO for me of course. The idea that he can see undersea activities is very intriguing and I hope he gets a chance. 

The Sub Tender. This boat, equipped with sonar is always in the water above the submarine at all times to provide safety. When the subs are not out, this boat is used by the on board scientists to conduct research. While we were in Alpena Michigan they were mapping a sunken ship wreck.

Plenty of kayaks for those who enjoy that form of adventure. Viking provides all the appropriate gear and equipment needed. 

Remember that this is not only a luxury cruise ship but is a fully functional scientific lab.. Actual science being done on a daily basis.this part of the hanger contains a Ferry box, I have no idea What the name stands for but it was explained to me that every minute we are sailing, the ship is sucking in water into the Ferry Box  and analyzing the amount of salinity and micro particles found in that sample.  Part of the Ferry Box where the water is analyzed a closer view. Why this is important is that until now, there has not been continual data available that actually tests water in the middle of the area consistently. Because the Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis are spending the entire summer on the Great Lakes they are getting long term readings that are consistent ( and you know how scientists LOVE consistent data) Anyway, more research is being done to access the condition of the waters in the Great Lakes because of our paid cruises. Seems kinda like a win/win. The lab is busy most days and we are invited in to see the work/research being done.  Viking has partnerships with many organizations of learning and science who help and are helped by what research is done on board:

 I may not understand all the science, but Im glad to try to learn more and what better way to do it than on a luxury cruise!