Aug 12

Aug 12 Day 8 Cap-aux-Meules, Canada

It turns out to be another beautiful day of weather aboard Viking Polaris. This morning we are sailing toward our anchorage off the coast of Cap-aux-Meules, Canada. After breakfast, we attend an excellent lecture by Dr. Brandi Revels, Chief Scientist onboard Viking Polaris.

In addition to being expedition cruise ships, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis are also being used for scientific research. Dr. Revels explained the logic behind this strategy. Obtaining funding for long-term environmental research is getting more and more difficult. Imagine how much it would cost an organization to pay for a ship and crew to collect samples from the waters around Antarctica, for example, year round.

Viking expedition ships are already sailing year round in Antarctica and the Great Lakes, so why not put that scientific research on these vessels? Therefore, the scientific research is being funded, in essence, by Viking guests. These ships are equipped with a variety of scientific research equipment that allows them to take and analyze water samples. They even launch high-altitude weather balloons.

After the lecture, which was quite interesting, I decide it was time to check out the thermal suite at the LivNordic Spa on Deck 2. Viking’s Ocean ships have a reputation in the cruise industry for having excellent spas, and this has been extended to these expedition ships. Use of the thermal suite is complimentary on Viking Cruises. Some cruise lines charge up to $50 per day to access thermal suites that are not nearly as nice as Viking’s.

Unlike on the Viking Ocean vessels, the spa thermal suite on Viking Polaris has an amazing view of the ocean. The Thallasotherapy pool is massive, extending almost the full length of the thermal suite.

Guests can secure their clothing and valuables in beautiful lockers located in the changing rooms (men and women). Tap your stateroom key to lock and unlock the lockers.

The dry sauna is one of the nicest I have seen on a cruise ship and is large enough to accommodate 10 guests comfortably.

There is also an amazing steam room, a snow grotto, a cold water bucket splash room and an “experience” shower.

This afternoon, we have been fortunate to schedule time aboard one of the Special Operations Boats (or, SOB). Viking is the only cruise line to offer this unique experience.

These 12-seater ice-strengthened aluminum, ocean-going Special Operations Boats are purpose-built for exploration. Originally designed for military operations around the world, these boats are built in Finland and have been converted for use as expedition boats. With twin water jet propulsion (2 x 450 horsepower onboard engines), individually suspended seats and the unique ability to convert the open seating into an enclosed cabin, it all adds up to create a fast and comfortable ride.

The passenger seats on these boats have hand grips that guests can hold, an indication of how rapidly these boats can maneuver.

We are fortunate to be two of only three guests on the final ride of the day for this SOB.

These boats can reach speeds of over 40 knots and can kick up quite a bit of spray, so don’t be surprised if you get wet when riding on an SOB. We wore waterproof jackets, but barely get any spray.

Two 450HP Motors Can Create Quite A Wake!

The pilot took us to a part of the shoreline where we could view a cormorant rookery.

Joe Rottman, one of our ship’s lecturers, was onboard to provide commentary.

Joe Rottman Gives a Commentary On The SOB

As we returned to Viking Polaris, we were hopeful that we would be able to remain onboard as the SOB was loaded back into the hangar. Unfortunately, the bridge denied our request and we were disembarked through one of the side doors.

The SOBs can be boarded inside the ship’s hangar and launched out of the back of the ship with guests in place (see rear open door). However, Joe explained that the additional weight causes wear and tear on the ramp wheels that support the boats for loading and unloading in the hangar. So, now the boats are typically boarded through the side doors.

This evening, we have been invited to a private dinner with a group of other journalists onboard this cruise. There is a private dining room located on Deck 1 between Manfredi’s and The Restaurant.

The menu for tonight’s meal is the same as this evening’s Restaurant menu. Rickee and I both started the meal with a bowl of Mushroom Soup, which was similar to what is served at Manfredi’s, but without the croutons. It was very good.

For our main course, we both chose the Prime Rib, which was served with Lyonnaise Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts. The Prime Rib was perfectly cooked, very tender and delicious.

For dessert, our waiter recommended the Chocolate Pumpkin Pie. Rickee and I both abstained from dessert, but the others at our table seemed to enjoy it.

After dinner, we said goodnight to our new friends and headed to bed. Tomorrow morning we will be docked in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.