cruising yacht club of australia dress code

Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

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New Beach Rd

Darling Point New South Wales 2027

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About the business.

Home Of The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. …

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This is how I'm gonna live when I'm 68 and retired. My kid are out of the house - they didn't become doctors like I wanted, but hell at least they weren't rock stars, yeuchh - and it's just me and the ol' ball and chain. And by ol' I mean OLD, I married a total cougar which was sexy at the time but now she's ten years older than me and, well, her denture costs alone are killing me. We get up around noon, it takes us 20 minutes to get out of bed (more if it's been raining, the damp seeps into our crumbling bones) and then we toddle down to the yacht club for the daily special and then the rest of the day is Wine Time. This place has the greatest beer garden, it's huge with loadsa tables and right on the water - so on the water that you could almost step right out onto a yacht and sail that bad boy to Mexico. The bistro does super food - I can't go past the fish 'n' chips, I mean why would you when the ocean is right there - and on Monday's they've got a $15 barramundi, salad & chips special. Total bargain, and the fish is top class. Also great for daytime meetings, it's nice and quiet with a gentle feel that's perfect for closing tricky deals. Nek time I'm wearing my boat shoes, striped top and submarine commander hat that I bought in Russia and that some guy probably died in. What? He doesn't need it any more.

Tonight, I, along with my wife and son arrived at CYCA for a 6PM Dinner reservation, which was arranged and confirmed by Marina Gibson of CYCA on November 30th by the General Manager of a reciprocating Yacht Club from California. We were denied entrance and treated rudely, stating that because 1 person in our party did not have an I.D. we could not enter the club I showed a picture of my U.S. Drivers license. My son showed his drivers license. I also produced a copy of the confirmation email for the reservation, as well as my 2023 membership card from our Yacht Club back home, and we were still denied entrance by a Security person at the Front Desk. I checked the CYCA website before hand to make sure we understood the club rules for guests as well as any dress code. Below is the link to the CYCA website, and it clearly does not state anything about all parties needing to have identification. https://cyca.com.au/about-the-club/visit-the-club/ Lastly, I called to confirm the reservation at 430 and spoke to the Bar Manager, who indeed, confirmed the reservation. The way we were treated by CYCA personnel is inexcusable for a Yacht Club of this caliber.

I had never been here before. Great atmosphere. The food tasted great. Decent prices and the atmosphere at sunset was awesome. Well worth a visit.

Decent food, ok bar. Parking is awful. Nice place to look at boats while you eat. I would probably skip it the next time but it was nice to go here once.

ther services available at the CYCA include alfresco dining on the deck, bottle shop, ice with fuel available next door to the CYCA at d'Albora Marina. Really nice experience unfortunately they don't allow dogs on the deck.

I've not been here for a meal, but it's a pretty nice place to have a drink! Like RSLs, Bowling Clubs etc, if you live outside of a 5km radius, then you're more than welcome to come in, but if you're from within those 5kms, then you'll have to become a member (mucho $$$) or be signed in by one. I happen to live about 5mins walk away, and although I walk quite quickly, I'm definitely within that radius. Thankfully, due to my UK driver's licence, I am well outside that 5km! Can everyone say "loophole"? The bar itself is pretty well stocked and having a seat in the sun listening to the water lap against the sea wall is pretty pleasant experience. Although being surrounded by the expensive yachts can induce a touch of envy! No matter, my sailing ability is limited to drinking on a boat anyway, so I'd only hurt one of those monster boats! So if you live outside 5km or have a foreign licence, go check it out!

A great little find on the East side of the harbour. looks can be decieving from the front, but once you enter it is an amazing yacht club. Have your drivers licence ready, scan it for entry and once you ar ein head to the Sydney To Hobart Bar, well it is the home of the Rolex Sydney To Hobart yacht race on Boxing day. Wine list is adequate, order and pay as you go at the bar, find a table on the deck, then go order food at the food window. The meals are adequate and usual club tucker, burgers, seafood, chips, salads etc. Its downfall is the buzzer discs to alert you your food is ready, so you get up get drinks, go get food, get up for more drinks etc, it would be good to offer table service as that is what you go out for. However, the ambience, the mix of friendly people and general overall feel of the place makes up for no table service. You can quite easily sit for hours on an afternoon and watch the sun set over to the east, watch the yachts pull in and just get lost in a world of yachties. I will be back that is for sure.

I come here after sailing and it's good fun. I've only had the wedges and garlic pizza, but they're pretty good. It's a nice atmosphere to have a drink and chat with other people that love being out on the water.

What better way to spend a Sunday summer's arvo than next to the water, surrounded by multi millions dollar yachts... swilling white wine and gorging on fresh seafood? This is as close to the boating action you can possibly get without being on one, and it's where the Sydney to Hobart kicks off so it's the place to be seen in yachting circles. You couldn't possibly go past the seafood bowl $24 - battered John Dory, crumbed calamari, tempura prawns, lemon and tartare sauce. Okay, so it's essentially a fisherman's basket served in a bowl but it kinda goes with the coastal territory. If you like getting your hands dirty or fruits of the mare just aren't your thing, go the full rack of twice cooked pork ribs in smoked hickory sauce. Wednesday Schnitzel Night and Barra Mondays if you decide you really can't stay away from the joint. You can dine in the restaurant, but you'll miss out on all the shenanigans going down on the deck... especially after 5pm. Jugs of rum and coke are the preferred poison for hardcore sailors after a day slogging it out in the elements. And with rum comes high jinks. Bring it.

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The Sailor's Style Guide: How to Dress at a Yacht Club

If you've been invited to a casual yacht club rendezvous, you'll need the right threads to fit in.  in this guide, we'll walk you through the yacht club attire you'll need to fit in. hint: you can find the perfect outfit head to toe with castaway.

You've been invited to a meal or event at a local yacht club, but you've never been to one before. Suddenly, the panic sets in. What should you wear? Fortunately, there are lots of options and visiting a yacht club does not mean you have to spend a lot of money just to fit in. This post will give you some pointers on yacht club attire so that you feel neither under nor overdressed, and can really enjoy yourself and have a great time at the club.

Before you even think about what to wear, check to see if the yacht club you're going to has a dress code posted online. Most of them do, and the rules can vary from club to club. The Nantucket Yacht Club , for example, requires semi-formal attire for its dinners and cocktail attire including ties for men during its dinner dances and balls. The Hyannis Yacht Club goes into a little more detail. It accepts stylish casual wear including clean, neat jeans and shorts for lunch. For dinner, guests are expected to step it up by leaving the denim at home and wearing sports coats. Different areas of a club may also have different dress rules. Bars and outdoor decks tend to more lax and allow casual clothing.

Sometimes, the easiest way of narrowing down what to wear is to eliminate what you should not wear. This is just a partial list of how not to show up at any kind of yacht club unless you want to be denied admittance or receive a lot of disapproving glares. All rules listed apply to the inside of the club, and can vary for beach and dock rulings.

Flip Flops or Going Barefoot: This rule applies INSIDE the club, or for any meal time. Most people love the beach, but going barefoot is not only unacceptable, but unhygienic.

You'll want to wear appropriate footwear such as sturdy sandals or closed toe shoes. While a lot of children and adults love their flip-flops, they may be a little too casual for a yacht club atmosphere. The most popular choice here is a boat shoe style but a bridle bit driver is always appropriate - check the latest . The lightly worn leather and pencil-curled laces fit the bill in the cool department.

Torn, Stained, or Worn Clothing: Any attire that is showing signs of wear such as rips, stains that never came out, holes, missing buttons, etc. should be left at home.

Baseball Caps and Other Hats: Most yacht clubs prefer that men remove their caps when inside the venue. Save them for the sailing excursions.

Extra points on the water if you rock the Club’s Burgee on the hat!

Swimwear: Just a no-no. Save it for the boat and the beach. A cover-up can be acceptable for the patio.

Going Shirtless: Nope!

Undershirts as Shirts: See above. You may also want to be careful about choosing a t-shirt, particularly one with graphics, when visiting a yacht club. Most prefer that you wear a collared shirt, even if it's a casual one such as a polo shirt.

Tank tops for men and any tank tops for women that are skimpy and don't hide undergarments should be saved for another occasion.

Women have a lot of options when it comes to visiting a yacht club. Linen and cotton make the perfect summer blouses. A light but structured Sleeveless Top paired with a  sweater is perfect for warding off cool sea breezes when you're out on the deck. A polo or collared shirt works well for the yacht club scene as well. You can also consider a dressy blouse that has a little bit of flounce to it. If shorts are allowed for the time and area of the club you're visiting, consider sporting  Sailing  shorts  with a cute anchor embroidery. They're cool, classy, and show off just the right amount of leg. Casual skirts and dresses are perfectly fine as well as long as they're not too short and revealing. If you're attending a party at a yacht club you may need to wear a nice cocktail dress, or a classic Tunic Dress for a day event. Special events such as balls and dinner dances usually specify what is appropriate attire on the invitation.

Don't forget to have fun with accessories! A straw handbag can complete a nautical themed look.

For most casual yacht club occasions, men can't go wrong with a collared shirt and long pants or Cisco Shorts . Pastel and preppy shades such as summer green, hurricane red, and islander blue rule here.

When casual attire is allowed, collared sport or polo shirts are always in fashion. Seersucker and linen shirts are available in several colors and patterns for summer club get-togethers. If jeans are not allowed, seersucker or cotton canvas pants are still casual and comfortable yet dressy enough for all areas of a yacht club. If you really want to show your love of nautical dressing, consider wearing a fun Embroidered Pant !

Or you can opt for solid pants but add some nautical flair with an embroidered belt . Classic summer staples like Seersucker and Madras Patches will make you the talk of the Club, in a good way!

For those chilly sea breezes and evenings, a quarter zip pullover wards off the cool air while keeping you stylish and casual.

It's a good idea to keep a sportcoat and a few ties in your closet just in case the yacht club you're visiting requires it. Opt for a fun all over embroidered jacket, or a Madras Patchwork style to really up your game.

Kids' clothing should conform to the same yacht club rules as established for grown-up guests. If you really want your son to look cute, consider dressing him in the same matching outfit as dad.

Whether you're looking to make a splash with yacht club attire or just want to look good on the boat or while meeting with friends, we have the seaside looks that you'll look and feel wonderful in for men, women, and children.

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Admirals Bistro

~ The simplest cooking techniques combined with the best produce, resulting in the most satisfying seafood dishes… This is the Admirals spirit of good cooking ~

Our Admirals Bistro prides itself on sourcing local and seasonal produce which is lovingly prepared by Chefs who have a passion for great food. Our bistro is a relaxed dining area where you can enjoy the outstanding marina views with family and friends.

We are open to the public! You don’t have to be a member to enjoy the food and views. Indoor and alfresco seating available. Bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment. Please phone 8248 4222 to make a booking or book online.

Opening Times

Opening Times Lunch: Thursday – Sunday 11.30am – 2.30pm Dinner: Thursday –  Sunday from 5:00pm Bar: Open from 11am on trading days

Closed on Monday & Tuesday.  Closed Wednesday during non Twilight Racing period (April-September)

Public Holiday Mondays (*please check in advance): Lunch from 11.30am – 2.30pm. Bar open from 11am – 5pm Closed King’s Birthday June public holiday Open Good Friday and Easter Monday for Lunch  Closed Christmas Day Open Boxing Day for Lunch 

Dog Friendly Dining Area

Dogs are allowed to join you at the marked tables in both the terrace area and small portion of the patio. 

Dog owners are advised to call ahead in order to secure a table in our dog friendly area. Please phone 8248 4222

This dog-friendly news comes with a few rules, of course, and we ask that you please observe our ‘Dog Etiquette Policy’ which is on display at the Club. View the policy [here]

Please note *that all dogs must be kept on a lead at all times on the Club grounds. We look forward to welcoming you and your pooch to the Club.

A standard of dress upholds a welcoming environment for adults and families alike and sets the standards of a high quality establishment. Members and their guests are required to be well-groomed, neatly, and appropriately dressed in a way consistent with the Club standards and appropriate to the occasion for which they are attending the Club. Members and guests are required to observe the Club’s dress regulations when on Club premises, when participating in a Club event, private function or representing the Club.

The following dress regulations for the various areas in the Clubhouse apply unless otherwise separately stipulated for a particular function: –

Horizons Function Centre and Admirals Lounge Bar ~ The minimum standard is smart casual attire. Work wear is prohibited (eg. high-vis).

Admirals Bar & Bistro inclusive of Patio and BBQ Area ~ The minimum standard is smart casual attire. Neat sailing gear is acceptable. 

Children under the age of 12 years are only permitted in the company of an adult. They are expected to dress in neat and tidy and appropriate attire. 

The Clubhouse in General In all areas of the Clubhouse the following are absolutely prohibited: –

• Exposed torsos and bare feet
• Dirty or torn clothing
• Clothing with offensive logos or slogans

Dress code will be applicable at all times unless directed by CYCSA management. We thank you for your cooperation and for helping to maintain our Clubs standards.

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Yacht Club Dress Code

By zjc , December 15, 2016 in MSC Cruises

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Just wondering if anyone can advise what the dress code is like in the Yacht Club on MSC

Does it follow the suggested dress code of the rest of the ship or does it have a separate dress code?

Also, is the dress code on MSC still 'suggested'

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Hey   Just wondering if anyone can advise what the dress code is like in the Yacht Club on MSC   Does it follow the suggested dress code of the rest of the ship or does it have a separate dress code?   Also, is the dress code on MSC still 'suggested'   Thanks

The dress code on all MSC ships is advisory and is published in the daily programme. The dress code is the same throughout the ship.

The YC is not a prison you are allowed to escape and mingle with "steerage". So no worries on the dress code. Do as you want

The dress code follows the rest of the ship, however on Formal Nights the people in YC tend to dress more formally (i.e. tux for men). I felt a bit underdressed the on our first cruise in YC so the next one I took evening wear with me. However this was on European and TA cruises, I suspect that on Divina out of Miami it may be more relaxed. I think evening wear is more of a European thing?? Even so, it's nice to dressed up for these occasions.

See this thread:- http://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2430722

My experience in the YC on formal nights is somewhat different. We have sailed there three times and I haven't seen much difference in what men wear there compared to the rest of the ship. There were only a couple of tuxes, many suits and ties, some with suits and/sport jackets with open collared shirts and one or two men with jeans.

Yes, as I said, probably a more casual attitude on U.S. based cruises. Maybe the Divina should get it's own forum as it seems to differ from the other MSC ships???????:confused:

Not a bad idea. I would also like to see the Yacht Club get it's own forum. People's thoughts and reviews of the YC often differ greatly than those of the rest of the ship.

Thanks for all your comments it's good to understand. Having sailed with Royal over the last 4 years and not MSC I'm use to the very relaxed dress code on Royal

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Your observation of dress 'code' in the Yacht Club tracks right along with ours.

We might have been on the same two Divina cruises this year. :)

Seperate forum for YC sounds like a great idea.

Capricruiser

The dress in the Yacht Club whether on casual or gala evenings is no different from the rest of the ship. Jeans are fine on casual nights and suits or sport jackets the norm for the gala occasions. True formal wear is actually seen less in Yacht Club from what I saw on my two YC cruises.

Just got off the Divina this morning and I would second this post. On our Gala night's, the majority on men were in suits or sports jackets with a couple tux's and a couple of men wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

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• 3 months later...

I realize I'm reactivating a year-old thread, but I didn't want to start a new one when much of this concern has been addressed. However, a part that doesn't seem to get much attention: What do women and men who book Yacht Club cabins/suites wear during the day while in the Yacht Club? For men, are dress shorts and golf shirts appropriate? Are dress shorts and t-shirts okay? I've seen a number of photos in which men are wearing slacks and button-down shirts. While I certainly don't want to stand out for under-dressing, I'd hate to make myself conspicuous by over-dressing. Plus, I'll be on vacation, so a break from a daytime suit-and-tie will be great!

Also, our cabin is 15021. How will we get up to The One pool deck? Is there an elevator, or will we be taking stairs from the Yacht Club? Is it okay to pass through the Club wearing swim trunks and a t-shirt on the way to the pool?

Really no different from the rest of the ship. Shorts and T shirts are fine for daytime.

From your cabin to the One Pool Deck is easy peasy, walk down the hall and just outside of the Concierge is the elevator up to One Pool (or down to the Spa). Only goes from Deck 14 to Deck 18 for Yacht Club passengers.

It's the same but you don't have to follow it.

• 11 months later...

I wholeheartedly agree. Why take up the time of others looking for info. It should be a sub-category.

CruisingFox27

DH wore sorts and t shirts during the day. If you are sailing from Miami the dress standard is considerably more casual, even in the evenings than on European sailings.

• 1 year later...

NextStopNRT

We have a 7-day cruise on the Seaside leaving next Saturday, 13 April 2019, and we're staying in the YC. I really don't want to pack anything formal (sport coats, ties, etc.) Is it really a necessity on a Caribbean cruise?  We can go to specialty restaurants on formal nights without formal attire I assume. The dress code would apply only to main dining rooms whether in YC on main part of ship. Correct me if I'm wrong. TIA

6 minutes ago, NextStopNRT said: We have a 7-day cruise on the Seaside leaving next Saturday, 13 April 2019, and we're staying in the YC. I really don't want to pack anything formal (sport coats, ties, etc.) Is it really a necessity on a Caribbean cruise?  We can go to specialty restaurants on formal nights without formal attire I assume. The dress code would apply only to main dining rooms whether in YC on main part of ship. Correct me if I'm wrong. TIA

No, you do not need formal clothes in the YC or any place else for that matter. Based on my experience in the YC last December, I did not feel out of place wearing the same type of clothes any of seven nights. I did take a tie just encase we decided to get our picture taken. I wore it the last formal night, at least it did not take much room to pack.

2 minutes ago, sptrout said:   No, you do not need formal clothes in the YC or any place else for that matter. Based on my experience in the YC last December, I did not feel out of place wearing the same type of clothes any of seven nights. I did take a tie just encase we decided to get our picture taken. I wore it the last formal night, at least it did not take much room to pack.

Agree,,,, If you dress smart casual... you will blend right in with the majority of YC diners. On our cruise last year...we saw a man walk in on 2 different nights in shorts!!! So literally no dress code enforcement.

3 hours ago, lcpagejr said: Agree,,,, If you dress smart casual... you will blend right in with the majority of YC diners. On our cruise last year...we saw a man walk in on 2 different nights in shorts!!! So literally no dress code enforcement.

Shorts - really? The audacity of some people. I am truly mortified by the thought of seeing someone in shorts in a dining room.

Depends on the ship, the asst m'D and the itinerary - I've seen men turned away when wearing shorts.  DH was refused entry to TSL last year on Splendida when wearing shorts - it was only shortly after 6pm!

4 hours ago, Beamafar said: Depends on the ship, the asst m'D and the itinerary - I've seen men turned away when wearing shorts.  DH was refused entry to TSL last year on Splendida when wearing shorts - it was only shortly after 6pm!

Beam...I'm sure this is more of a European /med cruise which tend to be more formal. Caribbean cruises you can pretty much dictate what you want to wear. . I have found this on all lines I've cruised stateside

20 minutes ago, lcpagejr said: Beam...I'm sure this is more of a European /med cruise which tend to be more formal. Caribbean cruises you can pretty much dictate what you want to wear. . I have found this on all lines I've cruised stateside

Actually, it was a repositioning cruise where temperatures were hotter than average Caribbean ones.

I did advise that it  "depends on itinerary", in fairness, IC.

49 minutes ago, Beamafar said:   Actually, it was a repositioning cruise where temperatures were hotter than average Caribbean ones.   I did advise that it  "depends on itinerary", in fairness, IC.

I'm not disagreeing.... Sadly it is under control of the cruiseline..but most dining room staff tend to ignore and not enforce questionable attire.

1 hour ago, lcpagejr said: Beam...I'm sure this is more of a European /med cruise which tend to be more formal. Caribbean cruises you can pretty much dictate what you want to wear. . I have found this on all lines I've cruised stateside

On our recent Caribbean in Preziosa YC we were very surprised at the formality of dinner dressing on both Elegant nights. Many, probably about 25%, men wore Tuxedos and another 25% were in suits. Most of the remainder, like me, wore long sleeve shirts with dress trousers. The ladies, as ever, at least complemented their partners in level of dressing and often exceeded. Not a single guest in the YC restaurant 'dressed down' on any night....by that I mean the minimum was a collared short sleeve shirt, and chinos or equivalent.

OK, it wasn't 'stateside' as such because the cruise commenced and ended in Barbados and remained in the Caribbean throughout. The mix of passengers was largely European, many British (500 passengers) and a smaller number of Americans.

We were just on and the norm was slacks and shirt for men and dress or slacks for women.  Fancy nights people spruced it up a bit.  Saw one tux and the guy was cranked with pictures of people in shorts at dinner.  Imo shorts not appropriate but I'm not going to get cranked about it.  I was just happy Octomom wasn't on letting her kids run around dining room during dinner.

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6 x Tickets 1 x 700mL Belvedere Vodka 1 x Moet Chandon Btl 4 x Red Bulls Unlimited Mixers Dedicated table VIP host

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10 x Tickets 1 x 1.75L Belvedere Vodka 1 x Moet Chandon Btl 4 x Red Bulls Unlimited Mixers Dedicated table VIP host

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Please note, there is an additional 10% Service charge applied to all table bookings

BOOKINGS ESSENTIALS

SEADECK cruises are over 18’s events. Please ensure you have valid photo ID to produce on boarding.

All tickets are non-refundable.

General Admission Tickets (GA):

Food can be purchased from our à La carte menu on board. Seating is limited and based on first-in, first-served. You may purchase up to 10 tickets online at a time. All GA tickets are available up until 15 minutes before setting sail unless sold out.

GA tickets allow you to move freely around the vessel, subject to level capacity restrictions.

We ask all guests to check the weather conditions and dress appropriately, including appropriate footwear.

Security reserve the right to refuse entry to any group or guest.

For further information or enquiries please email: bookings@ seadeck.com.au

Frequently asked questions

SEADECK usually sets sail for 4 hours. For exact departure and arrival times please check the event info.

Our events are strictly 18+.

We ask all guests to check the weather conditions and dress appropriately. We also ask no singlets, thongs, bridal paraphernalia or offensive clothing. We also ask no offensive tattoos and heavy jewellery. Closed toe sandals are permitted. Management reserves the right to refuse entry.

On the rare occasion of extremely bad weather we will notify via social media & email should we need to cancel. However, we do endeavour to go out in the rain and have shade sails that cover majority of the vessel.

Guests must be 18 years and over to attend. You must have a valid form of ID upon boarding. Photos or copies of ID will not be accepted. Valid forms of ID are a current Australian Drivers License, an Australian or foreign passport or an Australian 18+ card.

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Viking Polaris cruise ship review: A comfortable ship for adventurous cruising

Editor's Note

Viking Polaris is the ship that bucket list dreams are made of.

The sturdy, 378-passenger ship in the Viking fleet is rated Polar Class 6, so it can take you to the ends of the Earth, no problem. It's tricked out with Zodiacs, two submersibles, kayaks and a speed boat, so remote islands and narrow bays won't keep you from close encounters with wildlife and nature.

Checking off worldwide wish-list destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic and the Great Lakes also comes with style. The ship boasts four onboard restaurants and a breathtaking spa that's open to all. Cabins are cozy and spacious with seating nooks by floor-to-ceiling windows, large (for a ship) bathrooms with heated floors and thoughtful touches for the perfect adventure, like a drying closet and two sets of binoculars.

Public lounge areas are so inviting, with comfortable seating and light-filled spaces thanks to tons of windows, that you'll be glad to kick back with a book, a puzzle or a drink after an incredible experience ashore. And the crew members do all they can to make you feel right at home, remembering your name and greeting you warmly whenever they see you.

Viking might be inspired by Nordic sailors of yore, who explored the world in their bare-bones longships — or the rugged 20th-century explorers whose portraits line the walls of the ship — but Viking Polaris' creature comforts would make all those hardy men and women rethink their travel choices. You won't regret yours if you choose to make this gorgeous little ship your home base for vacation adventure.

Overview of Viking Polaris

At 30,158 tons, Viking Polaris is small by ocean ship standards. The biggest megaships are eight times larger. But it's actually the largest vessel in the adventure-focused subset of ocean ships known as expedition ships , and it holds an unusually large number of passengers for such a vessel: 378 spread across 189 cabins and suites.

This means that while you'll enjoy the intimacy and personalized service of a small ship when you're on board, not to mention the additional onboard venues the extra space allows, you will need to wait your turn when going ashore in some destinations such as Antarctica, where only 100 people are allowed onshore at each landing site at a time.

In addition, the ship is for adults only; you must be 18 years or older to sail. Not that you should expect a bunch of partying 20-somethings on board. Viking caters to a 55+ crowd, and the majority of its guests are retirees in their 60s and 70s. The cruise line also has a huge fan club. More than half the guests on my Antarctica cruise were repeat passengers who adore Viking's ocean and river cruises, and you'll find that to be true on most sailings.

Related: Viking Explorer Society cruise loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Viking positions its expedition vessels between the over-the-top, completely all-inclusive luxury ships that go to off-the-beaten-path places such as Antarctica and the hardier, no-frills classic expedition ships. It focuses on a comfortable onboard environment with accessible adventure options.

The ship is upscale, but not ornate or stuffy, and its public spaces are inviting rather than impressive. Think of the ship as the living room designed by your friend with good taste instead of the formal sitting area where you're afraid to touch the expensive decorations.

Many amenities are included in the fare — Wi-Fi; all dining, wine and beer with lunch and dinner; a gorgeous thermal suite with a pool and hot and cold therapies; kayak and special operations boat tours; two-layer jackets to keep; and boots and waterproof pants to borrow in polar cruise regions — but you will still need to pay extra for cocktails (either a la carte or with a beverage package), gratuities, spa treatments and submarine rides.

Of the 250-plus crew members on board, 20-plus are expedition staff: scientists, specialists (biologists, geologists, naturalists, etc.), mountain guides and kayak guides. They are on board to scout and set up landing sites, lead kayak tours, conduct science experiments from the ship, spot wildlife, and give lectures about the flora, fauna and geography of the area. They're generally helpful individuals, happy to answer your questions and take photos of both guests and wildlife to share.

The ship has seven passenger decks, with the lowest, Deck A, the Zodiac and special operations boat loading zone, and the highest, Deck 6, being an open deck. (The highest Deck 7 is off limits except during the weather balloon release party.) The ship is small and it doesn't take long to get anywhere, though it does take a few days to get the hang of where things are on board and how to get from point A to point B. Unlike on many ocean cruise ships, you might need to walk down passenger corridors to reach certain lounges.

The ship is unusual in that it has an operational science lab on board where the ship's research scientists collect data to share with its global partners (such as NOAA and the University of Western Australia). In addition to the Zodiacs and kayaks common on expedition ships, Viking Polaris also carries two six-passenger yellow submersibles (playfully named George and Ringo — get it?) and a Special Operations Boat (a 12-seater speed boat with surprisingly comfortable seats and easy boarding).

All these vessels are stored in The Hangar, a water-level storage area that speeds up the deployment time of all the ship's watercraft. Here, too, the cruise line has created a spacious and comfortable boarding area that functions without gangways and with the latest biosecurity technology, such as a boot washing machine. The setup makes it easier to both get on and off ships and keep Antarctica clean.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

What I loved about Viking Polaris

The nordic spa.

You don't expect a full-blown gorgeous spa when you're adventuring to Antarctica, but Viking Polaris provides not only a beautiful facility but also one that brings the destination in. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the salon and thermal suite area allow you to watch for whales or seals as you enjoy a pedicure or soak in a hot tub.

Even better, the thermal suite is free for anyone to use, so if you get chilled on a wet kayak ride, you can warm up again in the heated pool or pamper tired muscles with a mix of hot and cold therapies. (If you've never dumped a bucket of cold water on your head after 15 minutes in a dry sauna or rubbed snow on your body in a steam room, I highly recommend trying it.)

The two-room fitness center is also larger than I expected for an expedition ship and enabled me to keep up my workout routine every morning.

Big kudos go to the spa staff, who are super sweet and helpful. Igor tailored my personal training session to my specific requirements and body needs, rather than giving me some standard plan. Joksim led a surprisingly intense (for a cruise ship) yoga session and then gave me an incredible massage a few days later, working out every knot from my neck to my feet.

If nothing else, stop by the spa reception desk daily to grab an inspirational quote — almost like a fortune cookie — from the bowl of colored cards. It will set the tone for your day.

Safety protocols

I admit I was a tad nervous about the thought of sailing to a place as remote as Antarctica. What if we got stranded ashore during a landing? What if the Zodiac broke down halfway back to the ship?

While any expedition cruise involves a certain degree of risk, the Viking crew members put me at ease with the knowledge that they've prepared for every possibility. Two of the expedition guides even led a briefing about the ship's safety protocols. We learned that the team brings ashore a ton of survival gear at every landing, including tents, thermal blankets, food and water rations, a desalination machine, a satellite phone, crevasse extraction equipment and even a portable toilet. (The latter is only used for true emergencies, so use your cabin bathroom before you head off the ship.)

Zodiac, SOB and submarine drivers are always in radio contact with each other and the ship, and they stay far away from marine animals and icebergs (which could potentially tip over and cause trouble). The crew gives guests clear instructions about how to get in and out of the ship's boats and someone is always there to give a hand.

All cruise ships in Antarctica follow the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators' rules for safe and environmentally responsible tourism. Viking Polaris's crew takes IAATO protocols seriously and works diligently to keep Antarctica pristine.

They sanitize boots going to and from shore, as well as the walking poles they provide, and advise guests against bringing anything unnecessary (snacks, tissues, etc.) to shore so nothing unsanitary ever touches the ground on landings. They even checked and vacuumed all the expedition gear we brought from home, including hats, gloves, goggles and camera bags.

The ship itself is built with all kinds of redundant systems, water-tight doors, and fire-detecting and -fighting equipment. It also carries "ice cubes," large floating boxes filled with group survival gear for up to five days should the ship have to be abandoned.

It's unlikely that something will go wrong on your cruise, but it's comforting to know that the ship and crew are totally prepared for nearly any emergency.

Every cruise line will tell you its crew is the best, but the friendliness and helpfulness of Viking Polaris' crew are palpable from the moment you step on board. Crew members you never met somehow know your name and say hello every time you pass them on board. My cabin stewards always pop out when we walk down the hallway and ask us about our day. They didn't even bat an eye when my travel companion and I had to try on five expedition jacket sizes to find the right fit.

The dining staff goes above and beyond; Santosh asked us what food we liked on the first day, and had our Indian chickpea curry waiting for us the very next day. One member of the dining team not only fetched a specific flavor of ice cream from the galley for my friend but brought her a second bowl the following day without being asked. The restaurant manager personally reached out and sent me a plate of desserts the day I was sick and holed up in my cabin.

Whenever there are a lot of people wildlife watching on the outer decks, a crew member always seems to turn up with cocktails or spiked warm beverages. What seemed like the entire housekeeping team showed up to the cruise's dance party one evening and unabashedly boogied down to get guests on the dance floor.

The expedition team members are always happy to answer questions, take your photo or lend a helping hand, and their lectures are always funny and engaging, even if the topic is dry. I was also impressed at the way they set expectations and rules for the guests in a lighthearted, digestible way without getting preachy or patronizing.

The crew absolutely set the tone for a friendly onboard ambience and it makes the long trip that much more enjoyable.

What I didn't love about Viking Polaris

Lack of announcements.

I've been on enough high-end cruises to know that the nicer ships don't like to pipe announcements into your cabin. However, I'd love a bit more communication from the bridge on Viking Polaris.

We missed the captain's one daily announcement almost every evening because we were inside our room and couldn't hear it. It's only when one of us would say, "Is someone talking in the hallway? Oh, wait, it's the captain!" that we would make a mad dash across the room to open the door to catch the last 15 seconds of whatever he was saying about the weather and the sail ahead.

I'd love a bell or some kind of alert to open our door, even if the announcement itself isn't piped into the room.

I was also surprised to note that Viking crew members almost never make the "whales off the starboard bow" announcements to alert passengers to wildlife viewing opportunities. I was chagrined when I learned that I had missed some active whales because I was attending an indoor briefing and had no idea that anything interesting was happening out of doors.

Schedule feature in the app

I love a good cruise ship app ; it makes navigating a ship and the daily schedule so easy. Viking's app has many useful features, including your ship's deck plans, the daily activity schedule, the ability to make reservations and even a photo download section.

However, I heard the same complaint over and over about one aspect of the app: There is no schedule view that allows you to superimpose your reservations (spa, dinner, landings, boat rides) with the onboard activities.

That might not seem like a big deal, but expedition cruises are surprisingly busy. On any day, I might have scheduled a landing and a kayaking tour, but don't want to miss the science lecture back on the ship. I was constantly flipping back and forth between the two separate schedules, trying to time my bookings correctly.

Other cruise line apps have a "favorite" feature, where you can select the onboard activities you don't want to miss and add them to a personal calendar that also contains your bookings and reservations. I'd love to see Viking add this as a feature to its app.

Viking Polaris cabins and suites

On Viking Polaris, you'll either stay in a balcony cabin or a suite. Regular and deluxe balcony cabins are essentially identical, except that the deluxe version is on decks 3 and 4 and comes with additional priority reservations, while the regular version is on the lower Deck 2.

Lower-category suites (junior suites and penthouses) are also on Deck 4, while the top-tier suites, Explorer Suites and the one Owner's Suite, are on Deck 6.

The ship only has two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant/wheelchair-accessible cabins; both are junior suites on Deck 4.

If you're accustomed to ocean cruising, you'll notice that the balconies on Viking Polaris are not your standard verandah external to the ship. Instead, they are a style employed by many river ships (and some new Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises and Atlas Ocean Voyages ships), where the entire external wall of your cabin is made up of two glass window panes. With the touch of a button, the top pane slides down (like a car window) and your room becomes the balcony, with fresh air wafting in. You can even lean on the lip of the bottom pane of glass, or rest your coffee cup on it, as if it were a balcony railing.

Blackout shades can also come down at the touch of a button, but if you just need to block the sun a little, a gauzy curtain can be drawn across manually.

This style of room works well in cold polar regions where you are unlikely to sit out on a balcony for long, but do want to bring in fresh air from time to time or take a photo without a window in the way.

I was a big fan of our 215-square-foot Deluxe Balcony cabin because it felt cozy without being cramped. In Viking style, its design has Scandinavian influences with blond woods, fairly minimalist furnishings and a homey (rather than hotel-like) feel.

My favorite aspect of the cabin was the small L-shaped leather couch, tucked into a corner behind the shelving unit that separates the sleeping area from the sitting/desk area. Instead of feeling like the sitting area is smaller than the ones found on other ships, it becomes an inviting nook where you can curl up with a book while admiring the view. The coffee table comes in handy when you order room service.

The desk/vanity across from it looks like a simple tabletop but has two secrets. One is, the top lifts to reveal a storage area for jewelry and other small items, and two is that its X-shaped legs are useful for removing stuck-on expedition boots (move the chair so you can stick your foot through the top of the X and use it as leverage to pull the tight boot off).

The sitting area is smaller than you might expect because more space is smartly devoted to the dressing area on the other side of your bed. Here, you'll find an L-shaped wardrobe with two hanging racks, two large drawers, two small drawers, a top shelf, two small shelves, a cubby for shoes and the safe. A hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers are provided for your onboard use.

The two sides of the closet open from the middle and can be tricky to pull open. One cruiser reported draping hand towels over the top to keep the doors slightly ajar to make them easier to open with her arthritic fingers.

The wardrobe is spacious, but my travel companion and I brought so much extra gear for our two-week Antarctica cruise (more medicine than I usually bring, long underwear and thick wool socks, etc.) that we maxed out the drawer space in the cabin and would have been happy with an additional drawer or two. For example, I kept all my warm-weather accessories (hats, gloves, goggles, etc.) in a bag on the closet floor because I didn't have a drawer to store them.

Next to the wardrobe is a brilliant addition on Viking's part — a drying closet. Cruisers on Viking Polaris keep all of their Viking-provided outdoor gear (boots, waterproof pants, two-layer jackets) in their cabins. If they, or other items, get wet on outings, you hang them up in the drying closet and push a button to turn on the heat, and they dry out before your next adventure ashore.

Pro tip: Check the drying closet regularly to make sure the heating element is still on. It does turn off eventually, and you'll need to hit the button again if your drenched belongings aren't dry yet.

Other nice touches in the cabin include a carafe of water, a minifridge with complimentary soft drinks refilled daily, a Nespresso coffee machine, a corkscrew, small snacks (bags of nuts and milk chocolate), two pairs of binoculars for use during the cruise and a few books themed to polar exploration. The room's phone is on the desk, as are Quiet Vox headsets for use on tours (these aren't used much in Antarctica).

The twin beds can be pushed together into a king, and the woolen throw blankets at the ends are a nice touch, especially if you want to snuggle on the couch with the window open. The movable nightstands each have one drawer and an outlet with a 110-volt, 220-volt, USB and USB-C outlet, as well as a wireless charging station. Each side of the bed has a reading light and a bedside light on the leather headboard.

The 55-inch interactive TV is hung on the wall opposite the bed. It has live TV channels, as well as free on-demand movies, a Viking channel to watch lectures and briefings you missed, and information about your cruise, personal schedule and onboard account. You can also make dinner, spa and shore excursion reservations via the TV.

I would have loved a couple of metal hooks on the wall, but you can bring your own because the textured walls are magnetic (but not the wood veneers outside the bathroom).

The bathroom is lovely, both for the spacious shower with a long ledge for storing toiletries or propping up a foot when shaving and for its heated floors (good for warming your toes and also for drying wet gloves). The glass shelves are small, but two generous drawers and shelf space below should accommodate all your toiletries.

Viking provides its own Freya brand of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand cream and body lotion in large 2.7-ounce bottles, as well as 30 SPF sunscreen, two sun-protection lip balms, shower caps, vanity kits and bar soap. In the bathroom, you'll also find a shaver outlet, tissue box, cups and a toothbrush holder.

Related: Viking cruise cabins and suites: A guide to everything you want to know

Viking Polaris restaurants and bars

Viking Polaris is a small ship with a big appetite; it features four distinct dining venues plus room service. Meals at all restaurants on Viking Polaris are included in your cruise fare.

The restaurants are inspired by the cruise line's Norwegian heritage, so you'll find more smoked fish and Scandinavian pastries than you will on most other cruise lines. For a true Norwegian dining experience, you'll want to spend time at Mamsen's, where you can nibble on Norwegian specialties, such as waffles topped with brown cheese and hot dogs on flatbread.

Note that while vegetarian dishes are available at every meal on board, Polaris is definitely a ship that focuses on meat more than vegetables and vegetarian proteins. Gluten-free diners appear to be well taken care of; the bakery even posts a list of all the gluten-free bread products available (including pancakes, waffles and pizza).

On Viking Polaris, beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner are complimentary. During special events, such as sailaway on embarkation day, or arrival at Antarctica, the crew might come around with trays of complimentary cocktails. You can choose to purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package if you plan to order more than a drink or two daily, or you can pay for individual drinks a la carte.

Restaurants

On expedition voyages, the World Cafe buffet venue is the most popular eatery. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is appealing for its variety of meal choices and its casual dress code. When you're in and out of cold-weather layers, sometimes you simply don't feel like dressing up for a formal meal.

Breakfast has everything you need to fuel up for the day, from healthy options like a made-to-order omelet station, yogurt, fruit and muesli to more decadent choices like pastries, breakfast bread pudding and pancakes. True to Viking's Nordic tradition, morning options also include a selection of smoked fish, deli meats and cheeses. Waiters will bring you tea, hot chocolate and juice; each table is already set up with coffee.

At lunch, you'll find a selection of hot food, usually including a carving station with a featured protein, a soup, pasta and some kind of fish and vegetarian option. The salad bar has a good selection of fixin's (though it's lacking in protein) plus a few cheeses daily.

Carbo-load at the bakery, where you'll find breads (including soft pretzels), pizza (try the Norwegian goat cheese version), daily hot sandwiches, cookies and other desserts. Don't miss the gelato stations with toppings bar or the made-to-order counter with new dishes daily, such as a fajita bar.

If you don't see what you're looking for, don't hesitate to ask one of the dining staff either behind the buffet counter or walking the seating area. Crew members brought us plain grilled chicken to top a salad, a vegetarian "meatball" when the meatless options were lacking and coconut gelato when it didn't appear at the ice cream bar.

Dinner is a similar affair with hot options, pizza, a made-to-order counter (often a noodle soup), a Caesar salad bar with additional pre-prepared salads and desserts, including a nightly warm option (like peach crumble or bread pudding) and Coldstone-style mix-in ice cream rolls. The main addition is a nightly sushi bar and seafood buffet (lots and lots of crab legs) in the back by the Aquavit Terrace on the port side of the ship.

I loved that if you're lingering over a meal toward the end of service, a waiter will come by and alert you that the buffet is closing, so you can grab seconds or dessert before it's too late.

On the far starboard side of the World Cafe is the Grill. It serves sandwiches by day (multiple types of burgers, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches and tuna steak) and cooked-to-order meats at night (steak, brisket, burgers, swordfish). You can ask for sides from onion rings and French fries at lunch to roasted potatoes and asparagus at night, or forage for accompaniments from the rest of the buffet.

We spoke to a few diners who said the default is to cook the meats well, so if you prefer yours medium or rare, be very clear about that.

Viking Polaris' two sit-down restaurants are The Restaurant and Manfredi's, both on Deck 1 and only open for dinner. The Restaurant is a typical cruise ship main dining room with a menu split into always-available classics and the daily dinner menu that changes each evening. It's a three-course meal (though you could order more) with starters, mains with sides and dessert.

The daily menu might include leek and potato soup or beef tartare as a starter, seared sesame-crusted tuna or roasted veal medallion for a main, and peanut butter cheesecake for dessert. Note that many of the menu items at The Restaurant will also be available at the World Cafe upstairs.

Always-available dishes include Caesar salad and chicken soup, beer-marinated chicken and New York strip steak, an iced vanilla parfait and a cheese plate.

Manfredi's is the ship's Italian restaurant and the hottest dinner reservation on board. It's less accommodating of walk-ins so make your bookings early. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, you'll want to do it here.

The menu is divided into many sections and can be overwhelming at first, but it's not as complicated as it looks. Starters include antipasti, caprese salad, beef carpaccio and asparagus topped with a poached egg. You also have a choice of two soups. The pasta selection is not to be missed, especially the gnocchi in a gorgonzola cream sauce. You can ask for half or full sizes and enjoy the handmade pasta as a starter or main.

Main dishes come in two varieties. Piatti unici come as complete dinners with a protein and vegetable side, while secondi piatti are only the protein and you choose your sides. For example, I ordered the sliced grilled duck breast and it came plated with a salad, but if I'd ordered the Florentine steak or grilled tuna, I would want to also order some sauteed mushrooms or new potatoes with truffles and rosemary.

Don't worry — you can order sides even if you choose a pasta or pre-assembled dish as your main.

Desserts include tiramisu, panna cotta and pistachio cake, as well as a selection of gelato. I'd recommend the pistachio cake with a scoop of vanilla gelato.

Most cruisers can make one reservation at each restaurant prior to the cruise, but suite guests can make two to four pre-cruise reservations per venue, depending on the suite category booked. Anyone can make additional reservations online or try their luck with a walk-in if there's space available. We've heard it's easier to get seats at The Restaurant than at Manfredi's.

If you have a large group, you can reserve the private dining room between The Restaurant and Manfredi's. It seats 12 at one long table and is surrounded by racks housing the ship's wines. It's ideal if you want to have a rowdy group dinner without disturbing other diners, but it's a poor choice if you enjoy the scenery during dinner as the room has no windows.

Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, Mamsen's is a cute cafe serving Norwegian specialties inspired by the recipes of the mother of Viking's founder. The stars of the show here are the Norwegian waffles you can top with sweet brown cheese, berry compote or chocolate sauce, hot dogs served on flatbread, pea soup and open-faced sandwiches.

Viking's expedition ships do not serve a fancy afternoon tea like its ocean ships do, but you can find scones with clotted cream and jam served here in the afternoon.

As a special treat, the dining staff might host a barbecue lunch on the top deck (6) on a day when the weather is sunny. It's a fun, festive alfresco meal, but you won't get much notice and might have to adjust your landing times if you don't want to miss it.

Our barbecue was a meaty affair with chicken wings and pork ribs as an appetizer and a choice of steak or sea bass, with baked potatoes and cole slaw, as a main. We were initially told there was no vegetarian option, but the server came back saying they could get a veggie burger from the grill. If you're looking for something lighter or more vegetable-forward, the World Cafe remains open.

Room service is complimentary and available around the clock. Your room steward will leave you a breakfast card to hang outside on your door knob, for delivery between 6 and 10 a.m. Choices include beverages, fruit, yogurt, cereal, pastries and bread, cold cuts and cheeses, eggs, pancakes and breakfast meat.

The all-day menu is in a leather binder on your cabin's coffee table. It's a limited menu, which includes salads, soups, mains (steak, poached salmon, southern fried chicken), sandwiches (caprese, beef or veggie burger), spaghetti, a cheese plate and dessert (vanilla cheesecake or bourbon pecan brownie). You can call your order in on your in-room phone.

Everyone agrees that the fried chicken and the chicken noodle soup from the room service menu are not to be missed.

I'm not much of a drinker, but the bars and lounges on Viking Polaris are so comfy and inviting that I found myself looking forward to a pre-dinner cocktail or evening hangout in one of the ship's bars more than I do on other cruise lines. Viking guests can either purchase drinks a la carte or buy the Silver Spirits beverage package. All passengers can order complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.

The cocktail menus at the bars are composed of standard drinks, but bartenders can make you your favorites off menu if they have the ingredients. We successfully ordered Pimm's Cups and Lemon Drops, but a Dark n Stormy and Moscow Mule were no-go's because the ship does not carry ginger beer. (And here I thought a Dark n Stormy would be a perfect Drake Passage drink!)

My favorite bar for atmosphere is The Hide on Deck 1. It feels like a speak-easy because you can only access it from Deck 2's forward stairwell or elevator.

You open a heavy door that looks like it belongs on a submarine to enter a dimly lit space with slanted windows on either side with views close to the water line. The clusters of couches and easy chairs invite confidences with newfound friends, while the oversized cushion chairs by the windows will tempt you into an afternoon nap, lulled by the rocking of the ship. The large columns at the front of the space actually house the anchor chains.

It also has a speakeasy-style bar, serving liquor-forward drinks (either your favorite liquor straight or on the rocks or with a light mixer, like soda water). You won't find wine, beer or daiquiris here. The small bar is only staffed for a limited time each evening after dinner.

For views, you can't beat the two-deck Explorers' Lounge on decks 4 and 5. Both levels face the front of the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows and wraparound views. When you want to look for whales but don't want to brave the wind, the Explorers' Lounge is a great choice. The bar is on the lower level, but both levels offer cozy seating, both facing the windows and in conversation nooks.

An equally cozy spot is The Living Room on Deck 5. It has a bar but serves more as a comfortable hangout space with a library, digital game tables, puzzles and a large TV showing Viking channels.

As is common on this ship, glass windows run the length of both sides of the space so you're never far from the scenic views. Events like team trivia take place here. The Living Room's bar opens early, should you be looking for coffee drinks from an espresso machine, and closes mid-evening.

The Aquavit Bar between the World Cafe and Aquavit Terrace serves diners at the buffet restaurant, as well as guests relaxing in the aft solarium space. It closes at the same time that dinner shuts down.

The Viking Bar on Deck 1 is your pre-dinner drink spot when you have a reservation at The Restaurant or Manfredi's. It's only open during dinner hours, from 5:30 (half an hour between the restaurants open) to 9 p.m.

If you need a quick cuppa or to refill your water bottle, self-service coffee/tea/water stations are located around the ship. You'll find them on Deck 2 outside The Aula and outside Expedition Central and in the World Cafe.

Viking Polaris activities and entertainment

As the crew likes to say on Viking Polaris, the ship has no official entertainment staff because the outdoors is providing the main entertainment on an expedition cruise. The ship's Grand Central station for outdoor adventure activities is The Hangar. That is where you will board the ship's Special Operations Boat or Zodiac boats (rigid inflatable motorized rafts) for cruises, landings and to be taken to waiting kayaks and submersibles (named Ringo and George because the subs are yellow).

The Hangar is arranged so it's as easy as possible to board the Zodiacs. No gangways are employed. Instead, you step from an open door onto a step in the Zodiac and then into a boat, with at least two crew members assisting you in and out every time. The Hangar also employs a state-of-the-art boot brushing and sanitizing machine (imagine walking your feet through car wash bristles) to make it easy to clean boots on the way to and from polar landings.

Viking does not schedule polar plunges for safety reasons (both yours and Antarctica's), so you will not cross that activity off your bucket list on a Polaris sailing.

Even though your focus will be on shore and sea excursions, you'll still find plenty to do on board.

Viking puts an emphasis on enrichment and education, and you'll find yourself often in The Aula, the theater based on a famous Norwegian lecture hall. It has a giant video screen that can roll up like a garage door to uncover the huge windows behind it. Warm throw blankets in every row are a cozy touch.

Here, the expedition team will give daily briefings about weather conditions and upcoming landing sites, give talks on the area's wildlife or culture, and show documentaries and videos related to the destination.

Some talks (including an entertaining one on nautical superstitions) are held in the Hide. Arrive early because seats are limited, and latecomers might have to stand in the back or sit on the floor.

The ship also has a science lab, and guests can participate in real experiments and data collection during their voyage. You can find an interactive map and often an expedition team member to talk to at Expedition Central on Deck 2.

But it's not all serious edutainment. A dance party with some complimentary cocktails is held in The Living Room one evening and a music variety show takes place in The Aula.

On the more relaxing side, Viking Polaris has a world-class Nordic Spa with a gorgeous thermal suite. The thermal suite features numerous hot and cold therapies (including a snow room, sauna and a hot tub with an open window to the polar breezes outside), a therapeutic pool and stunning views through floor-to-ceiling windows. It's the perfect place to warm up after a cold Zodiac ride or landing, so it can get crowded in the afternoon.

Book a mani-pedi or style session at the salon, and you'll also be able to take in the views while you're pampered.

Spa treatments have a Nordic twist, but you'll find all the massages, facials and body treatments you could want. Try the Hygge massage in a warm "sand" bed — it's a Viking specialty. My Nordic stone massage was one of the best massages I've ever had, and my masseur, Joksim, knew what my stressed-out body needed and worked out all my knots. Ladies should note that many of Viking's spa therapists are men if that's something that makes you uncomfortable.

The two-room fitness center is small by big-ship standards, but it still manages to fit three treadmills, two elliptical trainers, two stationary bikes, an erg, resistance machines and weight benches with free weights. In the group exercise space, you can take classes, use the yoga and bosu balls on your own, or access a range of digital exercise classes on the large-screen TV.

The gym is most crowded early in the morning before the day's briefings, lectures and expedition activities get going. If you want to work out with the crew, time your workout for prime dinner hours.

The ship has multiple outdoor spots for nature gazing and alfresco relaxation. The Bow on Deck 3 is a great forward-facing spot to look for whales or watch the ship's arrival at a landing area. It's adjacent to the Shelter, a covered spot to take refuge from the wind or rain (and occasionally snag an Irish coffee on a special occasion).

The Finse Terrace on Deck 2 aft, outside The Aula, has two fire pit areas for serious chilling.

The Aquavit Terrace on Deck 5 aft has a warm pool surrounded by lounge chairs and covered by a retractable glass roof. The glass window at the end of the pool opens up, so you can swim out to an uncovered section of the pool. On either side are two outdoor tubs — one hot, one cool. There's nothing better than soaking in a hot tub on a sunny Antarctic day with snow-covered mountains and icebergs all around you.

The promenade on Deck 5 is a lovely place to walk, though you'll have to go down to Deck 4 and back up again at the front of the ship to complete the loop. Deck 6 is an open deck where you can lounge on warmer itineraries or scan for wildlife on cold ones.

If you want to buy gorgeous Norwegian sweaters like the expedition crew wears, adorable penguin beanies and the softest stuffed puppies, visit the Nordic Shop on Deck 3 midship when it's open. It also sells items you might have forgotten, such as toothpaste or hand warmers. The hottest items here are the Antarctica patches you can attach to your Viking-provided jacket. If you want one, come when the shop opens as they can sell out.

Guest services include a medical center on Deck A, a travel consultant (to book your next Viking river, ocean or expedition cruise) on Deck 3 across from the shop and guest services desks on Deck 1 outside Manfredi's.

Guest launderettes on decks 3 and 4 have washers and dryers, irons and ironing boards, and detergent is provided. Be sure to set a timer and remove your items promptly. The launderettes are popular on long cruises.

Viking Polaris itineraries and pricing

Viking Polaris currently spends the North American winter in Antarctica and the summer in the Great Lakes , transitting between the two in the spring and fall. The one-way repositioning voyages take passengers along the coast of Chile, through the Panama Canal, along the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. and Canada then into the St. Lawrence Seaway.

In 2026, the ship will spend the summer months sailing Iceland and Greenland cruises in the Arctic instead of the Great Lakes.

Viking expedition cruises tend to be long, and many itineraries are combinations of multiple cruises that could be booked separately. Travelers pressed for time can book a seven-night Great Lakes sailing, but the shortest Arctic and Antarctic cruises are at least 12 nights. Many itineraries are two weeks or longer. To sail between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the Great Lakes to Ushuaia, Argentina, at the southern tip of South America takes just over 60 days.

A 12-night Antarctic Explorer cruise starts at $11,995 per person in the lowest-tier Nordic balcony cabin. A weeklong Great Lakes cruise starts at $5,995 per person. A 12-night Arctic sailing starts at $13,995. Fares go up for more popular sail dates and for larger and higher-category cabins.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Required documents will vary depending on your cruise destination, but you will definitely need a passport.

If you're traveling to Antarctica or the Arctic, you will need a medical form signed by a doctor, clearing you to travel. Submit that at least 30 days prior to sailing. You must also fill out a form pre-cruise to request the correct size of jacket, pants and boots for your expedition.

Viking automatically adds a $17 gratuity per guest, per day, to your onboard bill. It is shared among the room stewards, waiters, galley staff and housekeeping. If you must change the amount, you can do so at Guest Services; you're always welcome to leave additional tips in cash or hand them to your favorite crew members.

I asked, and it is acceptable to tip expedition staff, in addition to waiters, bartenders and room stewards. Spa treatments do not automatically add a gratuity to your bill, but you can leave a tip when you're signing after your treatment.

Wi-Fi is included in the cost of your cruise. Viking uses a VSAT satellite terminal to provide the connection, and it was impressively good. I was able to make several WhatsApp Wi-Fi video calls back home from Antarctica, and though the image wasn't perfect, I could still show my kids penguins swimming off the side of the ship.

Carry-on drinks policy

Viking has a generous alcohol policy. All passengers are allowed to bring alcohol and other beverages on the ship with them, and they won't be charged a corkage fee, regardless of whether they drink their beverage in their room or in a lounge or restaurant.

Smoking policy

Viking Polaris is a nonsmoking ship, and you cannot smoke indoors or on most outdoor decks. The only place you're allowed to smoke cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes is in the designated smoking area outside on the starboard side of Deck 6.

If you're cruising in polar regions, you should also be aware that smoking is not allowed ashore anywhere in Antarctica or in Svalbard in the Arctic.

Viking Polaris has two self-serve launderettes on decks 3 and 4. Each features multiple washers and dryers you can use free of charge; detergent is provided. Irons and ironing boards are also available, but you can only use them in the launderette.

Alternatively, you can send out clothes to be washed and dried, pressed or dry cleaned for a fee. A bag is provided in your room, and you can select regular two-day service or same-day service for a 50% surcharge. Prices are per item, not per bag.

If it's been a while since you've used communal laundry rooms, you will need to dig deep and remember your college laundry etiquette. Set a timer on your cellphone so you can switch your laundry promptly. Fail to do so and another guest is likely to dump your wet laundry onto the ironing board.

We overheard several heated discussions about who had rights to which dryers and when. Don't wait until the last day of your trip to do your washing, as that's when the launderettes are the busiest.

Electrical outlets

Viking Polaris is a 21st-century ship, so you can expect more than just one outlet. Each nightstand features a three-part power strip with a U.S. 110-volt, European 220-volt, USB and USB-C outlet, as well as a wireless charger, should your phone have that capability (mine did not). Note that when you plug a charger into the 110-volt outlet, it blocks the regular USB outlet, but not the USB-C.

The desk area has two 110V and two 220V sockets. There's also a 220V outlet outside the bathroom, should you wish to plug in your own nightlight, and a shaver outlet inside the bathroom.

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. You won't be paying for much — mainly souvenirs, drinks and spa treatments. You'll be asked to provide a credit card, and your onboard bill will be charged to that account.

Drinking age

The drinking age on board is 21, regardless of where Viking Polaris is in the world.

Expeditions are casual affairs. You will be so anxious about bringing the correct polar gear that onboard attire is almost an afterthought.

Daytime attire on the ship is a mix of casual outfits based on the weather (jeans, slacks, sneakers, etc.) and adventure attire (leggings, fleece vests or jackets, athletic pants). One guy on our Antarctica sailing was often seen in a tropical shirt and shorts. The spa's changing areas are small, so you'll also see people walking the ship in their bathrobes or workout wear on their way to and from the Nordic Spa.

If you don't want to change for dinner, your casual daywear is appropriate at the World Cafe in the evening. No one will blink if you show up in a fleece jacket and hiking pants or athletic leggings and a top. Only swimwear, PJs and true exercise attire (like a sports bra with bike shorts) would not be acceptable. And, yes, we did witness a guest being ever-so-politely encouraged to leave the World Cafe when he showed up in his bathrobe.

Related: Antarctica gear guide: What you need to pack for a trip to the White Continent

If you wish to dine at The Restaurant or Manfredi's, you are supposed to step it a notch. Viking considers evening dress in the restaurants "elegant casual" — aka, no jeans. The suggested attire is slacks and a collared shirt for men and nice slacks, a skirt or dress for women. However, we saw diners dressed more casually (fleece jackets and jeans) in both restaurants, and no one said a word.

Viking Polaris does not have any formal evenings, so leave your cocktail dresses, suits and neckties at home.

Bottom line

If you want to visit the ends of the earth without giving up creature comforts, Viking Polaris is the perfect ship for you. Its large-for-expedition size means the ship is loaded with attractions, from multiple restaurants and lounges to an expansive spa, spacious cabins and dedicated spaces for enrichment activities. Its state-of-the-art Hangar allows travelers of all abilities to access off-ship adventure and its expedition team to set up water- and land-based activities as quickly as possible.

However, if you want to spend as much time as possible off the ship in polar regions, you might do better, especially in Antarctica, with a ship that carries closer to 100 passengers. The trade-off is that you might have to choose a ship that has fewer frills and amenities than Viking Polaris.

Plus, it's unclear that any expedition ship has a crew as friendly, knowledgeable and helpful as the folks who work aboard Polaris. They make the trip more special than any ship designer or rare penguin could ever do.

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• MSC Cruises

Yacht Club Dress Code

By zjc , December 15, 2016 in MSC Cruises

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Just wondering if anyone can advise what the dress code is like in the Yacht Club on MSC

Does it follow the suggested dress code of the rest of the ship or does it have a separate dress code?

Also, is the dress code on MSC still 'suggested'

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Hey   Just wondering if anyone can advise what the dress code is like in the Yacht Club on MSC   Does it follow the suggested dress code of the rest of the ship or does it have a separate dress code?   Also, is the dress code on MSC still 'suggested'   Thanks

The dress code on all MSC ships is advisory and is published in the daily programme. The dress code is the same throughout the ship.

The YC is not a prison you are allowed to escape and mingle with "steerage". So no worries on the dress code. Do as you want

The dress code follows the rest of the ship, however on Formal Nights the people in YC tend to dress more formally (i.e. tux for men). I felt a bit underdressed the on our first cruise in YC so the next one I took evening wear with me. However this was on European and TA cruises, I suspect that on Divina out of Miami it may be more relaxed. I think evening wear is more of a European thing?? Even so, it's nice to dressed up for these occasions.

See this thread:- http://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2430722

My experience in the YC on formal nights is somewhat different. We have sailed there three times and I haven't seen much difference in what men wear there compared to the rest of the ship. There were only a couple of tuxes, many suits and ties, some with suits and/sport jackets with open collared shirts and one or two men with jeans.

Yes, as I said, probably a more casual attitude on U.S. based cruises. Maybe the Divina should get it's own forum as it seems to differ from the other MSC ships???????:confused:

Not a bad idea. I would also like to see the Yacht Club get it's own forum. People's thoughts and reviews of the YC often differ greatly than those of the rest of the ship.

Thanks for all your comments it's good to understand. Having sailed with Royal over the last 4 years and not MSC I'm use to the very relaxed dress code on Royal

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Your observation of dress 'code' in the Yacht Club tracks right along with ours.

We might have been on the same two Divina cruises this year. :)

Seperate forum for YC sounds like a great idea.

Capricruiser

The dress in the Yacht Club whether on casual or gala evenings is no different from the rest of the ship. Jeans are fine on casual nights and suits or sport jackets the norm for the gala occasions. True formal wear is actually seen less in Yacht Club from what I saw on my two YC cruises.

Just got off the Divina this morning and I would second this post. On our Gala night's, the majority on men were in suits or sports jackets with a couple tux's and a couple of men wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

• 3 months later...

I realize I'm reactivating a year-old thread, but I didn't want to start a new one when much of this concern has been addressed. However, a part that doesn't seem to get much attention: What do women and men who book Yacht Club cabins/suites wear during the day while in the Yacht Club? For men, are dress shorts and golf shirts appropriate? Are dress shorts and t-shirts okay? I've seen a number of photos in which men are wearing slacks and button-down shirts. While I certainly don't want to stand out for under-dressing, I'd hate to make myself conspicuous by over-dressing. Plus, I'll be on vacation, so a break from a daytime suit-and-tie will be great!

Also, our cabin is 15021. How will we get up to The One pool deck? Is there an elevator, or will we be taking stairs from the Yacht Club? Is it okay to pass through the Club wearing swim trunks and a t-shirt on the way to the pool?

Really no different from the rest of the ship. Shorts and T shirts are fine for daytime.

From your cabin to the One Pool Deck is easy peasy, walk down the hall and just outside of the Concierge is the elevator up to One Pool (or down to the Spa). Only goes from Deck 14 to Deck 18 for Yacht Club passengers.

It's the same but you don't have to follow it.

• 11 months later...

I wholeheartedly agree. Why take up the time of others looking for info. It should be a sub-category.

CruisingFox27

DH wore sorts and t shirts during the day. If you are sailing from Miami the dress standard is considerably more casual, even in the evenings than on European sailings.

• 1 year later...

NextStopNRT

We have a 7-day cruise on the Seaside leaving next Saturday, 13 April 2019, and we're staying in the YC. I really don't want to pack anything formal (sport coats, ties, etc.) Is it really a necessity on a Caribbean cruise?  We can go to specialty restaurants on formal nights without formal attire I assume. The dress code would apply only to main dining rooms whether in YC on main part of ship. Correct me if I'm wrong. TIA

6 minutes ago, NextStopNRT said: We have a 7-day cruise on the Seaside leaving next Saturday, 13 April 2019, and we're staying in the YC. I really don't want to pack anything formal (sport coats, ties, etc.) Is it really a necessity on a Caribbean cruise?  We can go to specialty restaurants on formal nights without formal attire I assume. The dress code would apply only to main dining rooms whether in YC on main part of ship. Correct me if I'm wrong. TIA

No, you do not need formal clothes in the YC or any place else for that matter. Based on my experience in the YC last December, I did not feel out of place wearing the same type of clothes any of seven nights. I did take a tie just encase we decided to get our picture taken. I wore it the last formal night, at least it did not take much room to pack.

2 minutes ago, sptrout said:   No, you do not need formal clothes in the YC or any place else for that matter. Based on my experience in the YC last December, I did not feel out of place wearing the same type of clothes any of seven nights. I did take a tie just encase we decided to get our picture taken. I wore it the last formal night, at least it did not take much room to pack.

Agree,,,, If you dress smart casual... you will blend right in with the majority of YC diners. On our cruise last year...we saw a man walk in on 2 different nights in shorts!!! So literally no dress code enforcement.

3 hours ago, lcpagejr said: Agree,,,, If you dress smart casual... you will blend right in with the majority of YC diners. On our cruise last year...we saw a man walk in on 2 different nights in shorts!!! So literally no dress code enforcement.

Shorts - really? The audacity of some people. I am truly mortified by the thought of seeing someone in shorts in a dining room.

Depends on the ship, the asst m'D and the itinerary - I've seen men turned away when wearing shorts.  DH was refused entry to TSL last year on Splendida when wearing shorts - it was only shortly after 6pm!

4 hours ago, Beamafar said: Depends on the ship, the asst m'D and the itinerary - I've seen men turned away when wearing shorts.  DH was refused entry to TSL last year on Splendida when wearing shorts - it was only shortly after 6pm!

Beam...I'm sure this is more of a European /med cruise which tend to be more formal. Caribbean cruises you can pretty much dictate what you want to wear. . I have found this on all lines I've cruised stateside

20 minutes ago, lcpagejr said: Beam...I'm sure this is more of a European /med cruise which tend to be more formal. Caribbean cruises you can pretty much dictate what you want to wear. . I have found this on all lines I've cruised stateside

Actually, it was a repositioning cruise where temperatures were hotter than average Caribbean ones.

I did advise that it  "depends on itinerary", in fairness, IC.

49 minutes ago, Beamafar said:   Actually, it was a repositioning cruise where temperatures were hotter than average Caribbean ones.   I did advise that it  "depends on itinerary", in fairness, IC.

I'm not disagreeing.... Sadly it is under control of the cruiseline..but most dining room staff tend to ignore and not enforce questionable attire.

1 hour ago, lcpagejr said: Beam...I'm sure this is more of a European /med cruise which tend to be more formal. Caribbean cruises you can pretty much dictate what you want to wear. . I have found this on all lines I've cruised stateside

On our recent Caribbean in Preziosa YC we were very surprised at the formality of dinner dressing on both Elegant nights. Many, probably about 25%, men wore Tuxedos and another 25% were in suits. Most of the remainder, like me, wore long sleeve shirts with dress trousers. The ladies, as ever, at least complemented their partners in level of dressing and often exceeded. Not a single guest in the YC restaurant 'dressed down' on any night....by that I mean the minimum was a collared short sleeve shirt, and chinos or equivalent.

OK, it wasn't 'stateside' as such because the cruise commenced and ended in Barbados and remained in the Caribbean throughout. The mix of passengers was largely European, many British (500 passengers) and a smaller number of Americans.

We were just on and the norm was slacks and shirt for men and dress or slacks for women.  Fancy nights people spruced it up a bit.  Saw one tux and the guy was cranked with pictures of people in shorts at dinner.  Imo shorts not appropriate but I'm not going to get cranked about it.  I was just happy Octomom wasn't on letting her kids run around dining room during dinner.

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