Award-winning designs, luxury suites, mudrooms and science labs– the expedition ships of 2022 are the industry’s most innovative yet! As the demand for once-in-a-lifetime holidays rises, cruise lines are stepping up to the challenge to provide cruisegoers with the most immersive and adventurous designs that exude exploration while transporting guests into the world’s most daring destinations. Read on to see four of the most breathtaking expedition cruise ship interiors debuting in 2022.
Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris – Viking Cruises
January and August
Designed by the same team behind Viking Cruises’ ocean cruise ships, Rottet Studio and SMC Design, Viking Cruises debuted its new Polar Class 6 expedition ships in 2022. Together these forward-thinking design firms were awarded “Design Studio Team of the Year” at Cruise Ship Interior Awards 2021 for their collaboration on Viking Octantis. Dive into these award-winning, Nordic-inspired designs below.
A Scandinavian touch
Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are two fit-for-purpose vessels designed to carry 378 guests in 189 staterooms from the most remote polar regions like Antarctica through to South America. With similar design aesthetics to Viking Cruises’ ocean vessels, the staterooms on board Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris offer a Scandinavian touch with their ornate wood detailing. They boast an abundance of amenities including an expanded bathroom with an extended shower, double sinks and a heated floor, a daily replenished fully-stocked mini-bar, as well as a floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.
A first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms on board Viking Cruises’ expedition ships feature a private Nordic Balcony. This provides guests with a floor-to-ceiling distortion-free glass sunroom for a stunning panoramic view. Passengers can also convert this into an al fresco viewing platform. This transforms into an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera.
Adventures galore
Viking Cruises’ expedition ships debut plenty of educational and interactive new spaces. Among these are The Aula, the world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea. This stunning panoramic auditorium, located at the stern of the ship, offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a 270-degree view. Here, passengers can attend lectures, briefings, and watch documentaries and films on the auditorium’s 4k laser-projected retractable screen. The vessels also feature the Science Lab, developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-Niva. Here, guests can participate in supervised research alongside the vessel’s onboard scientists. However, the ship’s most unique educational public space is the Hangar. This enclosed, in-ship marina can be found at sea level. Guests can loan expedition equipment at no extra charge and step onto one of Viking Expeditions’ fleet of military-pro zodiacs, two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks, and two six-guest submarines for a day of exploring.
Between catching lectures or taking a dive sub-water in a submarine, guests can retreat to The Living Room. Here, they have a chance to catch up on their reading list at its state-of-the-art library. Featuring a modern Scandinavian design with elegant touches, this intimate interior provides a tranquil reading space with a view. The library is curated by acclaimed London bookshop Heywood Hill, as well as Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute.
Authentic Nordic respite
But it’s not just about learning on board Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Passengers can head to the top decks for immersive views and drinks at the Finse Terrace, a panoramic outdoor lounge area with comfortable seating and heated lava rock fire pits. This space takes its name from the Finse Plateau in Norway, where some of the world’s greatest polar explorers trained for their expeditions. Additionally, for some rest and respite, guests can retreat to the Nordic Spa for some authentic Nordic treatments. These include an indoor heated pool surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, a badestamp (wood-sided hot tub), and a thermal suite including a sauna, snow grotto and hydrotherapy pool.
SH Vega – Swan Hellenic
July
Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega set sail on its maiden voyage in July, debuting an innovative and stylish interior design. Sailing across the far reaches of the Earth, including the Arctic circle from Greenland to Nova Scotia, and the Antarctic Peninsula, SH Vega’s Scandinavian-inspired designs provide plenty of relaxing and intimate spaces that serve as a backdrop to these spectacular destinations.
Nature inspired interiors
SH Vega’s interior designs make use of natural materials and large windows to bring the outdoors indoors. Among the ship’s stunning public spaces is the Observation Lounge. This is a light and airy, open meeting area where passengers can unwind, watching the scenery pass by whilst enjoying accompanying live music played on the lounge’s bespoke piano.
SH Vega’s spa also provides plenty of intimate spaces where passengers can unwind between expeditions in the mudroom and sauna. Additionally, passengers can head outside for a breath of fresh air while soaking in a jacuzzi.
SH Vega also provides plenty of dining options, including the Swan Restaurant, the ship’s main dining room. Here, passengers can immerse in local cultures by enjoying both international and local cuisine made with fresh regional ingredients. Additionally, guests can take to the Club Lounge for 24-hour tapas-inspired dining with panoramic views of the ocean glittering below. The Club Lounge features both an interior and exterior space. Inside, passengers can relax by the fire centrepiece, or they can take their drinks out onto the poolside outdoor deck to take in the scenery whilst lounging in natural, wicker furniture.
SH Vega hosts up to 152 passengers in its 76 staterooms, including six suites. These homes away from home provide many comforts, including fake crackling fire centrepieces and warm, muted colour schemes. The staterooms are also well-equipped with amenities, from extensive storage space to comfortable seating, glass-enclosed rain showers, and desks.
Silver Endeavour – Silversea Cruises
November
Silver Endeavour will be one of the world’s most luxurious expedition cruise ships when she launches on 21 November 2022. Named in honour of HMS Endeavour, she will carry passengers across the high seas in exploration like James Cook. On board, the vessel’s spaces are also designed to channel the same sense of discovery that guided this pioneering explorer.
Silver Endeavour has lots to offer its guests, with eight decks of the most spacious accommodations in expedition cruising and various public spaces. On board, passengers will be treated to an expansive spa, an array of indoor and outdoor observation areas, and multiple restaurants and lounges. The vessel also boasts a two-storey solarium with a swimming pool and whirlpool. Here, passengers can swim underneath a great glass dome. This provides passengers with a unique opportunity to view the stunning destinations they are travelling to, offering an unforgettable experience.
Seven spacious suite categories
Silver Endeavour will have seven suite categories for passengers to choose from. These include the 1,868 square foot Owner’s Suite. This spacious interior contains a large living room, separate dining room, a private bar, and two bedrooms with their own bathrooms. Here, passengers can take a soak in the luxurious bath whilst watching the scenery pass by, or sleep under a twinkling star ceiling. The Owner’s Suite also comes with an expansive balcony offering stunning views of the ship’s destinations.
The 1,668 square foot Grand Suite has an expansive balcony spanning 684 square feet and a spacious interior comprising of a living room, dining area, bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. This suite also contains an additional bedroom area to accommodate a third guest. Other suites include the Veranda Suite, which offers a walk-in closet, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a vanity. These staterooms also provide spacious living and bedroom areas with convertible sofas, a writing desk, and 52 square foot balconies.
Are you interested in learning about the latest innovations in cruise interiors? Attend Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe to network with the entire cruise interiors industry, source suppliers, and attend an expert-led conference. Find out all about the upcoming exhibition and register here.