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6 Awesome Retirement Spots in Mexico on the Caribbean Coast

11/26/2021

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Playa del Carmen is one of several beautiful and affordable places to live on Mexico's Caribbean coast. // Courtesy InternationalLiving.com
The Yucatan Peninsula sits along the eastern coast of Mexico and is one of our favorite travel destinations. You can find amazing towns filled with fascinating Maya history, culture and archaeological sites. The region also offers constantly warm weather, beautiful beaches, jungles made for adventure experiences, delicious food and friendly people. 
The Yucatan borders the Caribbean Sea, and a fairly famous stretch runs from Cancun south to Tulum and includes popular Playa del Carmen and Akumal. Branded the "Riviera Maya," the famous sugar-sand beaches rank among the most highly sought-after vacation destinations. 
"Mexico's Caribbean coast makes good sense as a retirement retreat -- it's close, relatively affordable, and simple to get to as flights to Cancun are frequent," says Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living magazine. "Mexico offers a six-month tourist visa, which makes part-time living in the sun simple since there aren't lots of immigration hoops to jump through. Even full-time, Mexico offers straightforward visa options. And, of course, there's the good-value cost of living.  
"Expats report that on a budget from about $1,700 to $3,000 a month (depending on the spot), it's possible to live quite comfortably day-to-day and enjoy all the benefits that come with life on Mexico's Caribbean coast -- a laidback pace, sunny skies, walks on the beach, sailing, snorkeling, fishing, turtle-saving, Mayan ruin exploration and golf." 
South of Riviera Maya is a mostly undeveloped stretch of stunning, isolated beach called Costa Maya. This area makes sense for those who have a pioneering spirit and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, such as fishermen, divers and those who love warm weather, palm trees and silky sand. 
Whether it's Riviera Maya or Costa Maya, Mexico's Caribbean offers at least a dozen smart options, each with its own character -- but all of them deliver low-cost, good-value living with a backdrop of sun and sand. 
Check out these half-dozen marvelous and inexpensive options for living on Mexico's Caribbean coast, via InternationalLiving.com.

Akumal 
Akumal is a small town, best known for the migrating sea turtles that visit every year to lay eggs along the shore. Akumal is a beach-lover's paradise, perfect for anyone who enjoys relaxing with their toes in the sand and an adult beverage in hand. There is also a significant expat community. 
This small village has five gorgeous white-sand beaches along the Caribbean Sea -- adorned with plenty of majestic coconut palm trees. Akumal's temperature averages in the 80s, with the hottest summer days climbing into the mid-90s. 
Until the past few years, Akumal, about an hour south of Playa del Carmen, was often a day trip for a small number of vacationers who were staying in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. These days, Akumal has grown in popularity and is emerging as a primary destination. In fact, sizable real estate developments (one with a championship golf course) have sprouted, encouraging investors and expat residents to make long-term commitments to the area. 
A couple could live comfortably, including rent, in Akumal for $2,240 a month 

Tulum 
For decades, Tulum was known as a backpackers' haven. While the bulk of tourists stayed in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Tulum's low-key and idyllic environment attracted a younger set of travelers who liked the town's more casual vibe and inexpensive, palapa-style hotels and restaurants. 
How times have changed! 
Today, Tulum has gone upscale. Many of the bohemian types who gave Playa del Carmen its vibe have moved south to Tulum, opening restaurants, shops and boutique hotels. You can still find stands selling tacos and beans, but you can also indulge in gourmet meals, yoga sessions and spa treatments. 
Expats have discovered Tulum and have been moving down, in increasing numbers, for the past decade. Thousands of snowbirds have also claimed Tulum as their winter nesting place as they escape the cold weather up north. 
With a tropical climate -- temperatures averaging in the 80s -- Tulum offers a Caribbean lifestyle without the need to travel to and from an island. Residents enjoy warm Caribbean waters, a magnificent beach and an offshore reef that provides plentiful opportunities for fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. 
Prices have risen accordingly (although there are still bargains to be found). Mexico's government is positioning Tulum as a high-end, exclusive destination, but the ambience is still inviting to North Americans who want to retire to paradise. 
On a budget of $3,175 a month, including rent, a retired couple could live quite comfortably in Tulum. 

Playa Del Carmen 
Playa del Carmen is located midway between resort-filled Cancun and Tulum. It's a happy medium when compared with those two extremes, and Playa del Carmen is a favorite for those seeking to live an active retirement in an atmosphere that is sophisticated yet laid back. 
The heart of Playa del Carmen is the famous Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue. It's a miles-long pedestrian avenue lined with shops, boutiques, bars, cafes and restaurants serving every cuisine imaginable, from high-end to budget.  
It's frequented by tourists in big numbers. But Quinta Avenida is also a favorite among expats for shopping and dining. Happy hours, group dinners, as well as parties at private homes, are main social activities. The place has energy. People from a wide variety of nationalities call Playa del Carmen home. Americans and Canadians are the biggest groups, with significant numbers of Italians, French and Argentinians. 
Retiring in Playa del Carmen is attractive for many reasons. There is warm weather all year, which makes it especially nice in winter, during which snowbirds descend upon the town. 
A couple can enjoy a comfortable retirement in Playa del Carmen, including rent, for around $2,180 a month. 

Cozumel 
Cozumel is a perfect blend of laidback island life with tons of activities. Here, you can easily blend relaxation with active pursuits. You can park yourself on a perfect stretch of white-sand beach for the day, listening to the waves as you read the latest best-seller, or don a snorkel to explore the Chinchorro Reef, within the world's second-largest reef system, situated just offshore.  
Clear waters make it easy to spot sea turtles, rays and colorful clown fish. You can even make arrangements to swim with giant whale sharks. 
Sitting only 12 miles offshore from Playa del Carmen, about an hour south of Cancun, Cozumel is about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. But this small space has a lot packed into it. With more than 300 restaurants, you can have your pick of delicious international cuisine. 
The bulk of Cozumel's population calls the city of San Miguel home. There is a busy malecon, or main road, running along the shoreline near the ferry terminal and cruise ship docks. Arriving by boat, you'll find dozens of tourist-oriented shops, restaurants and bars. A few blocks inland will put you into local neighborhoods, where small houses and apartments line the streets and groups of uniformed children walk to and from school. You'll also note luxury condo buildings that line the horizon, offering contemporary amenities.  
A couple can enjoy a comfortable retirement here, including rent, for less than $1,900 a month. 

Puerto Morelos 
As you head south from Cancun, past the mega-resorts, the first town of any substantial size is Puerto Morelos. Just 18 miles south of Cancun, Puerto Morelos retains its small-town, fishing-village charm. For those looking for an "in-between" spot that's on the tourist map but not overrun, this might be your place. (Some say Puerto Morelos is like Playa del Carmen in the "early days.") 
People of all nationalities meander are spotted along the small malecon. Restaurants are plentiful and offer fresh seafood. There are usually food carts present, allowing you to indulge in street food. The old lighthouse provides a perfect backdrop for photos. Puerto Morelos has clearly been discovered, but it remains a charming and beautiful Mexican town. 
Dozens of small fishing boats bob at anchor, just offshore, as sea birds perch on the gunwales. The peaceful vibe almost demands that you awaken early to see the sunrise while walking barefoot on the beach. The seafood is as good as it gets, and the guacamole and margaritas are always perfect. 
This destination represents the affordable Caribbean. A couple could live well here on $1,190 to $1,700 a month. 

Isla Mujeres 
Isla (as residents call it) is tiny. About 4.5 miles long and half a mile wide, it's much smaller than Cozumel. Some 13,000 people call this tiny Caribbean gem their home. 
Lying about eight miles off Cancun, Isla provides the sense of independence cherished by island dwellers. But it's also conveniently close to the mainland and big-city comforts. And although Isla has been discovered by international tourists, and Cancun residents regularly pack lunches and beach gear for day trips to this idyllic retreat, it retains much of the charm and "get-away-from-it-all" vibe from decades ago. 
Even the tourist shops, restaurants and bars lining both sides of the main street seem laidback and friendly. The smells of crispy fried fish, fresh-cut limes, hot tortillas and french fries drift from doorways, pulling hungry patrons off the street. You'll see scooters everywhere on Cozumel, but golf carts are the vehicle of choice on Isla. From the streets, golf cart rentals beckon with cardboard signs showing daily rental rates. 
In terms of lifestyle, Isla has all the same tropical-island options as Cozumel. Diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing are all possibilities, and paddle boarding is also popular. 
A couple can live a nice life on Isla Mujeres for $2,500 to $3,000 a month, including rent. 

Article courtesy of International Living magazine. 
 
Where will you retire? Do any of these great Mexico destinations entice you? Let us know in the comments below.  
Thanks for reading. 
Travel happy,
​JR
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Holland America's New Rotterdam Ship Is Vibrant Addition to Fleet

11/22/2021

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Holland America's new Rotterdam, which carries up to 2,668 passengers, is the third in the Pinnacle class for the line. // All photos by Kelly McDaniel
By Kelly McDaniel 
This past year, the cruise industry required patience and flexibility for both passengers and cruise lines. It was also marked by a host of new procedures, protocols and creative measures to ensure a safe sailing environment as the cruise industry worked hard to restart after the pandemic. 
I sailed on Rotterdam, Holland America's newest Pinnacle-class addition, to close out the year, and it is a fitting ship to show just how the cruise industry has fully adjusted and adapted to the new travel environment. My experience on Rotterdam (as well as my earlier sailings on Azamara Quest and Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas) also helped to show me that the cruising experience is just as fun as it's always been.
Sure, it's a little different now. But fellow passengers I have sailed with this year say they have thoroughly enjoyed themselves despite being a bit worried at first about how cruising might be changed. The good thing is, not all change is bad. The need to socially distance and create fewer touchpoints has resulted in some advantages, namely the phone apps many cruise lines are rolling out. Holland America's free Navigator app helped make embarkation simple and fast. After presenting my passport, covid vaccination certificate and negative covid test, I moved quickly through security to the final checkpoint to have my picture taken and boarding pass scanned.
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The Navigator app is easy to use and offers key info to help during your cruise. Adrian and Ross were two of the wonderful crew members taking care of us on our voyage.
The app allowed me to skip the hassle of printing a pass and instead present a digital boarding pass right on my phone. In less than 10 minutes, I was walking on board, where I was enthusiastically greeted by crew members.
Throughout the cruise, the app was my constant companion -- I booked shore excursions, arranged specialty dining, checked deck plans, looked through the list of daily ship activities and even "favorited" some that were then added to a personal itinerary. As activity times drew closer, I received push notifications reminding me of when and where the activity was on the ship. Don't worry; there's no need to buy the ship's internet package to access it -- all passengers can use the Navigator app at no cost. 
I have to say before I dive too deep into my time on Rotterdam, that this was my first experience sailing with Holland America Line. I share this because as a woman in her 30s, I was informed that the line tends to cater to an older demographic and to not be surprised if the fun ends at 10 p.m. Well, this was definitely not the case on my sailing, and you can see Holland America's efforts to attract younger passengers is working -- at least for me.  
Who needs sleep when you have four fantastic music venues pumping out classical concertos, blues, pop and rock until 2 a.m.? HAL's innovative Music Walk has been a staple on several of its ships for years, and Rotterdam has four distinct stages offering tunes for every taste. As Rebekah Law, Rotterdam's Cruise and Travel Director says, it's the "best live music at sea."

The Music Walk on Rotterdam:

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B.B. King's Blues Club brings the classic Memphis sounds to sea with an eight-piece band, with rhythm and horn sections, as well as two singers. Cruisers fill the dance floor and dance the night away to the beats.
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Billboard Onboard is the lively dueling piano bar on Rotterdam's Music Walk. Gather round and sing along to chart topping songs from the past sixty years.
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Rolling Stone Rock Room kicks into high gear after dark, with the band pumping out classic rock and roll favorites. Passengers love to settle in over a couple drinks or to come here to hit the dance floor.
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Lincoln Center Stage showcases classical and contemporary music with creative concerts each evening and sea day recitals. The venue is created in collaboration with Lincoln Center, the famed performing arts organization.
If you're looking for somewhere a bit quieter, check out Half Moon Bar, just outside of Club Orange. This late-night cocktail bar features concoctions named after memorable people and moments in HAL history like the Rotterdam VII (this newest incarnation of Rotterdam), a smoky drink with high production value. I never tired of watching the bartender whip it up (picture below) as she slowly poured the smoke over the chilled liquor. This was where I ended up most nights chatting with friends, some new and some old, after a show at The World Stage or a late dinner.
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The World Stage, Rotterdam's theater filled with LED lights and a "seating in the round" concept, offers nightly performances ranging from a doo-wop group, lyrical dance performances by Step One Dance Company, and even a particularly moving piece highlighting Holland America's journey through time narrated by the cruise director. What makes this theater different from others is the 270-degree two-story LED screens that make each show a spectacle, wrapping around the audience for a fully immersive experience.
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The World Stage is the innovative main theater on Rotterdam.
The entertainment wasn't reserved just for the evenings. Wine tastings, team trivia, pickleball tournaments and even painting classes were all offered during my 5-night cruise. The Lido pool, covered by a retractable glass roof, played movies on the big screen every afternoon, and on Sunday, it was a great spot to watch NFL games. It was a hub of activity most hours of the day with two restaurants: Dive In serving up burgers and hot dogs, and NY Pizza and Deli slinging freshly made pies and sandwiches, right next to multiple hot tubs, a large pool, day beds and padded loungers.  
Did I mention there's a gelato bar there, too?

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Rotterdam's beautiful all-weather Lido Pool Deck is the place to be during your cruise. Plus, it's where you'll find the delicious gelato.
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With the ship at about 50 percent capacity, there was no waiting in lines or searching for an open deck chair or table at the buffet. Staff were abundant and continuously circulating, all wanting and willing to bring you another drink or an extra towel. Their attention to detail was impeccable at the Lido Market, where they greeted me by name. Although it was my go-to spot for a quick meal, it was hard to leave as I always found one more decadent pastry I just HAD to try or an entirely new station I hadn't seen before. There are made-to-order omelets and pasta dishes, fresh-baked nut bread, sushi and hand-carved meats. Need I say more?
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The Lido Market is Rotterdam's gorgeous buffet-style restaurant. Look at those views -- and the desserts!
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HAL's reputation for good food extends to the specialty restaurants on Rotterdam. Pinnacle Grill's candied bacon and tomahawk bone-in rib eye steak were highlights at our table, while the impressive seafood selections at Rudi's Sel de Mer was made all the better when Rudi stopped by to say hello. Tamarind was the true standout of the bunch, exploring the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan in a warm and darkened setting overlooking the aft pool deck. I had a lovely green tea to clear my palette before I savored the main course -- a cashew barramundi (Asian sea bass) with red Thai curry. I topped it off with a refreshing mango posset (cold, creamy dessert drink).
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A look at the pretty dining room in Rudi's Sel de Mer restaurant, and below, a range of tasty items you can find at the eateries on Rotterdam.
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On our lone sea day, passengers flocked to the open air and sunny Sea View Pool at the aft of the ship. Many relaxed with a book from the ship's library, a truly impressive space chock full of trendy titles from several genres including "Young Adult" -- a nod to the next cruising generation, perhaps?
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The massive and stunning Library on Rotterdam.
Now, I would be remiss if I did not point out Rotterdam's magnificent art collection. I had heard the facts -- the collection is valued at over $4 million with over 2,600 pieces from 90 artists around the world. But nothing is quite as satisfying as discovering it on your own.  
Every turn down a hall or walk up a flight of stairs meant I'd glimpse another stunning piece of art. I've never had so much fun running around trying to see them all. Do yourself a favor and take the time!
Here are a few of my favorites:

Selected Works: HAL's Rotterdam is Like a Floating Art Gallery

Holland America has really hit it out of the park with its new Rotterdam cruise ship. It's truly got it all -- superior entertainment, excellent food, first-class service and a modern, classy ship to enjoy it all on. 
 
I hope you get a chance to cruise on this stunning ship soon. 
Thanks for reading, and happy sailing!
Kelly

Video: Tour a Balcony Cabin on Rotterdam

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Viking's New Expedition Cruises on Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris

11/12/2021

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Viking Octantis, the first Viking expedition cruise ship, debuts with voyages in Antarctica in 2022.
By John Roberts
Viking's new expedition Polar-class ships Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are set to wow adventure-seekers with their innovative features, sleek design and package of wonderful and luxurious inclusions when they debut in 2022. 
The exciting new 378-passenger ships bring more spectacular options for travelers who increasingly are craving expedition voyages in special destinations around the world. They will sail their inaugural seasons in the Artic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes. 
These voyages are selling fast, but Viking has released a new slate of expedition journeys for 2023 that cruisers can get excited about.  
For the summer 2023 season, Viking's expedition voyages include a two-week itinerary in the Great Lakes -- as well as additional offerings in North and South America. Debuting in June 2023, the new 15-day Great Lakes Collection itinerary sails between Toronto and Duluth, Minnesota, offering a complete view of the region and all five Great Lakes.  
Viking has also announced 2023 sailing dates for four existing Great Lakes expedition voyages: the 8-day Niagara & the Great Lakes, Great Lakes Explorer and Undiscovered Great Lakes itineraries, as well as the 13-day Canadian Discovery itinerary. 
Three additional expedition voyages in North and South America will also debut in summer 2023. A 16-day Canada & the Atlantic Coastline itinerary navigates the St. Lawrence River and Atlantic coastline, featuring destinations like Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres, Norfolk, Charleston and others. A really exotic sailing lets you discover the natural beauty of Patagonia while sailing from Santiago to Ushuaia on the new 14-day Patagonian Shores & Chilean Fjords itinerary. 
And if you're looking to explore destinations in North America, Central America and South America, you might like the 18-day itinerary called Panama & Scenic South America. 
"We are offering curious travelers the opportunity to visit some of the most pristine destinations on earth in the most responsible way possible," said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. "As we prepare to welcome our first guests on board for voyages to Antarctica this coming winter, we are also pleased to unveil even more new journeys closer to home for summer 2023."

Highlights of Viking's new 2023 itineraries include: 
Great Lakes Collection: On this 15-day itinerary, you sail the historic waterways of all five Great Lakes. Sailing between Toronto, Canada and Duluth, Minnesota, cruisers are set to experience culture-rich urban centers and admire the natural power of Niagara Falls. Along the journey, you can also explore the granite islands and sheltered inlets of Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks. On Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes and venture into the dense boreal forests that line the shores. 

Canada & the Atlantic Coastline: A 16-day itinerary during which you sail along the legendary St. Lawrence Seaway and the Atlantic coast of the United States on a memorable voyage that combines scenic landscapes and storied cities between Toronto and Ft. Lauderdale. Led by a team of experts, you will explore the unspoiled wilderness near Trois-Rivieres, Louisbourg and Lunenburg by land and water. Experience bustling New York City, and immerse yourself in the rich histories of Quebec City, Norfolk, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina. 

Patagonian Shores & Chilean Fjords: This 14-day itinerary discovers the rugged and untamed natural beauty of Patagonia while sailing from Santiago to Ushuaia. Admire soaring peaks and towering ice shelves while navigating the iceberg-crowded channels of the Chilean Fjords. Follow your team of onboard experts for an up-close encounter with the blue-tinged glaciers that dominate the landscape and gain insight into Patagonian life during stops in the towns of Tortel and Castro on this unforgettable voyage through the wild and remarkable region.

Panama & Scenic South America: On this 18-day itinerary, you get to explore some of the most fascinating cultures and intriguing landscapes of the Americas. On the journey between Santiago, Chile and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you discover the secrets of ancient civilizations of the Yucatan Peninsula and transit between two oceans through the famous Panama Canal. Immerse yourself in lively Lima and enjoy the charms of Iquique, nested between the Atacama Desert and the Pacific. 

The Viking Expedition Ships 
The new Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will hold up to 378 passengers in 189 staterooms. Designed by the same nautical architects and engineers who designed Viking's award-winning ocean ships, the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are optimally sized and built for expeditions -- small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability in the roughest seas.  
The ships offer public spaces that are familiar to Viking's ocean cruisers but that have been reimagined for expeditions. They feature public spaces created specifically for expeditions. Straight bows, longer hulls and state-of-the-art fin stabilizers will allow the ships to glide over the waves for the calmest possible journey; ice-strengthened Polar Class hulls will provide the safest way to explore; and U-tank stabilizers will significantly decrease rolling by up to 50 percent when the ships are stationary. Viking's expedition ships will feature modern Scandinavian design with elegant touches, intimate spaces and attention to detail.  

Onboard Spaces and Amenities 
The Hangar: An industry first, The Hangar brings true comfort to expedition voyages. This enclosed, in-ship marina permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship's multiple shell doors. The Hangar's most innovative feature is an 85-foot slipway that allows passengers to embark on excursion craft from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded from wind and waves. There is also a FerryBox, a set of instruments continuously collecting and displaying data on water quality, oxygen content, plankton composition and more. 

The Science Lab: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will also be working research vessels with an onboard team of scientists working on a variety of studies during these voyages. Developed in consultation with Cambridge University and Viking's other academic partners, The Science Lab, at 380 square feet, is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities, a sample processing area, fume cupboard, freezer and cool storage, comprehensive microscope optics and extensive bench space for analysis-specific instruments.  
You can have supervised access to The Science Lab, which is located in a glass-enclosed mezzanine above The Hangar, to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research, an experience unique to Viking. 

Expedition Equipment: These cruises offer a number of ways to experience the destinations, according to your particular interests and craving for activity, at no extra charge. With a robust program of complimentary experiences, expedition equipment available on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will include a fleet of skiff boats designed for professional use in the harshest of environments; a fleet of two-seater sea kayaks; and two 12-seater convertible Special Operations Boats.  
Each ship will also feature two six-passenger submarines that feature revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows for an incomparable undersea experience. A Viking Expedition Kit is provided and contains items like boots, binoculars and waterproof pants; and all cruisers will receive complimentary use of excursion gear, which includes specialty items like trekking poles, snowshoes and skis. 

The Aula and Finse Terrace: Viking has created the world's most advanced venue for learning at sea with The Aula, a stunning panoramic auditorium at the stern. Inspired by the University of Oslo's famed ceremonial hall where the Nobel Peace Prize was historically awarded, The Aula will offer a dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment, with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views.  
Adjacent to The Aula is the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge area at sea level with comfortable couches and warming lava rock "firepits" -- perfect for panoramic views of the surroundings. Together, the two spaces can be combined to create an unmatched indoor-outdoor al fresco experience. 

Nordic Balcony: A first for polar expedition cruise vessels, all staterooms on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform. This creates your own in-stateroom wildlife observatory at sea. The Nordic Balcony's floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass at the very edge of the ship allows you to savor the views while keeping the elements out. The top of the panoramic glass lowers to transform the stateroom into a sheltered lookout, with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera.  
Six stateroom categories range from 222 square feet to 1,223 square feet. All staterooms also feature a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. They also offer a floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear. 

Expedition Ship Suites: Nordic Junior Suites (322 square feet) and Explorer Suites (580 square feet) on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris feature wood detailing and amenities that include additional storage and seating, an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome Champagne, a stocked mini-bar replenished daily, complimentary laundry and shoeshine services, priority restaurant reservations and more. Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. Additionally, each ship features one Owner's Suite, which at 1,223 square feet, is twice the size of the Explorer Suites. With the most exclusive accommodations and amenities onboard, it features two separate rooms -- a living room with a six-seat dining table and a bedroom -- as well as a 792 square-foot private garden with a traditional Norwegian badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) and outdoor dining table. 

Aquavit Terrace and Pools: Located at the stern and featuring a retractable glass dome, this indoor-outdoor heated sanctuary allows you to be surrounded by your destinations while swimming and lounging in three different temperature-controlled pools, including an "inside-out" swimming experience. 

The Nordic Spa and Fitness Center: In keeping with Viking's Nordic heritage, The Nordic Spa on board is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind -- with a thermal suite that features a sauna, snow grotto and lounges, as well as a warm hydrotherapy pool and hot tub, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. A state-of-the-art fitness center provides the latest equipment and workout gear. 

Explorers' Lounge: The two-deck Explorers' Lounge at the bow of the ship offers the perfect spot for taking in stunning scenery. You can gaze through double-height windows while sipping a mug of mulled wine or glass of Norwegian aquavit. 

Dining Options: Viking's expedition ships offer an array of dining options that build on the successful venues from Viking's ocean ships but which have been redesigned for expeditions. The Restaurant will offer fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics; the casual World Cafe will be a new "market" concept that offers live cooking, an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors; Mamsen's, named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare; Manfredi's offers Italian cuisine; and 24-hour room service will be complimentary. 

Enrichment Program: Connecting with your destinations through authentic experiences is central to an expedition voyage. Viking's exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will match leading researchers and educators with each expedition. 
The expedition program is designed to prepare you for the onshore experiences, with more than 25 experts accompanying each journey -- the Viking Expedition Team (expedition leader and staff, photographer and submarine pilots) and Viking Resident Scientists (biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists, oceanographers, ornithologists, polar experts and researchers).
Onboard, you get daily briefings and world-class lectures about the destination -- and you can engage with working scientists from renowned academic institutions in The Laboratory or participate directly in citizen science programs.  
Ashore, assist in field work or interact through experiential activities during landings -- such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns. You can also accompany scientists to collect samples; or explore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes. 

Sustainable Features: Compliant to all guidelines and regulatory requirements from AECO, IAATO, the Antarctic Treaty System and the Governor of Svalbard, Viking's expedition ships minimize environmental impact and meet the most stringent emissions and biosecurity standards. Additionally, the straight bow reduces fuel consumption, and a dynamic positioning system enables the ship to hover over the seabed without anchoring, allowing access to pristine environments without damage. 
 
Thanks for reading, and we'll see you onboard! 
JR

Video Feature: A Northern Lights Cruise in Norway with Viking Sky

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