23939 Digital Expeditions Brochure HiRes

THE HANGAR SLIPWAY
THE HANGAR & LABORATORY
A unique in-ship marina and working scientific laboratory
AN INDUSTRY FIRST, THE HANGAR BRINGS TRUE COMFORT TO EXPEDITION CRUISING. 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 the slipway that allows guests to embark on
RIBs shielded from wind and waves from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, and once on board
the RIB, to glide into the water. On return, guests again enter via The Hangar in their RIB before
disembarking. Guests can observe The Hangar from the panoramic lift and windows above,
witnessing small boat launches, maintenance and biosecurity protocols. There is also a FerryBox,
a set of instruments continuously collecting and displaying data on water quality, oxygen
content, plankton composition and more.
A RESEARCH LAB STAFFED BY VIKING RESIDENT SCIENTISTS. We designed The Hangar not
only to optimise small craft launch capabilities, but also as a learning opportunity: its glassenclosed
mezzanine houses our well-appointed laboratory. Developed in consultation with
Cambridge University and other academic partners, it supports a range of research activities,
and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities, a sample-processing area, fume
cupboard, freezer/cool storage, comprehensive microscope optics and space for analysis-specific
instruments. Guests receive supervised laboratory access to learn from and participate with
scientists undertaking primary research, an experience unique to Viking. Field samples collected
during excursion craft operations, submarine dives and landings will be analyzed, interpreted and
discussed with guests, providing stimulating engagement and unique insight into how data are
collected in remote locations to inform global conservation decisions.
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VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK
THE HANGAR