The world’s oceans remain one of the last great frontiers, and thanks to the advanced U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels, a new era of marine exploration and scientific discovery is unfolding. These cutting-edge submersibles are not only offering guests an unparalleled glimpse into the deep but also serving as critical tools for oceanographic research—ushering in groundbreaking studies that deepen our understanding of marine ecosystems.

A Transformative Tool for Scientific Discovery

Viking and Seabourn have actively engaged in research initiatives using their onboard submarines, facilitating studies that contribute to environmental preservation and scientific advancement. The first official scientific papers based on submarine-led research have already been published, marking a significant milestone in expedition cruising and deep-sea exploration.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, these submarines can dive to depths of 300 meters, granting scientists and conservationists unprecedented access to marine environments once beyond reach. From the icy waters of Antarctica to the biodiverse depths of the Pacific, these vessels are playing a crucial role in documenting marine life, assessing the impacts of climate change, and exploring fragile underwater ecosystems.

Commitment to Meaningful Scientific Discovery

One of the most notable recent findings enabled by these submersibles was Viking’s documentation of the elusive giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea)—a deep-sea species rarely observed in its natural habitat. The encounters took place during submersible dives in the coastal waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in early 2022. Despite reaching up to 30 feet (10 meters) in length, only 126 encounters with the giant phantom jellyfish have ever been recorded since the species was first described in 1910. Viking then became the first cruise line to publish a scientific paper when an article about the encounters in Polar Research, the scientific journal of the Norwegian Polar Institute. “In creating ‘the thinking person’s expedition,’ it was our intention that every voyage should provide opportunities for scientific discovery,” Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking said at the time. “We are pleased that our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise, and we look forward to providing critical research opportunities on future voyages.” More recently, in early 2025, guests and crew of the Viking Polaris were delighted to witness a rarely filmed McCain Skate swimming in the icy depths of Palaver Point, Antarctica.

Discoveries like this underscore the invaluable role of manned submersibles in marine research, offering direct observation and real-time data collection capabilities that remote systems simply cannot match. Viking’s four submarines are also fitted with scientific CTD & Turbidity sensors for recording temperature, salinity, depth and turbidity measurements on each of their dives, providing data to the company’s science program. The submarine CTD casts will be important oceanographic data points for the future.

Additionally, in the summer of 2024, Viking conducted a series of manned submersible dives in the Great Lakes to explore the famous shipwreck “Gunilda,” a 195-foot steam yacht that sank near Rossport, Ontario, in 1911, and “Theano Shipwreck,” a 255ft Canadian Steamer that sank off Trowbridge Island in 1906. Marine Archaeological Permits and Licenses were obtained from Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. The study aimed to document the current state of the wrecks to inform of a potential sustainable tourism model around the wrecks, as well as public engagement in citizen science as it was recognized as an invaluable tool for data collection, monitoring and promoting historical preservation, as guests were involved in collecting footage of “Gunilda,” and therefore to the conservation efforts.

A Historic Discovery: The Wreck of the Titania

In October 2024, Seabourn Pursuit, the latest purpose-built expedition ship in Seabourn’s fleet, made a landmark discovery—locating the Titania, a German supply ship lost for 110 years. Resting 95 meters below the surface near Selkirk Island, this is the first sighting of the Titania since its intentional sinking in 1914.

“Experiences like these are a testament to the spirit of expedition, and this discovery is nothing short of historic,” said Robin West, Vice President and General Manager of Expeditions at Seabourn. “Seabourn’s expeditions, and particularly our submarine explorations, take guests to places where no other human has ever ventured. I am incredibly proud of our expedition team for delivering this once-in-a-lifetime ‘Seabourn Moment’ to our guests and the local community on Selkirk Island.”

Merging Luxury with Exploration

Beyond their contributions to marine science, the U-Boat Worx submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition ships offer an unparalleled adventure for guests. Passengers have the unique opportunity to descend into the deep, witnessing untouched underwater worlds firsthand. This immersive experience fosters a profound connection to the marine environment and reinforces the importance of ocean conservation.

“The ability to take both scientists and guests into these uncharted waters allows for meaningful research and extraordinary exploration,” said Roy Heijdra, Head of Marketing at U-Boat Worx. “The work being done on Viking and Seabourn cruises demonstrates that luxury and scientific discovery can go hand in hand, setting a new benchmark for responsible exploration.”

Advancing Marine Science for a Sustainable Future

With a commitment to environmental stewardship, Viking and Seabourn’s research initiatives aim to deepen humanity’s understanding of the ocean while promoting conservation efforts. Insights gained from these expeditions have the potential to influence marine policy, habitat protection, and sustainability initiatives for years to come.

By bridging the gap between exploration and scientific discovery, Viking and Seabourn are redefining what it means to explore the world’s oceans. As their submarines continue to unveil the mysteries of the deep, they are not only setting new standards in luxury adventure but also contributing to a greater understanding of our planet’s most uncharted realms.