Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1534778
BE CURIOUS Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen discusses his trip to Antarctica D iscover how a childhood fascination with far- flung destinations and a lifelong passion for travel culminated in Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen's recent expedition to Antarctica on board the Viking Polaris during this exclusive conversation with award-winning photographer Alastair Miller. Mr. Hagen, you recently sailed to Antarctica. How did a letter you sent as a child to Ushuaia, Argentina, inspire this trip? As a young boy, I used stamps from my collection to mail a letter from my Norwegian home to a nonexistent address in Ushuaia. e letter, of course, was returned, and I kept it with me throughout my life, dreaming of one day visiting this faraway place—now the starting point for our Antarctic voyages. What struck you most about your visit to Antarctica? My first and lasting impression is how huge it is. It is so overwhelming. en, of course, you have the colors — various shades of white and blue. It is unlike anywhere else. What wildlife did you see, and what activities did you do ashore? We came very close to whales and saw lots of penguins, of course. I also had my old letter with me, which I got stamped at the post office at Port Lockroy. How do Viking ships address noise pollution and environmental concerns? We ensure minimal vibration to protect wildlife and are very conscious of our environmental footprint. Our ships have received one of the industry's first SILENT-E notations. Can you describe crossing the notorious Drake Passage on board the Viking Polaris? is ship is a little bit larger than other expedition ships, and that makes it much more stable in the Drake Passage, if the weather is inclement. We also, of course, have fin stabilizers and a U-tank stabilizer, which help. Did you bring a camera on your trip? Yes, I took my old camera, a Retina IIIC, which I bought as a teenager after a summer job at my father's sawmill. Like you, I have been passionate about photography since I was young. Can guests participate in scientific research while they are on the ship? Yes, our Science Lab is staffed with experts from various fields conducting meaningful science. Being a physicist myself, I value real science. We invite our guests to learn about the research and engage with the onboard scientists. Did you take any pre- or post-cruise extensions? As a matter of fact, we visited Iguazú Falls — something I would recommend to anyone. We went through the falls and got soaking wet. It was like being a child all over again. Any advice for someone who is considering an Antarctic trip like this? It was the trip of a lifetime, which I would love to do again. 60 VIKING Opposite page: Chairman Torstein Hagen in Ushuaia, Argentina. Current page: Octantis Coastal Peak Antarctica; Torstein Hagen on-board the Viking Octantis in Antarctica; Antarctic Peninsula, Danco Island, Gentoo penguin courtship.