Arctic Cruises

Discover the Untamed Beauty of the Far North

An Arctic cruise takes you to one of the most spectacular and diverse wilderness regions on Earth. From towering glaciers and dramatic fjords to remote polar islands and vibrant wildlife, the Arctic offers a completely different kind of cruise experience.

Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic is a vast region spanning multiple countries, including Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada. Offering a mix of raw nature, fascinating cultures and historic exploration routes.

Why Cruise to the Arctic?

An Arctic cruise combines adventure, scenery and cultural discovery all in one unforgettable journey.

Here’s why travellers choose Arctic cruises:

• Incredible landscapes: Fjords, glaciers, icebergs and rugged coastlines
• Unique wildlife: Polar bears, whales, walruses and Arctic foxes
• Cultural experiences: Visit remote Inuit and Nordic communities
• More variety than Antarctica: Multiple countries and itineraries
• Midnight sun & Northern Lights: Seasonal natural phenomena

What to Expect on an Arctic Cruise

Arctic cruises are typically expedition style, designed for exploration rather than traditional cruising.

Expedition Experience

• Zodiac landings and guided shore excursions
• Wildlife spotting with expert guides
• Visits to remote villages and historic sites
• Lectures on Arctic ecology, history and culture

Diverse Destinations

Unlike Antarctica, Arctic cruises include a variety of ports and regions, giving you a broader travel experience across different countries and landscapes.

Top Arctic Cruise Destinations

The Arctic is vast and diverse, which means no two Arctic cruises are the same. From remote polar wilderness to culturally rich coastal communities, each region offers a different perspective on the far north. Whether you’re planning an immersive Arctic passage cruise or a scenic Arctic cruise ship journey, these destinations are among the most sought-after.

Svalbard (Norway)

Located high above mainland Norway, Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to encounter polar bears in their natural habitat. Arctic cruises here navigate through dramatic fjords, towering glaciers and shifting pack ice, creating a true expedition atmosphere. Boasting raw, untouched landscapes and incredible wildlife sightings, Svalbard is a standout destination for those seeking a remote Arctic cruise experience.

Greenland

Greenland offers some of the most striking scenery on Arctic circle cruises, with icebergs, deep fjords and colourful coastal settlements. Beyond the landscapes, Greenland provides a strong cultural element, where guests can experience traditional Inuit heritage and remote village life. An Arctic cruise here blends natural beauty with meaningful cultural connections.

Iceland

A must for anyone looking to explore this region of the globe. An Arctic cruise through Iceland showcases a land shaped by fire and ice.

Adventurers should expect dramatic volcanoes, cascading waterfalls and geothermal hot springs, all within easy reach of well-developed ports. Iceland is also a popular starting point for many Arctic cruises, typically from their capital city Reykjavik. In turn, Iceland is one of the most accessible ways to begin an Arctic cruise ship journey.

Arctic Canada & Alaska

For those seeking a true expedition, Arctic cruises through Canadian Arctic and Alaska offer rugged coastlines, remote communities and historic exploration routes. Many itineraries follow parts of the legendary Northwest Passage, combining dramatic scenery with Indigenous cultural experiences. These Arctic passage cruise routes are rich in wildlife and history, appealing to adventurous travellers.

Best Time for Arctic Cruises

Arctic cruises operate from May to September, when sea ice retreats enough to allow safe navigation. Outside of this window, conditions are too extreme, with heavy ice, darkness and severe weather making Arctic cruise travel largely impossible. This short season makes Arctic cruises a unique and time-sensitive travel experience.

Early Season (May–June)

Early-season Arctic cruises offer dramatic icy landscapes, with snow-covered terrain and lingering sea ice creating a true polar atmosphere. This is one of the best times to spot polar bears on ice floes, particularly in destinations like Svalbard. Fewer travellers also mean a quieter, more intimate Arctic cruise experience.

Peak Season (July–August)

Peak season is the most popular time for an Arctic cruise, with milder temperatures, calmer seas and extended daylight hours. Wildlife activity is at its highest, and Arctic cruise ships can access more remote regions as ice continues to melt. This is the ideal time for travellers wanting the best overall conditions on Arctic circle cruises.

Late Season (September)

Late-season Arctic cruises bring fewer crowds and a more tranquil atmosphere. Wildlife remains active, particularly whales, and there is also a chance to witness the Northern Lights as darkness begins to return. For those seeking a unique Arctic cruise with added natural phenomena, this is a rewarding time to travel.

Temperatures are generally milder than expected, often ranging from around 3°C to 13°C during summer.

Types of Arctic Cruises

There are several ways to experience Arctic cruises, each offering a different balance of comfort, adventure and access. Whether you’re looking for a small expedition-style Arctic cruise ship or a more relaxed journey, there’s an option to suit every traveller.

Expedition Cruises (Most Popular)

• Small ships with fewer passengers
• More landings and wildlife encounters
• Flexible itineraries

Expedition Arctic cruises are designed for exploration, using smaller Arctic cruise ships that can reach remote locations and allow for frequent shore landings. These cruises offer a hands-on experience, with expert guides, Zodiac excursions and close-up wildlife encounters, making them the most immersive way to explore the region.

Luxury Expedition Cruises

• Higher end ships with premium amenities
• Expert-led experiences with added comfort

Luxury Arctic cruises combine the adventure of an expedition with high-end comfort. These Arctic cruise ships feature stylish accommodations, fine dining and personalised service, while still offering guided excursions and enrichment programs. It’s an ideal choice for travellers who want to explore without compromising on comfort.

Ocean Cruise Ships

• More affordable options
• Visit Arctic regions like Norway and Iceland
• Limited or no remote landings

Larger Arctic cruise ships provide a more accessible and budget-friendly way to experience the region. These cruises often focus on destinations such as Norway and Iceland, with scenic cruising and port visits rather than remote landings.

If you’re the type of explorer that wants to set foot on various Arctic destinations, we recommend choosing an expedition voyage. Overall, larger cruises ships are well suited to travellers looking for a relaxed introduction to Arctic cruises.

Arctic Cruise Itineraries

Because the Arctic spans multiple countries, itineraries are more varied than Antarctica.

Common Departure Ports:

• Reykjavik (Iceland)
• Longyearbyen (Svalbard)
• Tromsø (Norway)
• Anchorage or Nome (Alaska)

Typical Cruise Durations:

• 7–10 days: Iceland, Norway or Svalbard highlights
• 10–14 days: Greenland or Arctic Circle exploration
• 15+ days: Northwest Passage or extended expeditions

Each itinerary offers a different balance of wildlife, scenery and cultural experiences.

Wildlife You’ll See

The Arctic is home to some of the world’s most iconic animals:

• Polar bears (top highlight for many travellers)
• Whales (humpback, beluga, narwhal)
• Walruses and seals
• Reindeer and musk oxen
• Arctic foxes and seabirds

Wildlife is most active during the summer months when food is abundant and daylight is nearly constant.

Arctic Cruise Tips

Planning ahead is key for an Arctic expedition:

Book Early

Expedition cruises have limited capacity and often sell out well in advance.

Choose Your Region Carefully

Each destination offers a different experience. Svalbard for polar bears, Greenland for icebergs, Iceland for scenery.

Pack for Conditions

Layered clothing is essential

Waterproof gear recommended

Binoculars and camera for wildlife

Be Flexible

Weather and ice conditions can affect routes and landings, especially in more remote areas.

Arctic vs Antarctica Cruises

If you’re deciding between Arctic cruises and Antarctica cruises, both offer unforgettable polar experiences, but with key differences in what you’ll see and do.

Arctic cruises provide greater variety, combining dramatic landscapes with rich cultures, historic routes, and easier access from Europe and North America. In contrast, Antarctica cruises focus on raw wilderness, with vast icy landscapes and incredibly dense wildlife populations in a more remote setting.

An Arctic cruise is ideal for travellers wanting diversity, culture and flexibility, while Antarctica appeals to those seeking a more isolated and pristine environment.

Either way, you won’t go wrong no matter whether you choose to visit the North Pole or the South Pole. Both Arctic circle cruises and Antarctic voyages deliver once-in-a-lifetime expedition experiences, just in very different ways.

Is an Arctic Cruise Right for You?

• An Arctic cruise is ideal for travellers who:
• Want a mix of adventure and culture
• Love wildlife and photography
• Prefer more varied itineraries than Antarctica
• Are interested in history and indigenous cultures

Find Your Perfect Arctic Cruise

From short scenic voyages to epic expeditions through the Northwest Passage, Arctic cruises offer something truly unique. Whether you’re chasing polar bears, exploring fjords or experiencing the midnight sun, the Arctic promises an unforgettable journey.

If you’re ready to book your Arctic cruise, then be sure to check out our selection of options! Otherwise, you are free to contact us by calling 13 13 03 or by filling a callback form.