Arctic Cruises

First Pick Your Arctic Cruise Region

Location, location, location. This is the number one consideration when choosing an Arctic expedition cruise. Small ship Arctic cruises can be separated into the regions in which they operate, and these are diverse. Choosing an Arctic expedition cruise region can be informed by the wildlife you wish to see, the time you have available (itinerary length) and/or convenient embarkation points.

Arctic cruises are primarily operated out of Northern Europe, although some specialty cruises will embark from Alaska, Northeastern Canada or even Russia and Japan. Here we detail each general region, but note that some may be combined into a single itinerary.

Small Ship Cruises to Svalbard

Svalbard is the most popular region for Arctic polar cruises because it is easily accessible from Norway and it offers such a wealth and diversity of natural and cultural history sites. Svalbard cruises range in length from 7-24 days and may feature a partial or full circumnavigation of the archipelago and/or its largest island, Spitsbergen.

Svalbard offers many of the Arctic highlights including polar bears, walrus, the aurora borealis, magnificent fjords and towering glaciers all in a concise geographic location. Shorter cruises to Svalbard are the most affordable small ship Arctic cruises available. Look for embarkations in Longyearbyen, usually with a charter flight from Oslo, Norway.

Iceland

Iceland cruises are on many travelers’ bucket list, and an exploration by small ship is a great way to experience this unique island country. Whether you choose a circumnavigation of the entire country, an Arctic expedition cruise that simply visits Iceland for a few days, or a pre- or post-cruise trip extension here, you will appreciate the region’s geology, wildlife and culture. Most cruises embark in Reykjavik, which has direct air service from the U.S. and Europe, making this a great introductory region to Arctic cruising.

Greenland

Greenland is the world’s largest island and hosts a dramatic landscape and unique culture. With the massive Greenland Ice Sheet at its center, life clings to the shoreline making it the perfect place to explore by small ship. Eastern Greenland is typically combined with Svalbard, while Western Greenland is usually combined with the Canadian High Arctic. Of all the Arctic regions, West Greenland is perhaps the most culturally interesting; meeting the remote communities here is really something special.

Svalbard Combo Cruises

Travelers with more time will want to consider a cruise that includes Svalbard plus another region. A Svalbard and Franz Josef Land cruise includes a stop at the world’s northernmost archipelago that’s known for a high concentration of polar bears. Other popular combinations include Norway’s fjords, Iceland, Greenland, Scotland, the Faroe Islands and even the North Pole. These expeditions tend to be longer at 12-18 days and offer a spirit of true exploration to remote Arctic landscapes for nature, wildlife and unique Arctic cultures. 

Canadian High Arctic

The Canadian High Arctic, typically accessed from Alaska, Canada or Greenland, can be explored in as short as 9 days, up to 30 days, navigating Baffin Bay and the surrounding archipelago. Terrain is mountainous with steep-sided fjords and high and low plains covered in varieties of mosses, lichens and grasses. Fairytale-like creatures roam the icy waters and treeless tundra: narwhal, beluga whale, lemming, muskox, wolf, fox, hare and, of course, the polar bear.

Canadian Arctic small ship cruise itineraries are packed with stories of Inuit culture and fabled attempts to sail the Northwest Passage, making this a full package of wildlife, nature and enduring history. Journey seemingly back in time as you navigate through sites that helped unlock the eventual discovery of the connection of Atlantic and Pacific waters. Cruises from Canada can depart from a number of ports and usually include a charter flight from Ottawa, Toronto or another gateway city.

The North Pole

For the select few who aspire to reach the top of the world, the Arctic provides the ultimate destination: the North Pole. For centuries, adventurers and explorers tried to get here by sled, ship, aircraft, dogs and balloons. The harsh realities of the Arctic climate defeated every single one of them until as recently as 1948. Now only the strongest of icebreakers make the journey on a select number of departures each year.

Be among the few to stand at 90° North, but be prepared to spend two full weeks on this challenging expedition. Cabin fares are significant for the chance to add your name to the short list of adventurers who have made the ultimate journey to the top of the world. Many count these as luxury Arctic cruises due to accommodation aboard the modern, upscale Le Commandant Charcot.

Choose Your Arctic Cruise Line

In general, we suggest you consider your region and itinerary first, and then select your ship. In regions such as Svalbard and Iceland, there will be more choices of ship while more remote regions such as Canada and the North Pole may offer only one ship.

The fleet of expedition ships that cruise to the Arctic are specially outfitted to travel in polar waters. Arctic cruise lines are typically bipolar, with ships sailing in both poles. Although a few smaller sailing vessels remain in the Arctic year-round.

All of the Arctic cruise lines on our website have been vetted for safety, sustainability and top-notch operations and guiding. Scroll down to our full section on Arctic ships to learn more and view all your Arctic cruise ship choices.

Arctic Small Ship Cruise Activities

All of our small ship Arctic cruises involve daily off-vessel excursions with a focus on exploring the Arctic environment up close and viewing wildlife. Expedition leaders and naturalist guides lead small craft (Zodiac) cruises and hiking. Guides will always scout out shore landings first to ensure safety in polar bear country. Presentations on board enhance your knowledge and understanding of the local environment and cultures.

If you are seeking a bit more action, look for departures with included flightseeing, heli-assisted hiking or helicopter transfers to landing sites. Some cruises even offer an added-cost kayaking program or one-time paddling excursions, so be sure to check if this is important to you. Other added-cost activities aboard cruises may include scuba diving, rock climbing, downhill skiing, ice fishing (aboard Le Commandant Charcot), and helicopter-assisted adventures such as camping, mountain biking and alpine kayaking. Tack on a lodge-based Arctic land tour for an even more diverse adventure that includes time at sea and on land with additional activities.

Consider Your Needs – Solo Traveler? Group?

Solo or single travelers have many options aboard small ship Arctic cruises. Solo travel is more common in the polar regions, and ships are accustomed to catering to single travelers. Thus, many Arctic expedition cruises have double, triple or even quad cabins that are available on a share basis. Sign up to share with same-sex roommates and you can save a bundle. In most cases, travelers are guaranteed the share rate, even if a roommate is not found. This helps keep solo travel costs down. If you prefer to have your own cabin, there are ships that offer single accommodations. For those that do not have single or solo cabins you can book a double cabin as a single, but expect to pay a single supplement. Arctic single supplements are usually 1.5-2x the standard double rate for one person.

Preparation for Your Arctic Expedition Cruise

AdventureSmith travelers are prepared for their Arctic expedition cruises through one-on-one correspondence with an Adventure Specialist and an extensive pre-cruise planner with packing lists, reading lists and answers to most common questions. Our team has traveled extensively in the Arctic, collectively on most of the ships we offer, and can provide very detailed expectations on what you can expect on the voyage and the ship, what to pack and how to get the most out of your Arctic small ship cruise. Our team can also recommend flight consolidators that can help you find the best flight deals and manage any trip support you may need if there are airline weather delays or other issues.

Travel Insurance & Emergency Medical Evacuation

Most Arctic cruises require a minimum amount of emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage, typically not included in your personal health insurance. We recommend travelers consider a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will include emergency medical evacuation as well as cancellation coverage. A select few Arctic small ship cruise outfitters include this insurance in the trip cost, so be sure to check with your Adventure Specialist on the inclusions of your Arctic expedition cruise.