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Arctic Cruise Reviews

17 Blog Posts

These expert reviews and traveler-written Artic cruise ratings detail everything from the meals to the off-ship activities. Read on for more insight, or ask us direct for our unbiased one-on-one advice. We’re here to help you decide.

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Read our Arctic cruise reviews and discover what our guests and experts have to say about cruising with us, from the ships and itineraries, to arctic wildlife, activities and life on board.

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Expert Aboard: Aqua Lares

Learn why this 2026-launched ship feels like a private yacht experience in some of the most remote places on Earth. Our expert got aboard during the superyacht’s first few months of sailing to check out its operations and amenities.

Lisa Exley-Smith
Lisa Exley-Smith Expert Since 2008
Sylvia Earle off in the distance in Antarctica with snow covered and giant icebergs and mountains on a cloudy calm day

Expert Aboard: Sylvia Earle Ship Review

What's it like aboard the Sylvia Earle ship? Learn about the service, sustainability, smooth ride, tips for choosing your cabin and more. Our expert's insights from her voyage in Antarctica will help you decide whether this ship's right for you, no matter where in the world she's sailing.

Jennifer Morse
Jennifer Morse Expert Since 2016
Small group of Polar Quest Svalbard travelers hike a rocky ridgeline among golden tundra backed by teal sea & a small ship.

Expert Review: Polar Quest Svalbard

Tiny ships, big moments. Get our expert's insights into how Polar Quest’s cozy, no-frills vessels (12-50 guests) deliver big on raw nature, abundant wildlife, standout guides & authentic adventure in Svalbard.

Mary Montalbano
Mary Montalbano Expert Since 2017
Bridge of Hondius small antarctica expedition ship on a bright sunny day lookin gout at the large icebergs and snowy mountains.

Expert Aboard: MV Hondius Review 

Join our expert as she crosses the Drake Passage for her tenth time aboard Hondius. Learn what she thinks sets this ship apart from others in the polar regions, plus find more traveler reviews all on this page.

Lauren Pilholski
Lauren Pilholski Expert Since 2018
A Quark expedition guide raises a hand while driving a zodiac and speaking to a group of travelers in yellow jackets with an iceberg behind them

Quark Expeditions Reviews

Our in-house polar experts review Quark Expeditions from their time aboard multiple trips & ships in both poles. Then read traveler-written ratings on everything from food to expedition guides.

Lis Larson
Lis Larson Expert Since 2012
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Our expert crew members have experienced Arctic cruises firsthand and share helpful know-how, insights and trip advice in Expert Reviews while their Expert Aboard posts take a deeper dive inside the expedition vessels themselves and review cabin categories, common areas and more. For day-by-day trip accounts, look to the Travel Journals that are written by real cruisers just like you.

Unbiased cruise reviews and personalized recommendations for expeditions, ships and cruise lines are what we are known for. We know our expertise and reviews will help you find the perfect Arctic cruise, Svalbard cruise, Greenland cruise, North Pole expedition, Northwest Passage cruise or Iceland cruise and make the most of your expedition.  

Don’t miss other useful information like client testimonials that rate the quality of ships, food, guides, activities and the overall AdventureSmith experience. Plus, a small selection of our top Arctic cruises help get your trip search going. Or view all of our cruise reviews to browse our collection of worldwide travel reviews aboard small ships.

Arctic Cruise Reviews & Testimonials From Our Travelers

  • “Absolutely Perfect Trip!!”

    We had an absolutely perfect trip!! First class from beginning to end. Loved the helicopter rides and the views we were able to experience from high above Greenland. The ship was fabulous. The room was great. Spacious, considering we were on a ship. It had a large window so we could take in all of…

    Mary C. Bellville, IL

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Breathtaking Surroundings”

    I’m 72 and I was looking for an adventure which was different from the usual European trip of visiting endless museums, palaces, churches, etc. I don’t enjoy crowded venues, mobbed by other tourists. Greenland was not a place that every other traveler visits. This expedition gave me the opportunity to…

    Cathy C. Bellville, IL

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Coordinated Superbly”

    Endurance is a wonderful ship with a crew that not only sailed her with great competence but coordinated superbly. Our many land hikes through snow, rocky terrain and on tundra were enhanced by the experts who led us. When Zodiacs were not safely able to land, we had memorable landings…

    Joan R. Richardson, TX

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 4.5/5

  • “Enjoyed Every Second!”

    Every aspect of this trip was outstanding. The expedition team, the staff aboard, all wonderful. A great adventure for an eighty one year old! Thanks for the opportunity.

    Pamela E. Hancock, NH

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “One Of My Best Vacations Ever!”

    One of my best vacations ever! All of Greenland was outstanding. At the end of the trip, the ship’s photographer presented us with a 22 minute slideshow synced to music recapping our adventures throughout the cruise and made it available for everyone to take home. That was an extra nice…

    Patricia G. Brownsboro, AL

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “National Geographic Cruises Are My First Choice”

    National Geographic cruises are my first choice. My cousins travel a lot and invited me to consider this Norway trip. I have always wanted to go to Norway, so it was an easy choice.

    Pat R. Crawfordville, FL

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Everything We Hoped For & More”

    The trip was amazing, it was everything we hoped for and more. Iceland is a a beautiful country with breathtaking scenery, a fascinating history, interesting culture and abundant wildlife.

    Normalynn G. San Antonio, TX

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Outstanding”

    The boat and staff were outstanding, great food and service, excellent wildlife with loads of whales, polar bears, walruses, arctic foxes, and arctic birds.

    David C. Greensboro, NC

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

Top-Rated Arctic Cruises

The best way to explore land is often by sea. Discover the Arctic's breathtaking sights through our wide selection of Arctic cruises spanning Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and the North Pole. Start exploring these top-rated cruises that get consistently great reviews, then let our Adventure Specialists be your ultimate resource for selecting and booking your itinerary. Wildlife encounters, diverse landscapes and natural beauty await you in the Arctic.
View All Arctic Cruises