Arctic Cruise Destinations

 Key Takeaways

• You can sail around Svalbard on 6-14 day Arctic trips from Longyearbyen, where you’ll see polar bears, walruses and gorgeous glaciers.
• Greenland’s beautiful coasts have 7-21 day trips, packed with fjords, icebergs and lovely old Inuit villages.
• The Northwest Passage links the Atlantic and Pacific through Arctic waters – these trips take 14-30 days.
• Fancy seeing whales? Iceland’s 7-10 day round-island cruises take you past brilliant coastlines and fjords.
• Cruise up to the Canadian Arctic for 10-17 days to see wildlife and visit historic Inuit communities around Baffin Island and Nunavut.

Svalbard Polar Cruise Guide

Northern bliss waits in Svalbard, Norway’s untouched Arctic islands where polar bears wander freely across vast ice sheets.

You’ll sail through striking fjords on expedition ships built for polar waters, giving you brilliant chances to see wildlife. From May to September, you can watch the midnight sun whilst spotting walruses, Arctic foxes, and all sorts of seabirds.

Most cruises set off from Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s main settlement, and run for 6-14 days. You’ll visit amazing spots like the Monaco Glacier, Ny-Ålesund research station, and the far-flung Kvitøya island.

Expert guides take you on zodiac trips to get closer to glaciers and wildlife, while talks on board help you learn about Arctic ecosystems.

Bring warm, waterproof clothes and remember your camera – Svalbard’s magnificent landscapes and remarkable wildlife make for brilliant photos.

Greenland Expedition Cruise Routes

Moving east from Svalbard, Greenland serves up brilliant Arctic journeys along its dramatic coastline. You’ll spot amazing routes that wind through the world’s largest island, from the rugged east coast to the more settled western shores.

You can pick between shorter 7-day trips focusing on specific regions or longer 14-21 day voyages sailing round the whole island. Most cruises set off from Reykjavik, Iceland, or Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, with the best sailing time running from July through September when ice conditions are most suitable.

Arctic Canada Expedition Cruises

Canada’s Arctic waters draw plenty of curious travellers looking to sail the legendary Northwest Passage and far northern regions.

You can join expedition cruises that wind through Baffin Island, Nunavut, and the Canadian High Arctic Archipelago, with their dramatic fjords and ancient glaciers.

Your voyage takes you to historic sites from early Arctic explorations and remote Inuit communities in places like Cambridge Bay and Pond Inlet.

These cruises run between July and September when ice conditions work best. You’ll see iconic wildlife including polar bears, narwhals, belugas, and loads of seabird colonies.

Most trips start from Resolute Bay or Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, lasting 10 to 17 days, depending on which Northwest Passage route you fancy.

Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise Guide

Sailing round Iceland’s dramatic coastline shows you the land of fire and ice from every angle.

You’ll see towering cliffs, massive glaciers, and active volcanoes whilst making your way around this Nordic island. Most round-island cruises set off from Reykjavík and take 7-10 days to complete the trip.

You’ll call at key ports like Akureyri in the north, where you can wander through Lake Mývatn’s geothermal area, and Húsavík, brilliant for whale watching.

The eastern fjords have pristine walking trails and small fishing villages, while the Westfjords region boasts dramatic cliffs and loads of birdlife.

Make sure you see the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth” was set, with its iconic glacier-topped volcano.

North Pole Icebreaker Cruise

Making your way through thick Arctic ice, mighty nuclear icebreakers take travellers on the most incredible polar trip to 90° North.

During your two-week voyage from Murmansk, Russia, you’ll watch these brilliant vessels smash through ice up to 10 feet thick.

Keep your eyes peeled for polar wildlife like seals, walruses, and polar bears living wild in the frozen Arctic Ocean.

When you reach the North Pole, you’ll get to do something rather special – stand at the top of the world, snap photos, and even tuck into a barbecue on the ice.

Some trips include helicopter rides and stops at Franz Josef Land, where you can wander through old research stations and take in the striking polar scenery.

These remarkable journeys run only in July and August when the ice is just right.

Franz Josef Land Expedition Cruise

Come along to Franz Josef Land, a far-flung group of 191 islands in Russia’s High Arctic.

You’ll make your way through pack ice in an ice-strengthened ship whilst taking in the raw beauty of landscapes carved by enormous glaciers and stark polar conditions.

Your journey will bring you face-to-face with polar bears prowling ice floes, walruses sprawled across rocky shores, and bustling seabird colonies perched on towering cliffs.

Stop at historic sites where early Arctic explorers like Nansen and Jackson left their mark.

Hop aboard Zodiac boats to set foot on various islands, where you can trek across tundra and snap photos of old Soviet research stations left to the elements.

Sailing runs from July to September when the sea ice is at its most manageable.

Norwegian Fjords Polar Cruise Routes

From Russia’s remote archipelago, we head west to Norway’s dramatic coastline, with some of the world’s most magnificent fjord systems.

You’ll sail through stunning waterways like Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, where sheer cliffs tower over 3,000 feet above green waters.

Your polar cruise usually begins in Bergen or Tromsø, heading north into the Arctic Circle.

You’ll wind through narrow passages with snow-capped peaks on either side, gliding past tumbling waterfalls and old fishing villages.

The route takes you to spots like the North Cape, Europe’s northernmost point, and the Lofoten Islands with their sharp mountain peaks.

In summer, you’ll see the midnight sun, while winter trips give you a chance to spot the Northern Lights as they dance across Norway’s polar night sky.

Northwest Passage Cruise Guide

Through the icy waters of Canada’s High Arctic, the fabled Northwest Passage links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

You’ll sail through a network of Arctic islands, following paths that early explorers like Franklin and Amundsen mapped out. Most Northwest Passage cruises run between July and September when sea ice is at its most manageable.

You’ll see polar bears lounging on ice floes, meet people in remote Inuit settlements across Nunavut, and watch the midnight sun during summer journeys.

The trip usually begins in either western Greenland or Nome, Alaska, and takes 14-30 days based on your chosen route.

Your exact path depends on the weather and ice conditions you encounter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Medications Should I Pack for Seasickness on Arctic Cruises?

It’s a good idea to bring along Dramamine, Bonine or prescription scopolamine patches. Ginger pills are a nice natural option too. Have a chat with your GP about what might work best for you before you set sail.

Are There Age Restrictions for Passengers on Arctic Expedition Cruises?

You’ll find loads of expedition cruises that welcome people from 8 to 108! Most ships want children to be at least 8-12 years old, whilst older folks need a doctor’s note saying they’re fit enough to travel.

How Strong Does Your Physical Fitness Need to Be for Arctic Cruises?

You’ll want a decent level of fitness to cope with a moving ship, getting in and out of the zodiac boats, and going on short walks. Make sure you’re alright with climbing stairs, walking on bumpy ground, and staying on your feet for a few hours at a time.

Can I Use My Regular Cell Phone Service in Arctic Waters?

Nope, your normal mobile won’t work in Arctic waters. You’ll need to use the ship’s satellite internet or get yourself a satellite phone to keep in touch while you’re at sea.

What Happens if We Encounter a Medical Emergency During the Cruise?

There’s a medical team and clinic on board the ship. If things go pear-shaped, we can sort out emergency transport by helicopter or get you to the nearest harbour – though if we’re miles from anywhere, it might take a bit longer to get help.