Historic Polar Cruise Routes

Key Takeaways

• In the 1600s, Pomors set up the first trading sea route in the Arctic between Arkhangelsk and the Yenisey River mouth.
• The first tourist trip to Antarctica happened in 1958 aboard Les Eclaireurs, taking 194 people down south.
• MS Lindblad Explorer kicked off modern polar holidays in 1968, being the first ship built specially for Antarctic trips.
• Early Arctic tourist routes in the 1890s mainly went around Norwegian fjords and Svalbard, mostly for hunting trips.
• Roald Amundsen’s successful 1906 journey through the Northwest Passage created a path that holiday-makers would later follow.

Pioneering Arctic Maritime Adventures

Arctic exploration began with indigenous peoples who knew these waters long before written records existed.

The Greek sailor Pytheas made one of the first known trips north in 325 B.C., likely reaching Iceland or Greenland.

Around 880, the Viking explorer Ohthere of Hålogaland made his way to the Kola Peninsula and White Sea.

The Pomors proved crucial to northern exploration, creating an important sea route from Arkhangelsk to the Yenisey River’s mouth by the 1600s.

They sorted out the Mangazeya seaway too – you could say it was an early version of what we now call the Northern Sea Route.

A brilliant bit of sailing came in 1648, when Fedot Alekseev and Semyon Dezhnev went east from the Kolyma River to the Pacific, managing to get round the Chukchi Peninsula.

Northwest Passage Through Time

The famed Northwest Passage caught the fancy of sailors for more than 500 years – they all wanted a quicker way to sail between Europe and Asia through North American waters.

It all kicked off with John Cabot in 1497, but the brutal ice and harsh Arctic weather made things rather tricky.

Several bold sailors gave it a go:

• Martin Frobisher set sail in 1576, leading Britain’s first proper Arctic mission
• Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845 voyage ended in tragedy when all hands were lost
• Roald Amundsen finally cracked it in 1906, sailing through in the Gjoa
• Henry Larsen became the second person to make it across in 1940-42 aboard the St. Roch

These days, you can sail these waters yourself – modern cruise ships like the Crystal Serenity now make their way through during the warmer months when the ice melts away.

Early Tourism in Polar Waters

Early explorers might’ve been fighting their way through the Northwest Passage, but something rather different was brewing in the polar regions.

Back in the 1890s, posh steam yachts started popping up in Norwegian fjords, taking well-heeled tourists across the Arctic Circle to Svalbard. The place became quite popular, mainly because it wasn’t too tricky to reach. Most visitors at the time were keen on hunting, especially going after polar bears.

Down in Antarctica, tourist trips took ages to catch on. It wasn’t until 1958 that the first holiday cruise set sail on an Argentinian ship called Les Eclaireurs, with 194 people aboard.

Things really got going in 1968 when the MS Lindblad Explorer came along – the first proper ice-ready ship built specifically for Antarctic pleasure trips. When it first sailed in 1969, it made Ushuaia the main starting point and brought in something new: teaching folks about the region with talks and knowledgeable guides on board.

Modern Arctic Cruise Evolution

Modern Arctic cruising has come a long way from its early tourist days, with ships now reaching the most distant parts of the Arctic region.

You’ll spot purpose-built vessels like the Sea Spirit and Hondius, made with ice-class ratings to cope with tough polar conditions whilst carrying smaller groups of 50-140 passengers.

These days, Arctic cruise routes take in:

• Svalbard and Northern Norway’s striking coastlines
• Greenland’s magnificent fjords and national parks
• The historic Northwest Passage
• Far-flung Russian areas like Franz Josef Land

When the weather’s right, you’ll go ashore twice daily in Zodiac boats, giving you chances to walk, take photos, and paddle kayaks in untouched polar settings.

As climate change opens new paths, the industry keeps growing, with expedition guides tweaking routes based on ice patterns and putting emphasis on genuine meetings with local people.

Choosing Your Arctic Journey

Planning an Arctic cruise might make your head spin – there are so many brilliant routes to choose from.

History buffs will love the Northwest Passage, a 13-17 day sailing through Canadian Arctic waters starting at £9,595. For a longer trip, the Northeast Passage takes 27 days across Russian waters, with prices from £20,300.

If wildlife watching is your thing, Svalbard’s 15-day trips put you right in polar bear territory among enormous glaciers, starting at £12,995.

Fancy meeting local people? Greenland’s 10-15 day journeys mix visits to Inuit communities with stunning fjord sailing from £6,705.

You’ll also find shorter routes through Iceland and Northern Norway, where you can see magnificent waterfalls and glaciers whilst taking part in activities like Zodiac boat trips and helicopter flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Emergency Medical Facilities Are Available on Arctic Expedition Vessels?

Arctic expedition ships have medical centres with doctors and nurses, along with standard emergency kit like defibrillators and vital medicines. Some vessels carry ventilators and ultrasound machines, but if anyone needs complex medical treatment, they’ll need to be airlifted to mainland hospitals.

How Reliable Is Satellite Communication and Internet Access During Polar Cruises?

You can count on Iridium’s satellite network whilst you’re sailing, but don’t get your hopes up for fast internet. Making phone calls and sending texts is possible, though it’s rather sluggish and the connection comes and goes when you’re in the furthest polar areas.

Can Children Participate in Arctic Cruise Expeditions?

You can take kids on Arctic cruises, though most companies suggest they should be at least 8-10 years old. You’ll need to keep a close eye on them at all times, and little ones under 5 aren’t allowed on the Zodiac boat trips for their own safety.

What Happens if Severe Weather Prevents Planned Landings or Activities?

Just like the sea itself, polar weather can be unpredictable and mess up your plans, but the clever crew always have backup activities sorted – you might end up learning loads from the onboard talks or spotting amazing wildlife from the ship’s deck whilst sailing through the Arctic.

Are Polar Cruise Ships Equipped to Accommodate Passengers With Mobility Limitations?

Most polar cruise ships come with accessible rooms, lifts, ramps and helpful staff for passengers with mobility needs. That said, getting into Zodiac boats and taking part in certain trips ashore might be tricky even with these facilities in place.