Arctic Cruises
Venture to the top of the world on one of our unforgettable Arctic cruises.
Few places on earth capture the imagination like the Arctic. Undoubtedly best explored by cruise, the Arctic’s combination of remarkable scenery, frozen seas and fascinating wildlife makes it a great option if you are looking for an alternative to more traditional cruise holiday destinations such as the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
There are a variety of Arctic cruises to choose from. The most popular are those that focus on the Svalbard archipelago which lies north of Norway in the Arctic Ocean. Other options include Greenland, Iceland, and the Canadian Arctic, which can be explored on an itinerary that features the historic Northwest Passage.
Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or looking to book your first expedition-style voyage, the Arctic is a fantastic choice of destination and – unlike Antarctica – the region’s proximity to home means your adventure will begin just hours after leaving home.
Arctic Cruise Itineraries
The Arctic cruise itinerary you choose depends on the time of year you would like to visit. In the summertime, Svalbard is a popular choice for those looking to see the majestic polar bear, while its also during this time that the Norwegian Fjords are at their most stunning. Across the sea, Greenland in summer briefly becomes a breathtaking patchwork quilt of blossoming fauna, while Iceland offers cosmopolitan Reykjavik and thermal baths set against a backdrop of ethereal smoky blue mountains.
During the winter months, the Arctic is a different proposition. Head south into the Arctic Circle and enter an almost endless night, with the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights a regular occurrence. While ashore, you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of winter-time activities, such as dog-sledging in Kirkenes and visiting the Arctic Cathedral in Tromso.
The best time to cruise the Arctic
For the full ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’ experience, between May and September is recommended as the best time to cruise the Arctic. In winter, sailings that depart between late October and early March will give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
The other Arctic cruise destinations – such as Iceland and Greenland – are generally only visited during the summer months, owing to the favourable weather and calmer seas.
Cruise lines that visit the Arctic
There are a variety of cruise lines that visit the Arctic each year. While some may only venture as far as the outer reaches of the Arctic Circle, others will head further south towards North Cape and beyond. For a truly memorable Arctic cruise experience, choose to explore with Norway’s Hurtigruten, or an expedition specialist like Silversea, Ponant Cruises or Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. These operators boast ships built for polar waters, fantastic expedition teams, and exceptional shore excursion programmes.
Book Arctic cruises with us
For further information regarding Arctic cruises or to receive a quote for a future voyage, please call us on 0800 008 6677. Alternatively, please make an online enquiry for one of the itineraries featured below.
