Best for those looking to embark on a polar adventure intermingled with cultural learning.
Heading to the Arctic on an expedition cruise is a chance to set foot in an incredible wilderness region and see the wonders of our planet up close. This includes the aurora-lit fjords of northeastern Greenland, the glacial coastlines and sprawling tundra of Svalbard and the dynamic volcanic landscapes of the remote regions of Iceland.
Sailing through this region allows you a chance to spot polar bears, seabirds, walruses, narwhals and whales, all existing alongside the otherworldliness of phenomena like the midnight sun and the northern lights.
Each region has something unique to offer its visitors, and experiences (like the North Pole) that are hard to believe are even possible. At the very top point of the earth, this geographical spot experiences night and day continuously for half the year each. It is located in the middle of the Arctic Ocean and is surrounded by Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Russia, home to only Santa and his workshop.
Svalbard is the wildlife capital of the Arctic. Not only naturally beautiful and surrounded by icebergs, fjords and glaciers, this Norwegian archipelago is also a great spot to see walrus, polar bears, reindeer and many more Arctic species.
Greenland is a dramatic country, with epic ice sheets and monumental glaciers. But, it is in the little moments that Greenland really shines, from time spent alongside the local Inuit communities to time with nothing but the isolated, incredible landscapes.
Also known as the land of fire and ice, Iceland is home to a wide range of experiences to captivate any visitor. This includes fjords, active volcanoes, black sand beaches, mountain ranges and animals ranging from the puffin to the whale. The culture here is rich and dynamic and provides visitors with lots to discover.
Svalbard is the wildlife capital of the Arctic. Not only naturally beautiful and surrounded by icebergs, fjords and glaciers, this Norwegian archipelago is also a great spot to see walrus, polar bears, reindeer and many more Arctic species.
Greenland is a dramatic country, with epic ice sheets and monumental glaciers. But, it is in the little moments that Greenland really shines, from time spent alongside the local Inuit communities to time with nothing but the isolated, incredible landscapes.
Also known as the land of fire and ice, Iceland is home to a wide range of experiences to captivate any visitor. This includes fjords, active volcanoes, black sand beaches, mountain ranges and animals ranging from the puffin to the whale. The culture here is rich and dynamic and provides visitors with lots to discover.
Oftentimes forgotten when looking at Arctic locations, it’s hard to comprehend the full beauty of the Canadian Arctic until you get there. From the historic Northwest Passage linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to the diverse landscapes, welcoming Inuit communities, and incredible wildlife – there’s so much to see.
It’s a bit of a myth that on an expedition cruise you are confined to the ship. In fact, there is quite a lot you can do to explore the environment. You can try out kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, ski-mountaineering and heli-exploration to name just a few, all with experienced guides by your side.
We can take travellers all the way up to the North Pole itself. This is the ultimate travel experience, to set foot where so few have been before. This is only available for a few select trips each year and is a rarity amongst even Arctic travellers. It’s here you can stand at the northernmost point of the world, where every direction is south.
At The Explorer Society, we are always discovering new pockets of wonder on our own adventures and through chats with our local logistics team. Get in touch with us to find out what hidden gems you might discover on your trip.
The Arctic is only open for expedition cruising between the months of May and September (the Northern Hemisphere summer). Outside of these months, the area is largely inaccessible or unsafe, with extreme weather conditions and ice build-up.
Earlier on in the season travel is possible to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard and Spitzbergen, which often then combines with cruises around Iceland. Later in the season, after the ice has melted somewhat, you can find yourself exploring more of Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic. Whatever time you choose will be amazing, and therefore there is no bad time to go.
Most Arctic cruises will spend around 10 days cruising around various areas, with more in-depth cruises lasting up to two weeks and more. If you are doing epic Arctic journeys like traversing the Northwest Passage, you should expect to be onboard for about a month.
Everyone is different, so please note that these guidelines are general in nature.
Ultimately it will depend on your own expedition’s requirements.
Planning travel should be exciting, but it can be exhausting. There is so much information and so little clarity, you often end up more confused than when you began.
Sometimes it’s simple and easy to figure out. Sometimes it means asking you more questions and diving deep into your motivations.
We’ll walk you through the whole planning and booking process. We want to make sure you are travelling on the trip that best suits you, not anyone else.
We will be there from the first moment you get in touch until after you come back home with countless memories to share.
