DESTINATION

Arctic

From the immense glaciers of Svalbard to Greenland’s ancient fjords and the storied Northwest Passage, the Arctic stands apart as the world’s most awe-inspiring frontier cruise destination.

Voyage to the Top of the World

There is no place on Earth quite like the Arctic. It is a realm of raw, untamed beauty where colossal glaciers calve into sapphire waters, polar bears roam across frozen tundra, and the midnight sun bathes everything in an ethereal golden light. The Arctic stirs something primal in every traveler—a sense of wonder and discovery that few destinations can rival. With an expedition-style sailing season running from late May through September, each voyage feels both exclusive and profoundly unforgettable.

A pristine swimming pool on a luxurious cruise ship with white lounge chairs and a modern design, featuring a smiling passenger in a red floral dress standing with outstretched arms
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Amazon Pink Dolphin
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A picturesque harbor view of Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring colorful waterfront buildings, fishing boats, and mountains at golden hour, showcasing the town's maritime character.
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Glaciers & Icebergs

Witness colossal ice formations, thundering glacier calvings, and sculpted icebergs that glow blue against the polar sky—nature’s grandest spectacle.

Extraordinary Wildlife

Encounter polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, whales, and thriving seabird colonies thriving in their unspoiled natural environment.

True Expedition Spirit

Trace the paths of legendary explorers through the Northwest Passage, remote fjords, and landscapes that remain virtually unchanged for millennia.

Discover the Arctic Cruising Regions

The Arctic spans several remarkable cruising regions, each with a personality all its own. Our expert cruise advisors have studied every route and will help you pinpoint the perfect polar itinerary for your travel style and bucket-list goals.

View from inside a helicopter cockpit with two pilots flying over a snowy mountainous landscape with rocky peaks visible through the windshield.
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Svalbard & Norwegian Arctic

Key Ports: Longyearbyen, Tromsø, Hammerfest, North Cape, Bear Island

Known For: Polar bear sightings, midnight sun, dramatic glaciers, remote wilderness

Ideal For: Wildlife enthusiasts and photography lovers

Duration: 7-14 nights

A picturesque view of a colorful Alaskan fishing harbor with vibrant boats docked along wooden piers, backed by snow-capped mountains and a distant glacier at sunset.
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Greenland & Iceland

Key Ports: Reykjavik, Ilulissat, Nuuk, Akureyri, Qaqortoq, Scoresby Sound

Known For: Massive icebergs, Inuit culture, geothermal wonders, whale watching

Ideal For: Culture-seekers and those wanting a mix of adventure and comfort

Duration: 10-16 nights

A modern, spacious cruise ship suite with a large angled window offering an expansive ocean view. The room features a plush gray sectional sofa, minimalist furniture, and a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
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Northwest Passage & Canadian Arctic

Key Ports: Cambridge Bay, Resolute, Pond Inlet, Beechey Island, Gjoa Haven

Known For: Historic exploration routes, Inuit communities, narwhal sightings, vast tundra

Ideal For: Experienced adventurers seeking a true expedition experience

Duration: 14-24 nights

Compare Arctic Cruise Regions

Feature Svalbard & Norwegian Arctic Greenland & Iceland Northwest Passage & Canadian Arctic
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 10–16 nights 14–24 nights
Main Departure Ports Longyearbyen, Tromsø Reykjavik, Kangerlussuaq Toronto (fly-in), Kangerlussuaq, Nome
Best For Wildlife lovers, photographers, first-time Arctic cruisers Culture enthusiasts, geology fans, whale watchers Seasoned adventurers, history buffs, expedition purists
Highlights Polar bears, midnight sun, massive glaciers, seabird colonies Giant icebergs, Inuit culture, geothermal hot springs, fjords Historic exploration sites, narwhals, Inuit communities, vast tundra
A large group of emperor penguins gathered on a snowy landscape with a massive white ice shelf in the background under a cloudy gray sky. The penguins are densely clustered across the frozen terrain, showcasing the harsh Antarctic environment.
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Let our team help you navigate the world of Arctic cruising.

Planning an Arctic expedition cruise can feel complex—there are so many incredible regions vying for a spot on your itinerary. Perhaps you’re drawn to Svalbard, where polar bears roam the ice edge and glaciers tower overhead in every direction. Maybe Greenland’s west coast is calling, where the Ilulissat Icefjord produces some of the planet’s most staggering icebergs. Iceland’s volcanic landscapes of geysers, waterfalls, and hot springs offer a completely different kind of polar wonder. And for those with a true explorer’s spirit, the legendary Northwest Passage through Canada’s Arctic archipelago represents the ultimate expedition—a route that captivated adventurers for centuries.

Norway’s far northern coastline adds even more possibilities, with dramatic fjords, the iconic North Cape, and the surreal beauty of the midnight sun. Feeling overwhelmed by the choices? That’s precisely why our team of 23+ expert cruise advisors is here for you. We’ve studied these itineraries inside and out, and we’ll match you with the right vessel, the right route, and the right time of year—all at exclusive group rates with no fees, ever. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Extend Your Polar Adventure

Many Arctic voyages pair naturally with nearby destinations, turning one remarkable trip into an even grander expedition.

  • Norwegian Fjords – Stunning cliff-lined waterways and charming fishing villages along the coast
  • Iceland Circumnavigation – Volcanic peaks, cascading waterfalls, and steaming geothermal springs
  • British Isles & Faroe Islands – Heritage ports and seabird-rich cliffs on the way north
  • Alaska – Pair Arctic exploration with Alaska’s tidewater glaciers and abundant wildlife
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

When to Set Sail for the Arctic

The Arctic sailing window is compact—late May through September—but each phase of the season delivers something truly special.

Early Season (Late May – June): Sea ice still clings to the shorelines, shaping dramatic frozen panoramas. The midnight sun provides continuous daylight, migratory birds flock back by the millions, and polar bears are often spotted along the ice edge hunting for seals.

Heart of Summer (July – August): Conditions are at their most accessible, with temperatures hovering between 35-50°F. Zodiac excursions, wildlife encounters, and tundra landings are at their peak. Wildflowers carpet the landscape in surprising bursts of colour.

Autumn Transition (September): The tundra transforms into a mosaic of reds, oranges, and golds. Darkness gradually returns, opening the door for early Northern Lights displays. Fewer vessels on the water mean a heightened sense of solitude, and whale watching can be exceptional.

Because of the limited season and small ship sizes, we encourage booking 12-18 months ahead to lock in the cabin and itinerary you want. Our advisors monitor pricing every single week—if the rate drops after you book, we adjust it automatically. No fees, ever.

A breathtaking coastal scene featuring a small boat, seals on rocky shores, and bald eagles soaring against a vibrant sunset in a lush Alaskan landscape with snow-capped mountains.
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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Arctic Cruise FAQs

Arctic sailings operate from late May through September. July and August deliver the mildest temperatures (roughly 35-50°F) and the widest access for Zodiac landings and wildlife viewing. June brings 24-hour daylight under the midnight sun along with striking ice-edge scenery, while September rewards travelers with autumn tundra colours and the first Northern Lights of the season. Our cruise advisors can help you select the month that aligns with the experiences on your wish list.

Summertime highs in the Arctic generally fall between 35-50°F (2-10°C), though wind chill—especially during Zodiac outings and time on open decks—can make it feel colder. Layered clothing is the key to staying comfortable: thermal base layers, insulating fleece, and a waterproof windproof shell. Most expedition lines send detailed packing guidance before departure, and our advisors will make sure you have everything you need well in advance.

Nearly all Arctic voyages are expedition-style, using smaller ice-strengthened ships that carry anywhere from about 100 to 500 passengers. They travel with Zodiac inflatable boats for off-ship landings and feature onboard naturalists, historians, and lecturers who enrich every day at sea. Unlike conventional cruises, expedition schedules remain flexible—the captain may reroute to follow a polar bear sighting or dodge shifting ice, making each sailing genuinely one-of-a-kind.

A valid passport is required for every Arctic itinerary, and it should remain valid for at least six months past your return date. Certain voyages—particularly those visiting Russia’s Franz Josef Land—may require additional visas. Some Svalbard departures from Norway do not need extra visa paperwork for U.S. citizens. Because requirements vary by route, our advisors will outline exactly what you need for the itinerary you choose, so there are no surprises.

A growing number of specialist lines sail Arctic waters, including Hurtigruten, Quark Expeditions, Silversea Expeditions, Ponant, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, Seabourn, Viking, and Swan Hellenic. Each brand offers a different blend of rugged expedition spirit and onboard luxury. Our team of 23+ expert advisors knows the nuances of every line and will recommend the one that best fits your comfort preferences, adventure appetite, and budget.

Safety standards on Arctic expeditions are exceptionally high. Ships are purpose-built with ice-strengthened hulls, equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems, and staffed by crews experienced in polar conditions. Comprehensive safety briefings, strict Zodiac boarding protocols, and polar bear awareness procedures are standard practice. The expedition lines operating in these waters invest heavily in passenger safety—it is their top priority on every voyage.

Arctic wildlife viewing is among the most extraordinary on the planet. Depending on your route, you could spot polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and musk oxen. Marine life includes humpback, minke, beluga, and bowhead whales, as well as the elusive narwhal in Canadian Arctic waters. Birdwatchers can look forward to vast colonies of puffins, Arctic terns, guillemots, and other seabirds. Svalbard remains the premier destination for polar bear encounters.

Think layers. Start with moisture-wicking thermal base layers, add insulating fleece or down mid-layers, and top everything with a waterproof, windproof outer shell. A warm hat, insulated gloves, and a neck gaiter or balaclava are essential. Most expedition lines provide waterproof boots for Zodiac landings. Do not forget quality binoculars and a camera with a strong zoom lens for wildlife photography. When you book with us, your advisor will send a detailed packing checklist specific to your voyage.

Many Arctic expeditions welcome guests of all ages and fitness levels. While some Zodiac landings involve stepping onto uneven rocky shores, expedition staff are trained to assist, and participation in any landing is always voluntary—you can enjoy wildlife and scenery from the ship or Zodiac without going ashore. Luxury expedition lines such as Silversea and Seabourn provide elevated comfort and attentive personal service. Our advisors will pair you with an itinerary and ship that matches your mobility and travel style perfectly.

We strongly recommend securing your Arctic voyage 12-18 months before departure. The brief sailing season (May through September), limited berths on small expedition ships, and surging demand mean the most sought-after itineraries and premium cabin categories fill up fast. Early booking also gives you first pick of departure dates. And because we perform weekly price monitoring on every reservation, if the fare decreases after you book, we’ll apply the lower rate automatically—no fees, ever.