ARCTIC EXPEDITION CRUISES

From the icy embrace of the Arctic Circle to the rugged beauty of its remote islands, every moment on an Arctic expedition cruise is an invitation to discover one of the most untamed and untouched corners of our planet.

In Svalbard, the rugged and fragile Arctic is a fairytale of a destination, and an expedition cruise here is the quintessential Arctic cruise to discover its many wonders. Also often known as Spitsbergen, the name of the archipelago's largest and only permanently populated island, it’s a dramatic wilderness of glaciers and mountains, ice fields and barren tundras, extremities of light and dark, and home to more polar bears than people, yet people it has—making this a destination in which you can truly experience life in the high Arctic.

Greenland, the largest island on Earth, is a marvel to behold. Encrusted in a thick ice sheet with magnificently large glaciers flowing into the sea, the rugged landscape has been carved by one million years of glaciation, which has resulted in scenery that is, quite simply, astounding. But combine that with incredible history, a fascinating modern way of life, and charming colourful villages, and Greenland promises to be a destination unlike any other you'll have been to.

Through the Canadian Arctic and the Northwest Passage, with its endless expanses of ice floes, towering blue glaciers, jagged cliffs and imposing mountains is a marvel to behold, and thanks to being largely untouched, it is home to truly exceptional wildlife. In addition to thousands of bird species, this is a region in which you'll find the arctic fox, caribou, musk-ox, seals, walrus, narwhals, whales, and the mighty and majestic polar bear. 

The North Pole itself standing at the top of the world - the only place in the world in which every direction you face is south - is still the ultimate in Arctic expedition endeavours, and in the history of humankind, only very few have ever been lucky enough to do so. 

An Arctic expedition cruise is not just a voyage; it is a communion with the forces that shape this polar wilderness, allowing you to stand witness to the extraordinary wildlife that calls this icy expanse home.

Click on the destination boxes below to discover more about these special polar places.

 Note: This graph is intended as a guide only and provides no guarantees for wildlife sightings.

Circumnavigating Svalbard - In the Realm of the Polar Bear by HX

Discover some of the most incredible sights in the Arctic, exploring the incredible national parks of the Svalbard archipelago, a magnificent wilderness where polar bears outnumber people. Marvel at the giant mountain peaks rising from the ocean in spectacular fjords, hike through arctic tundra keeping watch for reindeer and arctic fox, spot lazy walrus relaxing in hidden bays and Zodiac cruise around colossal ice-calving glaciers.

Region
Svalbard

Ships
MS Spitsbergen, MS Fram

Departure Dates
June & July 2024

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Svalbard Odyssey by AE Expeditions

Discover the secrets of magical Svalbard, deeply exploring magnificent fjords abundant with wildlife. Zodiac cruise past enormous glaciers, spot beluga whales surfacing in the crystalline waters and witness thousands of guillemots nesting in dramatic cliff faces. Enter the pack ice to spot seals and the iconic polar bear. Walk through the tundra’s beautiful microflora, keeping watch for reindeer and arctic fox, and discover long-lost exploration camps and old trapper huts.

Region
Svalbard

Ships
Greg Mortimer

Departure Dates
19-Jun 2024, 11-Aug 2024, 02-Jul 2025, 07-Aug 2025

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Fjords & Glaciers of Spitsbergen by PONANT

Embark on an exceptional 8-day expedition cruise to discover the far north with PONANT. You'll enjoy the immense open spaces of the polar Arctic and its ice floes that extend to the North Pole, as you board your ship in the heart of Spitsbergen, ready to explore the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago.

Region
Svalbard

Ships
Le Boreal, Le Lyrial

Departure Dates
May, June & July 2024

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Introduction to Spitsbergen by Quark

Nothing comes close to the thrill and excitement of seeing polar bears in their natural habitat. Expert expedition staff are on hand to help you get the most out of your experience in Svalbard. This expedition cruise will take you through the iconic sights of Spitsbergen the largest island in the archipelago.

Region
Svalbard

Ships
Ocean Adventurer, Ultramarine

Departure Dates

May, June & July 2024

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Arctic Inspiration

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