ARCTIC Expedition Cruises
Land of the Midnight Sun
Embark on the ultimate journey to the polar regions
The Arctic is one of the world's last great wildernesses. Sail through drifting pack ice in search of polar bears, watch pods of whales from the deck beneath the Midnight Sun and explore landscapes few people ever experience. Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic combines incredible wildlife with colourful fishing villages, dramatic mountain scenery and fascinating indigenous cultures, making every expedition cruise a unique blend of adventure, nature and discovery.
Popular Arctic expedition cruise destinations include Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland and Arctic Canada, each offering unique wildlife, landscapes & cultural experiences. Every Arctic expedition is different, shaped by the weather, wildlife and ever-changing pack ice, a true adventure!
At Mapping Your Travel, we specialise in Arctic expedition cruises, helping you choose the right ship, itinerary and departure for an unforgettable journey to the Land of the Midnight Sun.
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Spot polar bears, walrus, whales, Arctic foxes and seabirds. Will you spot an elusive narwhal?
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Cruise past glaciers and through ice-choked fjords aboard small expedition ships
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Explore the unique cultures of Inuit communities
Start your Arctic Expedition Cruise today:
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What To Expect On An Arctic Expedition Cruise
A Typical Svalbard Expedition
There are many Arctic itineraries and expedition ship operators, each offering a different experience. If your dream is to search for polar bears on the pack ice, you'll need to travel aboard a purpose-built expedition ship.
For a circumnavigation of Svalbard:
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Usually 11-12 days aboard an expedition ship, departing from Longyearbyen.
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Pre-stay in Longyearbyen. A fascinating former mining settlement. We stayed in the Funken Lodge & highly recommend it.
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Exceptional wildlife opportunities, including polar bears, walrus, Arctic foxes, reindeer, beluga whales, humpback whales and thousands of seabirds.
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Daily Zodiac landings to explore fjords, glaciers and tundra landscapes.
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Cruising through the pack ice, where conditions allow, offering the best opportunity to spot the King of the Arctic, the polar bear.
No two Arctic expeditions are ever the same. Wildlife sightings, weather and ever-changing pack ice all shape your journey, making every voyage a genuine expedition rather than a fixed itinerary.
Feeling ready to start your first steps into expedition cruising?
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Arctic?
For expedition cruising, during June to September, which is the high summer & the time of the midnight sun. The pack ice is more accessible during this period as it starts breaking up. Temperatures typically range from around 3°C to 7°C during the main expedition season, although wind chill can make it feel much colder. Wildlife is most active during this period. You'll most likely need to get to the pack ice for polar bear viewings. However, a Northern Lights cruise in Norway is also incredible, and that's from November to March.
Explore the Arctic's Most Extraordinary Destinations
Every Arctic destination offers a different experience. Whether you're searching for polar bears, dramatic glaciers, remote communities or the magical Northern Lights, we'll help you choose the destination, itinerary & ship that's right for you.
Which Arctic Destination Is Right For You?
| Destination |
Best for |
Wildlife |
Length |
Ideal trip |
Cost |
| Svalbard |
Polar bears & wildlife |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
11-12 days |
First Arctic expedition |
££££ |
| Greenland |
Icebergs & Inuit culture |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
10-14 days |
Scenic exploration |
££££ |
| Iceland |
Volcanoes & birdviewing |
⭐⭐⭐ |
8-12 days |
First expedition |
£££ |
| Canadian Arctic |
Remote wilderness |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
17-30 days |
Repeat expedition travellers |
£££££ |
| Norwegian Fjords |
Scenic cruising |
⭐⭐ |
7-12 days |
First-time expedition cruisers |
££ |
Svalbard -The Kingdom of the Polar Bear
Svalbard is often regarded as the ultimate Arctic expedition destination and one of the best places in the world to search for polar bears in their natural habitat. Located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, this remote archipelago is home to spectacular glaciers, towering mountains and vast expanses of pack ice.
A typical expedition includes daily Zodiac landings, glacier cruising, incredible bird cliffs and opportunities to spot walrus, Arctic foxes, reindeer, whales and thousands of seabirds. During the summer months, you'll also experience the unforgettable Midnight Sun, when daylight lasts 24 hours a day.
- Search for polar bears by navigating the pack ice aboard an ice-breaker expedition ship.
- Walrus
- Arctic foxes
- Glaciers and pack ice
- Wildlife photography
- First-time Arctic expedition cruises
Start Planning Your Arctic Expedition
Our arrival into Longyearbyen, Svalbard-an incredible snowy scene!
Greenland - Icebergs, Fjords & Inuit Culture
Greenland is home to some of the world's most striking landscapes. Cruise through enormous fjords filled with towering icebergs, visit colourful coastal villages and learn about the traditions of Greenlandic Inuit communities.
Many expeditions include opportunities to hike ashore, visit remote villages and witness the immense Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for producing some of the largest icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere.
Greenland offers a brilliant mix of culture & scenery.
- Giant icebergs
- Fjord cruising
- Inuit culture
- Hiking
- Photography
- Scenic expedition cruises
Speak to an Arctic Expedition Specialist call 01726 219558.
Iceland - Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland offers an unforgettable combination of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife. Expedition cruises explore dramatic coastlines, remote fjords and offshore islands rich in seabird colonies. Discover geothermal landscapes, lava fields and picturesque fishing villages.
Many travellers combine Iceland with Greenland or Svalbard for an even more comprehensive Arctic expedition.
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Volcanoes and glaciers
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Puffins & Whale watching
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Waterfalls
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Scenic cruising
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First expedition cruises
Mapping Your Travel is here to support you throughout your expedition cruise journey. Are you ready to feel inspired?
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Canadian Arctic - Remote Wilderness and Indigenous Culture
The Canadian Arctic is one of the least-visited regions on Earth. You'll feel a real sense of exploration with vast tundra, dramatic coastlines and remote Inuit communities.
Expedition cruises here often follow sections of the legendary Northwest Passage, sailing through landscapes that played a key role in the history of Arctic exploration.
Wildlife sightings may include polar bears, musk oxen, whales, Arctic foxes and seabirds, while visits to Inuit communities give a fascinating insight into life in the High Arctic.
Norwegian Fjords - A Gentle Introduction to Expedition Cruising
If you're new to expedition cruising, the spectacular Norwegian Fjords provide the perfect introduction. Towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and charming coastal villages with breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Some voyages continue north beyond the Arctic Circle, where you'll experience the Midnight Sun during summer or, later in the season, the magical Northern Lights.
These itineraries often combine nature, wildlife and cultural experiences with the comfort of small expedition ships.
- First-time expedition cruisers
- Fjords and waterfalls
- Coastal villages
- Northern Lights or Midnight Sun (depending on when you sail)
- Scenic photography
Book a call today to speak with an expedition cruise expert. We will discover what you are searching for and come up with a couple of different options for you.
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ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS FAQ
When is the best time to visit Svalbard?
June to August offers the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, pack ice exploration and experiencing the Midnight Sun.
Will I see polar bears?
No operator can guarantee wildlife sightings, but Svalbard is considered one of the best places in the world to search for polar bears in their natural habitat.
How much does an Arctic expedition cruise cost?
Prices typically start from around £6000 per person for shorter voyages, while Canadian Arctic expeditions can exceed £15000 per person. Norway is usually the most affordable and perfect for those new to expedition.
Are Arctic expedition cruises suitable for first-time expedition travellers?
Yes. Svalbard and the Norwegian Fjords are excellent introductions to expedition cruising thanks to shorter itineraries and comfortable expedition ships.
Our Arctic Experience
We've travelled to Svalbard ourselves to experience Arctic expedition cruising first-hand. From exploring Longyearbyen and sailing among whales and walrus to stepping aboard six different expedition ships, we've invested time in understanding the differences between expedition ships & operators so we can recommend the right voyage for every traveller. Nicola has also sailed with HX Expeditions along the Norwegian coast into the Arctic Circle, giving us genuine first-hand knowledge we can share with our clients. Take a look at our Arctic Ship Visits Blog.
Not sure which Arctic destination is right for you?
Every Arctic expedition is different, and choosing the right ship, itinerary and season can make all the difference. We compare expedition operators independently, helping you find the voyage that's right for your budget, interests and travel style. Whether you're dreaming of seeing your first polar bear or sailing the legendary Northwest Passage, we'll help you plan an unforgettable Arctic expedition.
Book your free Arctic expedition consultation today.
